Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Julie sat at the bar. She had arrived in Boston and went straight to Echo. Chuck did meet with her for a moment, impressed with her gusto to come straight to see him, but quickly let her know he wouldn't have time to meet with her until Friday, two days later. Julie still saw it as a win, and had spent the day brushing up on the client to present a winning pitch. All the while her phone occasionally buzzed. John sending encouraging her to consider working on their marriage.
As the evening sat in she ended her day at the bar. Taking a seat in a pencil skirt and a back satin blouse. She crossed her legs slowly, feeling the fabric ride up just enough as the bar lights caught the sheen on her thighs. The bartender paused to wipe a glass, catching the motion out of the corner of his eye. He leaned forward, just slightly, and Julie caught the spark of interest in his gaze before he schooled his expression back to professional.
She ordered a gin martini, extra dry, without looking at the menu. The name of the hotel, the Holden, whispered elegance—dark wood panels, soft golden lighting, and the faintest trace of expensive cologne lingering in the air. The kind of place where powerful people came to unwind, where deals were struck and secrets kept.
As she smiled at the bartender a man with a dress shirt and khaki pants sat beside her, requesting his own drink, before turning his eyes toward the professional looking burnette that was Julie. The man, Ernest looked over her with interest, but Julie didn't notice, looking at her phone reading yet another message from John. *"We need to talk, Jules. I miss you. Please come home."*
She let out a small sigh and tucked her phone away, her fingers lingering on the cool surface of the bar. The bartender slid her martini toward her, the glass catching the light just right, the olive skewered perfectly. She took a sip, the sharp bite of the gin grounding her.
Ernest leaned in just a fraction, his voice low and smooth. "You look like you could use a distraction."
Julie turned her head, taking in the man beside her—sharp jawline, a hint of stubble, and eyes that held a mix of confidence.
"Maybe" Julie confessed. "It's my ex.. well soon to be. It's kinda a mess." Julie sighed sipping her drink.
"Oh really? What he cheated and now wants you to come back?" Ernest suggested
"No. Nothing like that." Julie paused for a moment before opening up, "We can't have kids... I mean, I can't. It's all me. It's been a real pain point. It just got to the point where it just got bad" She shook her head a little embarrassed, "I'm sorry. That was so personal. I don't even know your name" she said.
"I'm Ernest" he replied, smiling at her. She found herself blushing at his grin. "I'm Julie" she responded. "So you're saying you can't ever get pregnant?" He pried. His tone lighthearted, but his eyes betraying a deeper curiosity. "That's the problem."
Julie took another measured sip of her martini, watching the way the ice tinkled against the glass. She set it down with deliberate care, her fingers brushing the condensation beaded on the sides.
"That’s a shame," Ernest said, but his voice lacked the pity she expected. Instead, it carried something sharper—something that might have been hunger. "I'd love to have a girl who couldn't get pregnant." He said with a slight chuckle. Julie shuffled in her chair and shrugged. "Not interested in children?" She asked. "Nope" he answered curtly. "I travel too much. Too much work, you know?"
Julie nodded. She felt she could relate. "Yes, I'm here on business. I travel a lot. I actually enjoy my work" she admitted, then her phone buzzed and she looked with a frown, another message from John. Ernest took notice, "Sometimes work is a good distraction" he agreed before downing his drink. "But there are better distractions." He said, his tone heavy. Julie looked up at him to find his eyes sweeping her over, drinking in her form. She was stunning, out of his league, yet she felt her heart pounding as his eyes fixed on the round of breasts. He leaned forward with a whisper, "come up to my room"
he invited, his voice smooth and unyielding. The bartender passed behind them, caught her eye and nodded slightly in approval. Julie looked back at Ernest, considering the offer. His cologne, sharp and expensive lingered in his wake, mixing with whiskey and cigarettes. A man who didn't bother to contain himself, who took what he wanted. The thought sent a shiver down her spine, and for a moment she was frozen in the middle of a decision she never made before. She was always the one in control. Now Ernest's voice seemed to wrap around her, offering more than she could imagine.
Julie’s fingers tightened around her glass, the condensation sticking to her skin. Her mouth dried instantly, keeping her from speaking, but she gave a slight nod, and he paid their tab and led her upstairs to his suite.