Uncontrollable Tempration

Adam Wilson

Today, waking up felt like dying. My head hurts so bad and I’m still in the same clothes from yesterday. How did I even get here?

I don’t remember a single thing from last night. All I know, I was at the casino again with Henry Fetcher. That guy was good at the games and immune to alcohol. As for me, I get sloshed easily.

I managed to stand up from the bed but as soon as I did, my head spun around. I closed my eyes and sat down again, trying to regain consciousness.

I looked and saw my phone and wallet on my bedside table. I checked them and everything was intact. The only person that could be responsible for this is Sophia.

Did she bring me home last night and see me in my drunken state? That was most likely the case. Fuck. I hope I didn’t embarrass myself.

I ran my hands through my hair only to find out that they were sticky and wet.

“What the hell did you do last night Adam!?” I scolded myself.

I looked at the clock on the wall, it was 1:24pm. I gently got off the bed this time and had a thorough and relaxing shower, washing away all signs of last night.

As I wore fresh clothes, I remembered today was the day Sophia and I were flying back to New York by 6pm. I might as well pack my things and get ready now.

I put all my belongings in the box I came with. Last night’s clothes were still in the bathroom so I went to get them. As I folded them I felt something in them. I checked the pants I had worn and found a pack of cigarettes which Henry had given me last night. They still had a few sticks left in them.

Suddenly, the urge to smoke was beyond my control.

I couldn’t smoke in the hotel so I would have to go outside. I put the cigarette in the pocket of my trousers and zipped up my box, finalising my packing. I grabbed my phone and wallet and also put them in my pocket.

I’m not going to worry about Sophia today. Judging from yesterday we are not on speaking terms, even though she had brought me home last night. I believe she was just being nice and responsible over me, not because she really cared.

She would most likely be in her room or somewhere else which I have no clue and I’m not bothered. Right now I needed a lighter, my best bet was to buy one downstairs.

I came out of my room, about to head downstairs but I stopped in my tracks when I saw HER.

“Hey.” She smiled at me, sitting at the dinning table crossing her legs and looking like a precious gem.

NO!

With a blank face I nodded towards her direction, trying not to acknowledge how beautiful she was looking in that amazing blue dress. The same one she wore during dinner at her parent’s house in Richmond. Was she running out of clothes? At least we’re going back to New York today so she-

Enough!

I don’t need Sophia taking over my thoughts right now. I proceeded to the door to exit but I heard her voice again.

“I ordered brunch for you… If you don’t mind.” She said nervously.

Why is she nervous? In fact, why is she even talking to me?

I looked back and saw some food on the table. Just then my stomach began to rumble, proving that I was actually hungry. I didn’t even realise it.

“Its a trout poke.” She said revealing it. It was still steaming hot.

Just when did she order this?

“It has some avocado -which is good for you- , sesame, chilie steamed rice and of course, fjord trout.” She smiled again.

I was once told that hunger is the greatest desire in humans. I didn’t really believe it until now. As I perceived the fish my stomach growled again, more violently this time. I couldn’t help it. I went over to the dinning and sat down. Sophia was directly opposite me but my mind was focused only on the food.

“The temp pilot informed that we’ll be leaving today, by 6.” She conversed. I nodded my head in confirmation. My mouth was already filled up with fish. “So… there’s no time to explore?”

I looked up at her. I clearly remember asking her yesterday if she wanted to go out but she rudely declined. Why did she want to explore now??? Few hours before the flight? I shook my head indicating that there was no time for such nonsense anymore and her face fell.

Normally, I would have changed my mind once I saw the sadness on her face but I was now immune to her charms. Yesterday I had made a decision to literally forget about Sophia. She was no longer my priority and I was no longer interested in pleasing her. She was back to being just my employee, my personal assistant. Nothing more.

At least that’s what I wanted.

I ate in silence, once in a while looking at her. She was playing with the hem of her dress, one of her nervous habits. I wanted to ask her what was wrong but I decided not to, forcing myself not to care.

I finished the food swiftly, drank some water and stood up. Once again, I proceeded to the exit but her voice stopped me again.

“Are you going out?” She asked. I needed to leave and she was delaying me!

I turned around in annoyance. She stood up and made her way towards me stopping just a foot away. I cleared my throat.

“Yes.” I spoke up to her for the first time today.

“I thought you said there was no time to explore?” Her eyebrows furrowed.

“I’m meeting up with a business partner!” I lied. My tone was a bit harsh and I saw her flinch a bit.

“Well… Can I come with?”

“No!” I snapped, more cruel than I intended to.

She looked at me with wide eyes, not expecting my sudden outburst. Her face fell and she looked away.

“Ok.” She whispered with a shaky voice, sounding like she wanted to cry.

Oh Sophia, I didn’t mean to!

“Look, Miss Parker I’m sorry for being so rude.” I said more gently this time. “I’m briefly going to check out a plant nearby. The place is still under construction and its very dangerous. I don’t want you to get hurt that’s why you can’t come with me.” The lie rolled off my tongue smoothly. I almost laughed.

Her expression softened at my false explanation.

“I’ll be back before 4pm. In the mean time you can pack your things and ensure that you are ready for the flight in the evening, okay?”

“I am ready.” She avoided my eyes.

“Good. I’ll be back soon.” I said and left.

Little did she know that I wasn’t really going to a plant…

***

“Sir, the plane will be landing soon.” The pilot informed us.

“Great.”

I can’t wait to finally get off this plane. I’ve flown a lot in the last few days and I really need a break.

I looked over at Sophia and saw her putting on her seatbelt. She wasn’t sitting opposite me as usual and I was thankful for that. Instead, she was adjacent and away from me.

I discovered earlier that it wasn’t her who brought me home early this morning. It was the guards at the club. Even if I was about to die, I’m pretty sure Sophia would not come to my rescue, considering she almost killed me yesterday. She really doesn’t care for me at all.

She has been awfully quiet since our time in the afternoon and also very moody. I had to constantly restrain myself from finding out what was wrong with her because it was none of my personal concern, as just her boss.

But why does my mind and eyes keep straying towards her?!

I need to stop worrying abut her, get back on my feet and worry about more important things.

The plane landed at the airport in New York. I immediately instructed my pilot to take it to the hangar, where it could recess. I had already arranged for the driver to bring in two cars, one which I will drive myself so Sophia and I can go separately.

We both alighted from the plane, the atmosphere extremely cold and windy. At this point I would have offered Sophia my coat but she should be fine without it.

The crew saw to our luggage while my driver pulled up in front of me and handed me my keys. I was about entering my own car to go home but waited for them to put my things in. I noticed Sophia behind me, thinking we were going in the same car. She was struggling to keep her dress in place and at the same time moving her hair out of her face. The wind was intense.

“Miss Parker, today is Friday, use the next two days to rest then you can come in later on Monday okay? The driver will take you straight home in that car.” I pointed at her own ride where her things were being placed.

“What about you?” She asked nervously, holding on to her dress.Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

“I’m going in my own car.”

“Mr Wilson…” Now she looked at me anxiously. “I- I want to go with y- you.”

I was perplexed. I studied her unbelievably, her eyes wide and teary like she was scared. What was she afraid of?

It was going to rain and I could sense it. The best thing for us to do is to go in separate cars so we could both get home quickly and on time but Sophia wasn’t having it. She wanted to go with me.

I was about to insist but I couldn’t say no to those beautiful hazel eyes that were staring at me softly. I took a deep breath, hoping I don’t regret my decision.

“Get in the car.” I said. My tone firm and my jaw tight.

She dashed over to the passenger side and got in. I instructed my driver that we wouldn’t be needing the spare car anymore and he transferred everything into my car.

I drove Sophia home, the car ride quiet all through. She didn’t seem to be angry anymore at what I had said to her at the meeting. Once in a while I felt her looking at me but she always turned away after a few moments. I kept my eyes on the road, refusing to look at her. I turned on the radio at some point to ease the awkwardness. I thought I would make it to Murray Hill on time before the rain started but I didn’t.

I pulled up in front of her apartment. Remembering I had an umbrella at the back seat, I decided to go get it.

“Hold on, let me get an umbrella.” I told her.

I came down from the car, the rain hitting me. I got the umbrella from the back seat and used it to get Sophia into her apartment building. I went back for her suitcase and tried to avoid it getting wet but it was inevitable.

Once I saw Sophia to her door, I decided then to take my leave.

“Like I said earlier, you can come in much later on Monday. Please make sure you are well rested before you resume work. Ill see you then.” I said as professionally as I could.