Episode 9

...Hunter Andrew...

My God, this is what I get for drinking like an idiot, and this infernal headache that is killing me, destroying my being.

After much thought, I end up asking Anne for help, I had to swallow my pride and call her office.

Hunter_ Ahh... hello, Miss Clifford, could you come to my office right now.

She speaks in a sweet voice from the other end of the line.

Louize_ Hello, sir, I'll be right there.

She knocks on the door asking for permission to enter.

Hunter_ Please, come in, the door is open... - I say loudly.

Louize_ Well, sir, what do you want?

Hunter_ Get me aspirin, and every kind of painkiller and muscle relaxant possible, I had a terrible night and I have a terrible hangover.

She stares at me with a curious look.

Louize_ Ok, I'll do that right now. Anything else I can do to ease your pain?

I confess, I thought dirty, but she doesn't need to know what's going on on my messy desk, I clear my throat and speak.

Hunter_ Cancel all my appointments, I'm in no mood or disposition for anyone today.

Her eyes widen.

Louize_ Ah... actually, that's what I wanted to talk to you about earlier today. Your schedule is full, you have appointments that require your presence urgently.

Hunter_ What part of what I said did you not hear? Louize, I'm not available for anyone today, do you understand? Cancel everything.

Louize_ As you wish, sir, if you'll excuse me, I'll be right back with your painkillers.

She leaves, comes back a while later, bringing me painkillers for my horrible hangover day, I was forced to lie down on my office couch, I was feeling terrible, she comes up to me, bringing some painkillers and a pitcher of water.

Louize_ Well, this will help ease the headache, oh, and drink plenty of water, it helps to get over the hangover.

Hunter_ Thank you.

Very carefully, she helps me take the medicine.

Louize_ As you requested, I canceled all appointments for the day, rest, get some sleep, you'll be feeling better soon. I'm going to close the curtain so you can be more comfortable.

Hunter_ Thank you, I don't know how to thank you for this.

I see a shy smile forming on her lips.

Louize_ That's okay, you don't need to thank me, I've been there before, it's horrible.

Going to the other side of the room she takes a pillow and brings it to me, placing it over my head, I could smell the floral scent of roses and hints of fresh strawberries coming from her, how could I not have noticed that she smelled so good, it was seconds, but I traveled in her scent.

Louize_ Anything else I can do for you, sir?

Hunter_ Call me just Hunter.

I don't know if it's the painkillers taking effect or if I'm delirious.

Louize_ I think the medicine is starting to work, it's not you talking, besides, you're my boss, I don't think I should call you by your first name. If that's all, I'll excuse myself.

She could at least give me a break, and she looks so beautiful in that maroon suit, I look at her for a few more seconds.

Hunter_ I'm sorry if I was insistent, but that's all, thank you.

With that she leaves like a shot, I don't know if it was the effect of the painkillers but I'm feeling a little sleepy, I fell asleep.

I slowly open my eyes, when I notice it's already night, and even sleeping I noticed that Clifford came here a few times to see how I was doing, I didn't expect that from her, she was right, I woke up much more willing, resting did me good.

I noticed some of my commitments for the next day, I used my best persuasion and convinced them to reschedule everything for tomorrow, I think that's it, it's almost seven o'clock at night, I can call it a day.

I leave my office and walk past Clifford's office, I know I shouldn't because she's not there, I open the door and what I see stops me dead in the doorway.