Now And Always. by Nancy Nwaguru

"Linda"

I couldn't believe Damian and I had made love, and to add to it, we even took a shower together. It was amazing.

Spending time with Damian was a magical experience I'd love to have again, but I had to get back to work.
Although being a personal assistant wasn't my dream job, I was enjoying it and learning a lot.

Mr. Darius wasn't very pleasant; he was mean at times. He knew how to get on my nerves at every chance he got. Most times, I thought about quitting, but if I did, I'd be at a loss because I hadn't submitted any job applications to other companies.

The week I spent with Damian felt like nothing I'd ever experienced. He was so caring and checked on me often. We were enjoying the week together until my job interfered, which I think annoyed Damian a little.

A call came from the office on Friday. My boss said he needed me back in town to plan and organize a get-together party. He offered to double my salary because I'd be working very hard and late into the night.

I was excited, but not completely, because I knew it wouldn't be easy. I was going to stress my body again after coming all the way to the Maldives, returning to what I ran away from: "stress." 😓

Regardless, I wasn't as worried about the stress as I was about my boyfriend, who hadn't spoken to me since I received the call. He was quiet and wouldn't even look at me.

I was feeling uncomfortable. If no one wanted to talk about it, I was ready to. I summoned my courage and asked him what was wrong.

"Hey, babe, what's the problem? You've been off since I took the call from my boss. Did I offend you? If I did, I'm sorry."
I think asking him was a mistake because his reply was heartbreaking.
"Damian"
"Linda! Are you kidding me right now? You're serious about asking what the problem is?

Okay, when we embarked on this journey, what was our agreement?"
"We agreed to spend quality time together and leave work aside. We also agreed to switch off our phones, only calling family members if they were worried, and to ignore business calls," I replied.

"So, my dear Linda, you violated not only our first rule but also the last rule. I can't believe I was foolish enough to think you'd just be with me the whole week without working. It's cool. I caused all of this.

You can pack your stuff; we're leaving now. I knew you would pack the minute you heard your call, because I knew you would chose work."

"Linda"

"Damian, please, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way. Please, don't be hurt. Is there any way I can make it better?"
"Yes, Linda, there is. Call your boss and tell him you're on vacation and can't make it. Can you do that for me?" Damian asked.

"Emm, I'm so sorry, Damian, I can't do that. I've already told him I'd be back. Is there anything else I can do?"
"No, just as I expected, you wouldn't do it. Get your stuff; we're leaving now," Damian replied.

I felt terrible. I'd just hurt the man I cared about so much, and I didn't know what to do. It felt like hell.
I packed my stuff, and we headed back to Westville. The journey was so quiet; Damian didn't say a word to me until we got back.

He was pissed at me, but he still dropped me off at my house, but there was no hug or even a kiss. That was when it dawned on me that I'd really hurt his feelings badly, but I hoped he'd forgive me.

I entered the house, greeted my dad, went straight to my room, and cried a little.
I needed my BFF at that point. "Hailey, I need your help. There's a problem.