*NICK'S POV*
"Alright. Let's wrap it here. We will talk more about the audition tomorrow." Ms. Brown concluded the session. The meeting ended before I realized. I did not even had a chance to talk again after my akward entrance. It felt like my life span was reduced to 40 years.
"Ms. .. Ms. Brown. Can I speak to you in private?" I stepped forward and blocked her from exiting. I don't know if this is a wise move but my soul will wander at night if I can't get this off my head.
"Prr.. Private??? What are you trying to do Mr. Newman?" She seemed so surprised with my request. She stood there stiff and definitely stunned.
"Give him a Chance Ms. Brown! Look at that puppy face. Are you not going to cuddle this insanely huge dog?"
"Shut up Kenneth. Fuck you! I don't need you joining in our conversation." I howled and probably looked like a mad dog instead. I just can't stand his cocky attitude. I'm already having a hard time figuring out what I did last night and HE IS MAKING IT WORST.
"Trust me Nick. I am trying to make you look cool!" and he laughed his ass off. Is he taking some kind
of medicine to boost his confidence? because I want to buy myself a ton too!
"Okay Nick. I'll give you 15 minutes." Ms. Brown sighed as she returned to her seat. She once again arranged the folders and documents she was holding onto earlier on the table.
"Make sure to thank me later Nick!" Kenneth exclaimed before he exited together with Emily.
I immediately diverted my attention to Ms. Brown who admirably agreed to my abrupt plea. She patiently waited for me to start the conversation.
"Uhhmm.. I.. I AM SO SORRY FOR WHAT HAPPENED LAST NIGHT!" I panted. I did not want to make any excuse. I know ladies of her age would want men to act more responsible of their actions. Hence, I decided to apologize right off the bat. It doesn't matter anymore if I remember my mistake last night or not.
"SORRY? ARE YOU SAYING, THAT WAS A MISTAKE?" She looked straight into my eyes. I am really an idiot. I once read in a book about the Guide to please girls, and this was number two - DO NOT LET THEM FEEL THAT YOU REGRET WHAT YOU DID. How could I forget?? I wanna remove my eyeballs now and throw it on the floor. I feel like I'm going to cry!
"YES. NO... I MEAN, I DON'T REALLY REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED MS. BROWN! Now I said it. Is this the part where I die? Tomorrow... nope, probably tonight. The news will contain my name in the headlines. The one who writes is now being written.
"SO NOW, YOU ARE TELLING ME THAT IT WAS JUST THE ALCOHOL TALKING.. AM I RIGHT??"
SOMEONE, PLEASE SAVE ME! I did not know ladies can be this scary. I always put a front whenever I'm around my coworkers, specially if they are a smart ass player type of a guy. I do have a reputation to keep as a romance writer and my PRIDE as a man is on the line too. I can't let them talk about how they did their women without sharing my own imaginary experience.. when I can't even handle a situation like this.
"YOU ARE SWEATING MR. NEWMAN. ARE YOU NERVOUS? SCARED? YOUR TIME IS ALMOST UP YOU KNOW." She crossed her arms and legs at the same time. No words came out from my mouth.
"Later... 7 pm sharp. We will continue this conversation." She stood up, gathered her things and left me appalled.
*****
5:30 PM
I texted my secretary to come to my room. I need to talk to him. I need to come prepared. He probably should be back by now from his business at the main office.
*****
20 Minutes later
The much awaited knock was heard. I jolted and rubbed my palms together, hoping it is the person I have been waiting for.
"Sir Nick?" Oh God.. I know you still love me. I hurriedly opened the door and allowed Alfred to come in.
"ALFRED! JUST WHAT THE HECK DID I DO?? TELL ME! TELL ME NOW. I WILL DO WHATEVER YOU WANT!!" I did not hold back. I shook him so hard as soon as the door closed behind him. I think pieces of his brain might've fallen and scattered on the ground.
"WHAT IS WRONG WIT..."
"CALM DOWN ALFRED.. YOU NEED TO CALM DOWN!!" I shouted at his face.. then a heavy hand HIT my cheek, and I almost lost my balance.
"DID YOU JUST..."
"YES. I APPLIED A CARELESS, FORCEFUL AND QUICK STRIKE TO YOUR RIGHT CHEEK. THAT'S CALLED SLAPPING SIR." He answered in a ringing voice but with a monotonous tone. No matter how selfish I was before, Alfred was never this mad.
"YOU...."
"GET A GRIP YOU MOTHER FOXTROT!
SNAP OUT OF IT!!" He scolded me. I should feel bad, but I laughed at his attempt to curse.
"What now Sir?? Did I hit your head that hard? Are you going insane for real??
"Now that's rude... but thank you man. I feel a lot better. That was a good slap too! Totally worked."
I laughed again.
"I apologize."
"No need. I am sorry but I need your help."
We both sat down and I comfortably discussed what's about to go down later.
"So we got 45 minutes huh. Not much time to explain everything but I'll tell you a gist of where you went wrong."
I gulped. Finally, I will get a clear picture of the incident. I leaned forward but was too afraid of what I might hear so I partly covered my ears.. as if I won't receive his words if I do that.
"SO SIR NICK.. I WILL START.. YOU HAVE TO LISTEN VERY CAREFULLY SO YOU CAN MAKE YOUR ALIBI. WE CAN ONLY RUN THROUGH THE EVENTS ONCE, GIVEN THE LIMITED TIME."
"I. AM. READY."