Good Intentions ⇼ Luke Hemmings

After Luke left, I sat on the shower floor, sobbing. Everything I had is gone. A stable life—gone, a chance at happiness—gone, my grieving process and moving on—gone, Maiko—gone. Everything is gone. It had escalated so quickly that there was no time for second guessing or to figure things out. He has helped me to my flat and the next thing I knew, we were lying naked in my bed. He looked so beautiful. So beautiful, that I had no recollection of our prior problems—I completely blacked out. Everything in my body ached as I turned the hot water up, scalding my back and somehow making me feel more alive than I have these past five years. Nothing in my body felt real, nothing felt as it had this morning when Maiko kissed me, and nothing felt as it had when Luke's touch burnt my skin.

What am I supposed to do, now? After committing an adulterous act with someone that wasn't Maiko, what can I do? I can't go and tell him, because I couldn't possibly hurt him as much as that would—but I can't keep it to myself, either. I can't tell Kaylee or the girls, they wouldn't understand. I can't tell mum or Mallory, as they've got big mouths—the whole office would find out from Mallory, and Luke's mum would find out from mine. No doubt, if anyone found out Maiko soon would as well.

I heard the front door slam through the thin walls of my flat, followed by Maiko yelling that he was back, throwing something that clattered onto the hallway floor. My body shook through the water, as I hadn't expected him home tonight.

"Romina?" He quietly knocked on the door. "Babe." He rasped. "Can I come in?" He didn't wait for an answer, and my sobs became silent once the doorknob turned and Maiko slid in. "I was going to stay the night." He began, the sink water turning on. He raised his voice over the dueling waters. "But I decided against it because Will was pissing me off—accusing me of shit like always." Maiko rambled on, his words slurring as he brushed his teeth.

"You alright in there?" He asked as he shut the sink off. "I don't think you should have the water so hot. There's steam everywhere." I sniffled my nose as I brought my knees closer to my chest, and sobs escaped my lips. "Romina." He slipped my name out for what seemed like the thousandth time tonight, before reaching into the shower and shutting the water off. He ripped the curtain open to see me sitting on the tile, freezing from the new air exposure and no water to burn my skin.

"Shit, Romina." He gently touched my back, where I had assumed red marks took place. "What the hell has gotten into you?" And there was a towel slung across my shoulders; Maiko aided me in standing, somewhat drying me in the process. "Another bad night, huh?" He was fairly aware of my tendency to completely shut down sometimes, and all that was left for him to do was to dress me and guide me to bed. "What's going on?" He asked once I was wrapped in blankets, sitting on the edge of the bed. I had absolutely nothing to say to him, and that terrified me. So, instead of sharing a silent moment, I looked him in the eyes and lied to him.

"I just realized how much I love you." Though, that wasn't the case at all. Before I fell asleep, I checked my phone when Maiko left my side to use the loo, and the same unknown number as before had texted me.

FROM: Unknown.
Do you feel guilty?

And I was 100% positive it was Luke.

***

“You smell like pomegranate.” Maiko told me the second I opened my eyes.
“I switched shampoo.” He closed his eyes, inhaling and letting it out in a sigh.
“I like it.” He informed me as I stood to get ready, gathering my clothes. Maiko followed my lead, stretching his arms above his head and rubbing the back of his neck.

“Do you-uh-were you drunk last night?” He asked as he, too, went through our closet. Maiko was dressed in simple pajama pants with no shirt, while I had a baggy shirt and panties—both our hairstyles were tangled messes, and I know we looked like shit.
“A little.” I rasped, but I didn’t have a single drop of alcohol in my system.
“Do you remember what you said to me?” His tone was hopeful, and I thought the best way out of my lie was pretend like I didn’t know what he was talking about.
“No.” I lied. “Was it anything important?” I inquired, pulling a dress out of the closet along with shoes and some jewelry.
“I suppose not.” He pursed his lips, and I made a beelined exit to the bathroom.

***

“Give me a minute?” Peter Jones asked as he walked to his office, giving me no choice but to follow him in.
“Yes Mr. Jones?” I asked, straightening the length of my dress and standing still, hoping to impress my boss. He was an attractive man with the right amount of stubbled facial hair and chestnut brown, smoothed down hair accompanied by the darkest brown eyes. If I wasn’t caught up with Maiko, and my previous encounters with Luke, I’d think was the most beautiful man in town. He was young, too, and quite the morning person—though I’d mostly assumed it was because he had sex quite often.
“Close the door, sit down.” He gestured to the seat in front of his desk as he made himself comfortable, leaning against the back of his swiveling chair. I obliged, closing the door and sitting on the edge of the small seat.

“Do you remember the mate I’d introduced you to a while back?” He asked, running a hand across his pink lips like Maiko does when he’s about to deliver bad news.
“I do. You said his name was Luke, I believe.” I played coy.
“That’s right. Luke Hemmings. I’ve decided to give him a job.” He stayed silent for a few moments, as if judging my reaction. I made sure to keep my face plain, emotionless. “As a salesman.” He elaborated.
“Is he even qualified?” My voice came out colder than I had intended it to.
“He has a business degree.” He nodded. “And we’re a bit short staffed at the moment.”
“Mr. Jones, with all due respect, I believe I’m more qualified for the position. I do have a degree…” My voice trailed off as Peter sighed.

“Miss Baker, we’ve been through this already.” He rubbed his eyes. “I need you as my assistant. You make better money anyways, and frankly Luke needs a job. He’s been laid off.” I bit my lip so hard I tasted blood. “And I know you do not like the current situation, but I can not move you up as of right now, I need you at the position you’re in. Now I don’t want to hear about this again. Understand, Romina?” I nodded slowly, being sure to show my discontent by the frown I plastered on my lips. “Now, if you’d please get back to work.” His voice was soft as he stood, opening the door for me. As I was on my way out, he caught my arm. “One more thing.” He flashed me a big, award-winning smile. “When Luke gets here, would you show him to cubicle 342 and make sure he gets situated alright?” There was a pang in my gut as I forced a smile.
“Of course.” I spoke though my teeth.
“Just… You know, introduce him around, give him a brief tour.” I fought back an eyeroll.
“Of course.” I repeated.
“You’re wonderful, Miss Baker.” Mr. Jones grinned, and I swiftly left his office, knowing that Hell could walk through the door any moment and fuck everything up.

Notes

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