Episode 22

Episode 22.
By the time I got home,I finally realized that there's no other route out of this. I have to tell Katie that I won't be able to attend her father's party.
I found Katie on the couch,flipping through the TV channels with the remote controller.
"Oh hey Ash," she sits up "you came early today. Did you give your boss a piece of your mind?"
I gave her a lip line smile before stepping beside her "that's the problem, Kay. What are you watching?" I still had no idea how to tell her this.
"Oh I was watching keeping up with the kadashians. I mean,how can Kim be so hot? I love her so much! And guess what this episode was about....."
I listened to her talk,something exciting about her mood,wondering how I was gonna break this news to her. Curse this damned man.
"How was your work?" She asked,her big eyes wide open at me.
"Um...work's fine. Listen Kay, I have something to tell you"
She nods for me to continue and I did.
"I....won't make it to your dad's Charity event party"
"Um...."
"I'm sorry but my boss has this thing on Saturday and he demands that I go with him. I'm really sorry,I should be there with you..... and Luca. I told Mr Marcello about my tight schedule but he wouldn't understand"
Katie's eyes watched me intensely for a few seconds before she said "it's okay. I understand, Ashley"
"Really?"
"Yeah," she nods her head "there's nothing there to do. Your job is at stake here and it's totally okay. Nothing Luca and I can't handle"
"Thank you, Kay"
She smiled and I couldn't help wonder the reason behind her sudden cheerful mood for some days now. Just a week ago she was drowning in great hurt and I remember her looking so pale. Maybe I should confront her about what Robin and I talked about.
"Heard anything from Robin?" I asked her.
Her smile slowly fades away before she replied "No"
"Well.....I met with him last week"
"You did?"
"Yeah. Listen Katie," I shifted on my seat "Robin called me and asked us to meet. We met for lunch and.....we talked. About you two"
"I really don't wanna know what you two talked about, Ashley"
"Katie, listen please. I wouldn't be doing this if I don't think it's right. I really think Robin still loves you...."
"Well I do not love him anymore"
"...and he explained to me what really happened that prom night"
"I really don't wanna talk about this,Ash"
"Katie," I held her still "Why don't you just talk to him. He really wants to talk to you. You don't have to go back together, all he asks of you is to let go of the hate and I think it's really gonna do you good,Katie"
"I really don't know,Ash. It's been so long. I can't..."
"I think there's been a huge misunderstanding between you two and I agree you have every right to be so mad but I think it's better if you hear him out"
"This feels like opening up another wound"
"That's why you need to do this. You two should meet,present your own point of views from the matter and....let things go"
"He told you he hadn't cheated on me?"
"Well....yeah. He said he'd told you about what happened between him and Cindy at her party and you were okay with it"
"Yeah,I was but I was doubtful. Then Cindy sent me a photo of them together."
"Really?" Nobody told me that.
"I was upset and I confronted him the next day. Prom day. He kept lying so I broke up with him. I'd went back to talk to him but I caught him with Cindy in the bathroom, deep throated with their tongues. I felt hurt,Ashley. I felt betrayed"
"I know but I think it was all a big misunderstanding and it's really best you talk with him. Okay?"
She heaves a deep sigh before replying "fine. Maybe you're right,it's time I face it. I know Robin is guilty as charged"
I gave her a small smile "Okay. When next we talk,I'll make sure to tell him your decision. Sure he'd love to drop by at the house sometimes"
Katie nods with a small fake smile.
**
At the office, I was avoiding Mr Marcello as best as I can. I still told him I couldn't go to his party anyway, so I might as well give him the benefit of doubt about my intentions. I'm not going to lose my job but he should know very well that going to that party with him is against my will.
When I stopped at his office to read his schedule, he wouldn't look at me. Not that I cared.
Sometime I wanted to ask him why he was on my phone the other night but I knew very well than to ask. We barely exchanged any words through out the day and when it was time to leave,I couldn't be more glad.
I sat stuffing my bag with some papers and my book when he walked past me and into the elevator. Just then,I felt a harsh pain in my head and I crouched on my desk. I should've taken some aspirin before leaving the house. Better still,I should keep some aspirin inside my drawer. I'm gonna need it everyday that I'm working here with that Mr Marcello.
"Hey,are you alright?"
I looked up to see Trevor in front of me, his suit bag in his hand.
"Hey... Yeah am alright"
"Hello people!" We both looked to see Nina walking towards us,a wide grin on her lips.
"Hey Nina" I greeted her,shoving my phone into my bag.
"Not today Trevor," she said to Trevor "I'm driving her" then to me "come on,The boss says I should drive you to pick up some dresses"
I stared at her in surprise. Mr Marcello had men