What did you do wrong, Ross?

Rose

If I'd assumed that my work tasks would be reduced since I have to organize a wedding in two weeks, I was quite wrong. I'm pretty much back to the same situation I faced before, which is an issue for me right now. I'm overloaded. With work. With expectations. And with a bunch of useless questions like what colour napkins and what style of handwriting for the name cards.

I can't even read cursive.

“I require you to rework Yakura's report,” Edwards stops at my desk.

“Again?” I groan. “It's the 3rd time in the past 6 months.”

He places a stack of pastel orange papers on my desk.

“Are you still having trouble with the printer? I could show you how to use it if you have a moment.” 

He doesn't bother responding to my query. “I anticipate that I'll have your revisions before the end of the day.”

“Today?”

“Is that an issue?” he inquires 

“No,” I reply with a tight smile. “I'll squeeze it in between planning for the wedding, picking a dress, and going to a cake tasting later.”

“Excellent. It should be on my desk by nine.”

Have it here by nine." As I enter my password, I bang my fingers on the keyboard.

Rose, you can handle this. You've remained at your job for this long for a reason.

Emma sends me a message on my phone, confirming that our first dance choreography session will take place tomorrow afternoon.

Absolutely fantastic. Does the universe have any other wishes for me?

“Rose?”

I don't get a chance to catch my annoyed breath as it escapes. “Yes?”

We have eye contact. My neck's back tingles from the nerve endings. I first break the connection, putting an end to the strange sensation before it has a chance to spread.

I'm grateful for everything.

My gaze returns to his.

Please accept my sincere gratitude. Never once have I heard Edwards express gratitude without any irony.

I find it difficult to express myself. The strange tension growing between us is only exacerbated by my silence. Thank goodness Edwards puts an end to it by going inside his office and closing the door.

I snap out of my stupor and text the only person who can help me understand whatever is going on in Edwards' mind as soon as I come out of my coma.

Me: I just heard from your brother, thank you.

Rowan, Ross? Who knows?

No, Edwards, I say.

What did you do wrong, Ross?

Me: Not at all.

Ross: He actually meant it when he said "thank you," then.

Me: Yes!!

Ross: Did you threaten him with a weapon?

As I type my retort, I laugh.

Me: No.

Ross: What's that in your throat?

Me: Although the letter opener you gave me is occasionally alluring, no.

Ross: Fuck.

Ross: Perhaps you caught him at a favorable moment.

Me: Did he become famous because of a major tragedy?

Was there a major catastrophe that made him feel good this morning?

Ross: The news claims that there is a shrimp shortage that has people raising their hands, but that is all.

Shellfish can't be it because Edwards despises them. I can actually come up with no explanation for his irrational behavior.

Only the one concept occurs to me as being so absurd as to make my stomach turn.

He said it with sincerity.

"Your fairy godfather has come over with more help," Ross places a delivery bag on my desk.

"Oh God. Yes.” I rip open the paper bag, revealing a sub. "I adore you,"

"I know."

"Is that okay? I'm having a private discussion right now. My lunch is where I point.

Inhaling, Ross laughing. Ross chuckles as he settles in. "How are the changes coming along?"

“Terrible. What Mr. Yakura wants from us is unclear to me. He has rejected our proposal for Dreamland Tokyo 100 times, each time with a different comment.

Ross reaches out. “What?”

There is a missing item.

His eyebrows arch. “Seriously? Is that it?

“Yes! But I'm stumped as to what's missing.

"Have you spoken with Rowan? He could examine your most recent concepts.

I slap my forehead. "We met with him a month ago, and it didn't go well," Edwards said.

"Edwards is still furious with him over the entire Dreamland situation?"

Edwards has treated Rowan coldly ever since he made the decision to continue serving as the original Florida theme park's director. Edwards obviously feels offended. 

Edwards' resentment at Rowan foregoing family obligations in order to be with the woman he loves is clear from his body language. We may have to retry, though, given that Edwards is attempting to build his own Dreamland theme park in Tokyo.

I sigh. “Yeah. I believe Mr. Yakura's pressure is beginning to wear on him. Months have already passed while we have been working on this deal with no results.

"You might be able to track down another land sponsor who is prepared to sell. A share of Dreamland's earnings would make many people kill.

My head shakes. Edwards was adamant that it had to be this property. Edwards is acting so difficultly because he wants something so badly, and I'm fairly certain Yakura can sense that. Perhaps he desires a higher reward.

It or he, I guess.

Either that, or he enjoys being one of the few individuals able to make Edwards perspire.

I guffaw. “Possibly. However, it doesn't make it any easier to deal with the rejection.

"Don't let it get to you. It's only a matter of time before he caves in because your ideas are so good.

It's simpler said than done. Every time we get another rejection email from Yakura, my imposter syndrome rears its ugly head.

If Ross notices my change in mood...