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Chp. 37
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The Lovelane Motel Chp. 38
*** Solana ***Another week went by while things settled into normalcy between Solana and Mark. Or so it seemed on the surface. The motel was making progress. As far as Solana could tell, she and Mark were back to the time after she just got here. They worked together smoothly, pretending the past never happened. Playing the role of boss and employee without issues. Solana thought Mark played that role effortlessly. So she was determined to follow his lead, always wearing her cold, independent-woman, businesslike demeanor at all times.Every morning whenever she got to her desk, she sternly reminded herself that they were boss and employee, nothing more! Despite the undeniable sizzling tension that lingered between them, she must always keep their professional boundaries in mind at all times. The only challenge was the fact that the lingering tension was a spillover from their odd history of having seen each other naked. Her body knew what he felt like. How he tasted. Just like his
The Lovelane Motel Chp. 39
*** Mark ***Late in the afternoon that same day, Mark sat in a well-lit medium-sized office with his legs crossed and his phone in his hand. Phil sat across from him. Solana was sitting on the chair beside him, swaying her seat from side to side as she focused on her Ipahd screen. Mark gazed her way momentarily. She seemed relaxed yet a little distracted. Like she'd rather the meeting ended soon. He returned his gaze to his phone's screen, back to the list of food Ever-Good should provide for his Lovelane motel guests every day.He reminded himself that he'd looked at this list, at least twice before he signed the contract. He recalled that Solana had suggested they request some specials for specific days. Phil had agreed to add that to the list, and he had done so, resulting in a minor adjustment to the menu. Solana was meant to be handling this, and she was doing just that. The contract was effective last Sunday. It was off to a great start because guests were ordering room servi
The Lovelane Motel Chp. 40
*** Solana ***Fifteen minutes after the meeting with Phil, Solana was sitting across from Mark at the top floor of an expensive restaurant near the neighborhood park. She was looking at a menu she didn't quite understand and recalling how easy it had been the last time they'd had lunch. All she'd had to do was choose her favorite pizza flavor and topping. He'd done the same, and the waiter had brought a large box containing two flavors, half and half. Now she was staring at a menu with a list of fancy food names, ravenous yet so confused about what to eat."Their steak tastes great, especially with the garden salad. You should try the combo." He suggested. "Or choose something else if you want." He shrugged.She nodded, giving the waiter her order of steak and salad as he suggested. He ordered the sameWhen the waiter left to bring their food, he said, "You know I didn't pay attention in that meeting with Gonza." "I noticed. I knew it would bore you." She said."Nah, I was too hung
The Lovelane Motel Chp. 41
*** Solana *** Solana picked up her purse, turned off all appliances in her office, and strolled out, telling herself that, with the way she was feeling, she wouldn't step out of her suite until tomorrow morning once she went inside. Though today was a 'normal day,' it had been particularly eventful. When she and Mark returned to the office like an hour ago, the contractors were still hard at work. She'd met the elevator guys briefly, too. A small part of the inside of the motel had to be broken and sealed off with caution tapes and signs. It was where the new small-sized elevator would go. Installations would begin tomorrow. They were progressing quicker than she expected with this new bar project. Mark was swift. A part of the staircase was also affected by the remodeling. Caution tapes with large planks covered that part, leaving a narrow path up the stairs. She unwittingly inhaled a bit of dust and had to cough Head bowed, purse under her arm, she tiredly put one foot in front
The Lovelane Motel Chp. 42
*** Solana ***The following days weren't much different for Solana. Even though she and Mark were busier because of the ongoing project, she still found time and energy to daydream about him endlessly. The elevator was ready within days. The new staircase outside was nearly completed by the end of that week. That meant the project and everything else continued to move smoothly. Phil had to go on another business trip the day after the meeting in their office, but like before, he kept in touch constantly. Sol couldn't believe how friendly and accommodating the man was. She'd always known he was kind and understanding. But since their reacquaintance, he seemed to give her special treatment when he dealt with her. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of self-importance and pride because of that. What incredible luck that he was friends with her boss. She believed that played a role in the way he responded promptly to her complaints or suggestions about their food. The 'inspector,' whic
The Lovelane Motel Chp. 43
*** Mark ***~ That same day ~Mark had an early dinner with the estate manager, who was also Mr. Johnson's associate, to discuss important developments regarding his mother's real estates. Uncle Johnny had also been in attendance as they needed his signatures to pay out agents' commissions. Apparently, there were new tenants in her other house, and two older ones had renewed their lease. One of the properties also required minor renovations before putting it in the market for letting.After his mother died, the man reported to Mark and treated him like he owned all the houses already. He took that to mean that his paternal relatives had not made any move to claim his mother's other assets yet. Not that he cared about those other properties other than the Pent house where he was born and raised plus the twenty-eight apartments below it.But the meeting was worthwhile, and not just because of all the revenue. But because he'd learned a few things about real estate, too. He was intrigued
The Lovelane Motel Chp. 44
*** Solana ***It was 8.05 AM the next morning when Solana opened her apartment door, a cup of coffee in one hand, her favorite journal under her arm, and the new, cute key holder in another hand. Her official resumption time was 8.30 AM, but she liked to go downstairs to look around and chitchat with the other staff before sitting at her desk to officially start her day.As she shut her door, the sound of the key turning at the gate made her brace herself for the only person who could be up here at this hour besides her.Mark emerged from the corner, still wearing his shirt from yesterday, his captivating eyes, looking somewhat bloodshot like he hadn't slept all night.'Maybe he went out again after I saw him last night.'But all she smelled on him was his incredible male scent though. There was no hint of alcohol or tobacco. "Good morning." She greeted.He nodded, eyes moving from her face to the cup in her hand. When he didn't look away from the coffee quick enough, she held it ou
The Lovelane Motel Chp. 45
*** Mark ****The bar was complete. Today was its launch. It was to be nothing grand, although Solana had suggested a ribbon-cutting party. The past week had been rather hectic with all the planning and organizing, and Mark had welcomed every distraction the work brought him. He would've preferred much more distractions.He was especially looking forward to the little party with the motel guests, customers, some relatives, and other well-wishers this evening. Lovelane was doing great now. Despite all the economic troubles brought on by low spending, the motel's revenue had surpassed former times by threefold and then some.Merely advertising the launch of the new 'Lovelane Sky Bar' was enough to shoot up their guest lists this past week. Uncle Johnny was so impressed. He fought hard to hide it, but Mark knew him too much not to be able to tell. Kendi, Mark's cousin, had finished her graduate program and should around by now. Though from the look of things, she will miss the launch to
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The Lovelane Motel Chp. 70
*** Phil ***"I'm outside the hotel." The Uber driver's voice came through the phone on loudspeaker."Be there in two minutes." Phil replied as finished buttoning his shirt.It was early October. Which meant four-season countries were in their colder months. The weather was much chillier than he expected when he landed the previous day.He doned his new, thick, ankle length jacket as he rushed out of the room to his waiting cab.Minutes later, he was in front of Kendi's hostel in the city center.As she approached him from the distance, furrowed brow, messy curls peeking out of her hair warmer, he admitted silently that she was the reason he'd flown here. Not to piss off Mark some more or get over Solana. "You really are here." Laughter and disbelief colored her voice as she said this."What made you think I was lying?" He asked."What are you doing here, young Gonza." The shock was still in her voice but the amusement was gone."Young Gonza?" He scoffed. "Are you mad at me or someth
The Lovelane Motel Chp. 69
*** Solana ***The vibe in front of the motel lobby felt awkward as Mark led Solana away. He was quick to hide the embarrassed look on his face and Phil's fake smile was hard to miss. She looked at Joe's face for clues, but the guard was unreadable as he watched she and Mark moved towards the lobby.When she turned to glance at Phil again, she failed to see his face because Jamal and the temp guard's wide shoulders now stood in the way.Solana also noticed Lucy quickly returning to her seat as they passed the lobby. Mark did not let go of her hand even as they walked past receptionist to the staircase.She felt the need to ask. "Are you and Phil -?" "Chatting." He replied before she could finish the question. "That chat was long overdue."Was chatting the new code word for fighting? More importantly, had been about to do that because of her? That would be beyond flattering. However, it was totally unbecoming, especially for her former boss.Solana decided to find out later. Perhaps w
The Lovelane Motel Chp. 68
*** Mark ***"Who was that?" Mark asked his cousin.He wondered why she had been unusually quiet all day. Was it his little speech about parents and how they didn’t stick around forever? He shrugged off that thought. If it really got to her, she wouldn't be leaving, would she?One thing he knew was that she got like this whenever she was upset. Either her father must've really pissed her off or something happened, which she was unwilling to share. He thought his uncle was definitely not the only reason she was rushing back.She ignored his question, pretending not to hear, and he had no desire to press further, so he let it lie. Everyone deserved their privacy."I'm not happy you're leaving so soon." That was the truth."So come to Denmark one of these days. You're rich now. You can afford to go wherever you want." She replied, a half smile forming in her face. "Bring your pretty girlfriend, too." She winked as she moved ahead in the queue."You think she's pretty, huh?" Mark couldn't
The Lovelane Motel Chp. 67
*** Solana ***“You two should be working.”The sound of Mark's uncle's voice as he climbed down the stairs sends a jolt through Solana. This man again.She wished the ground would open and swallow her up. Mark still had his arms around her. She clumsily move out of his embrace, lowering her head in complete embarrassment. Stepping a few feet away, she wished there was a wall to hide behind, at least.“Thought you were meeting Uncle John? Mark asked the man.Solana raised her eyelids to steal a glance only to find the older man turning to continue on his way down the stairs. Relief made her suck in a deep breath. He was not on his way to Mark’s office.The man did not reply his question. Instead, he said, “Or you could use one of your suites. You’re not in a movie, Marky boy.”Solana glanced at her boss to find him looking down at her. It didn’t seem like was listening to his uncle.When the older man disappeared out of sight, he took her gently by the arm and led her into her office.
The Lovelane Motel Chp. 66
*** Solana ***After the little chitchat at the new kitchen, Solana only saw and heard from Mark just once for the rest of the morning.The brief meeting they had afterwards was nothing close to awkward. It was formal and serious, making her feel like they were back to that time when she pined for him all day and night. It felt like they'd returned to the stage when he looked at her with evident lust but keeps a safe distance.At some point before her lunch break, she wondered if their date on Saturday was not even real. Or were they back to pretending. It seemed like he'd forgotten the fact that she was his girlfriend now. Lovelane was the most important thing, of course. She was alright with that. Can't be jealous of the attention the motel got from him.But she was eager for the day to end. She needed to see how he'd treat her once they were officially done with work.It was break time, and she sat on her desk, wondering if it was alright to check on him. If it be too forward of he
The Lovelane Motel Chp. 65
*** Mark ***As Mark and his uncle entered his office for their meeting, he was prepared for any unsolicited comment or advise about his personal life.To his surprise, the man made no reference to Solana when they sat down to talk business. He went back to his usual, dignified, pretentious, proper self, beginning his questions and lectures about all Mark would be handling.Mark followed his lead and kept a professional and calm manner throughout their talk. If uncle Johnny saw him now, he imagined the man would say something like, "how come I never get this type of courtesy from you."The meeting went far better than he expected as they made plans for other businesses outside Lovelane.It turned out that uncle Johnny and Mr. Johnson were wrong about his paternal uncle. He hadn't come to see what his mother left behind to take back from Mark. He was getting the sense that the man came to ensure he was handling the estate well enough. If he thought he wasn't, only then would he make a
The Lovelane Motel Chp. 64
*** Solana ***Solana took a deep, steadying breath before opening her door. It is Monday morning and time for work.She had been dating her boss for forty-eight hours, and this day would be the first time they'd work together since they got involved.The sound of a door opening made her want to do one of two things. Nunber one was to get back inside her apartment and lock her door till he leaves. Number two was to run quickly down the stairs. She wanted to hide from him.Choosing the latter, she was already facing the gate but had to stop at the sound of her name."Solana." 'Why, oh why are you nervous?'She turned around and forced a smile through the grimace when a few drops of hot coffee spilled into her hand."Good morning," he said."Good morning," she replied.He moved closer bringing out his handkerchief and took the cup from her. Her hand shook a little when it made contact with his, but Solana was thankful that his did the same.He dabbed gently with his handkerchief, wipin
The Lovelane Motel Chp. 63
*** Phil ***The distant sound of a cock crow roused Phil from a sleep that felt like death as he forced his eyes open. The headache that struck as the daylight hit his eyes brought back memories of the night before.He and Kendi had ridden the elevator downstairs and she'd continuously insist he couldn't drive home in his state. Then she'd led him by the arm to this room, dumped him on the bed and left.Shame and anger filled him as he remembered leaning on her soft shoulder for support. The events of the past twenty-four hours made him wish this weekend would end already.Solana's date with Mark and the fact that he spent the evening with his bottle. Plus getting mocked by his ex. These things made him want to run off and start a new existence somewhere far from here."It's not enough that she witnessed the whole thing. You had to get wasted in front of her, too?" It was this very thought of Kendi that kept Phil on the bed, wishing he could vanish from the city.Eventually, he made
The Lovelane Motel Chp. 62
*** Phil ***"Hey! Hey!"Kendi stood between Phil and the glassdoor of the lobby. The nausea he'd felt all day intensified as he watched Solana and Mark enter the new, tiny elevator. "Don't even think about what you're thinking about." Kendi warned him, pulling his arm towards the outdoor staircase that led to the bar.Phil didn't know what he was thinking. Except that the bastard had his hand on Solana's lower back while she smiled up at him and gave him those doe-eyed looks."They are just getting back from a date, Phil. That means you lost! She chose him. C'mon." Kendi kept dragging him away, and Phil noticed mister harsh-face security guard now watched him with interest from the lobby's glass door. He felt like going up to that one to ask him what he's looking at. But Kendi had a tight grip on his shirt as she dragged him away."She hasn't told me that yet." He argued."Don't be stupid." She replied, urging him up the stairs.An the image of Mark and Solana, naked in bed tonight,
