Just like the romantic part of the plan turned out to be more complicated than expected, so did the career part.Later that day, Emily tried to look for more jobs. She had searched through hundreds of listings and applied to several jobs in the last week, but she had still not received any requests for interviews. Maybe she had underestimated the competition. This was a big city with many bright young designers who either had to be exceptional or know the right people to get a job.Emily was writing yet another cover letter when her phone rang. She hoped it was a potential employer but didn't feel too disappointed when she saw it was Byron Pomeroy. Her lips curved into a playful smile as she answered the phone. Byron's voice was seductively low and smooth. "Did you have a good sleep?" he asked.It was not going to be easy to be friends with him when he talked like that. "How could I not with a cute Great Dane wishing me 'good night'?" she said."If you want to meet him in per
Emily spotted her 'friend date' at once when the limo pulled into the parking lot. Byron stood out from the crowd of weekend joggers and families with his tall, imposing figure. The giant dog he was holding on a leash also added a majestic touch to his appearance.Just as she climbed out of the limo, a drizzle began to spray, darkening the concrete and covering the grass with gleaming drops. "Why is it always raining when we meet?" she said to Byron.He hardly seemed to notice the weather as he stood there consuming her with his eyes. It was like he had never seen her before. Finally, he realized he was staring, and he reduced the intense wattage of his gaze."It always rains in this city," he said, "but if you're tired of the rain, we could sail down to San Diego.""Ha ha, that's okay," she replied. He was certainly good at tempting her with fine offers. "I'm fine with a walk in the park. And who is this fine gentleman?"Emily offered her hand for the dog to sniff."This is my
They walked back to the car, a tired Rupert following behind on the leash."I know it's not easy for us to just be friends," Emily said, seeing that Byron looked a bit disappointed, "but trust me, it's for the best.""I don't understand," Byron said, turning towards her as he stopped walking, "We have so much going for us. How can you deny it?""You're not ready for a relationship, Byron.""What makes you say that?" he asked, looking genuinely confused.Emily was not sure if she should be honest with him about her reasons, but she didn't want him to know how much she knew about his depression. If she revealed that, she would have to reaveal that she had spoken to his mother, and it was best to let that sleeping dog lie."Can you just trust me on this?" she asked, "I can't explain it right now, but I know we should be friends." "I see," Byron said, envelping her in a one-armed hug, "you're sad and lonely and need a friend."She laughed, pushing him away, "No, you're sad and lon
Emily didn't expect Delsie to go without a fight. After all, they both shared the leasing agreement to the apartment, and Delsie could argue that she had as much of a right to stay there as Emily did.They didn't talk to each other anymore, each staying in their room when they were at home.Strangely, a few days after their argument, Delsie started packing her stuff and announced that she was leaving at the end of the month.Although she still had no idea how she would afford the rent all by herself, Emily felt relieved. It was too much pressure, living with someone who couldn't stand her and gossiped behind her back.After their last day of work together, Pam came over to help Emily launch her new website. Since she was out of work and no other companies wanted to hire her, Emily decided to plan her own brand of hair ornaments and start by selling them online. "So Delsie's moving out?" Pam asked as they entered the apartment.There were half-packed bags and suitcases everywhere
Doing well in her career used to mean having her own office and working for a big company, but Emily was embracing a new kind of idea. She put up ads online and in her neighborhood, and soon she was teaching painting to several students. It felt liberating to be in charge of her own schedule and be her own boss.She was still not making quite enough money to afford the whole apartment, but she had more faith now that she would figure something out.Emily knew she should not be walking home alone after dark, but one of her classes took longer than usual. Once she left the student's house, she considered calling a cab but then decided she couldn't afford it. Josh had not shown his face all this time. Maybe he was finally happy with Delsie. Emily could not help looking around suspiciously out of habit. The streets were busy with cars, cyclists, and pedestrians, so even if the stalker was around, she felt fairly safe. As she crossed a busy intersection, Emily had the feeling she was
She stalked outside into the chilly night air, and Byron called out for her to wait. He got delayed while untying Rupert's leash, and Emily made quite good distance down the emptying street, but soon Byron caught up to her again, driving slowly behind her in a sleek BMW. Rupert sat majestically in the passenger seat while Byron drove slowly with his windows rolled down. Other drivers were honking their horns at him to go faster, but he ignored them."Emily, I'm sorry," he said, trying to catch her eye through the passenger window, "I won't do it anymore. Just let me drive you home, and then I'll go.""You're making a scene," she said, "just go away.""No," he shouted, "It was your own best friend who told you never to walk alone at night, and you're breaking the pact."Damn, why did he have to be so caring? He really took it over the top, but Emily found it hard to be angry with him after the main explosion of rage subsided and she recognized that he did it all to help her.She
The next day, Emily did not have to wait long for a call from her friend and soon to be fake boyfriend.She meant to call him as soon as she finished breakfast, but her phone rang at 9 am. "Have you forgiven me yet?" Byron's smooth voice caressed her ear."Yes," she replied, "and I want to do the fake dating.""You do?" his voice suddenly lost some of its professional lustre, and he sounded vulnerable for a moment. "Let's talk it over. I'll pick you up for lunch at Mangiamo."The Italian restaurant was bustling with glamorous couples and smartly dressed professionals. Amadeo, the same middle-aged man who had served them the last time they were here, appeared even happier to see Byron. Once again he had a hug for his employer and a warm greeting for Emily.She was bewildered by how close Byron was to his staff, despite all the articles she had read about his ruthlessness and how he crushed all companies that stood in his way. Maybe he truly cared about the people who worked for h
Another server arrived, bringing their pizzas. After chatting with him politely, Emily tried to take a bite of the steaming melted cheese, but she did not let the delicate flavors distract her too much. "You wanted to make it up to me... What do you have in mind?" she asked."It's a surprise," Byron said, "I'd like to show you something. We can go there after lunch, if you're not busy.""I'm not busy at all," she said. Fortunately she didn't have to teach any classes this day, and it would have been otherwise another boring, rainy afternoon. But as they left the restaurant the rain cleared up, and a shy ray of sunshine peeked through the low, grey blanket of clouds. They walked along the busy downtown street, and Emily couldn't help noticing all the women checking out her fake boyfriend. It provided a certain superficial enjoyment, even if it wasn't a real relationship. In a way, she liked being friends with him better than a love relationship. Friendship had a certain stabilit