"Gross. Don't need all that info," she says disgustedly. "When did he cancel?"
I tell her about the phone call and how I'm wallowing alone in my apartment. Thankfully, as I expected, she told me not to get all upset about it. I wish I could take her advice.
I'm about to crawl into bed when a text comes through from Aiden.
Sorry I had to cancel. I will make it up to you. Promise.
It's funny how a simple text can make all my doubts go out the window, and I fall fast asleep with a smile on my face.
CHAPTER TEN
I'm starting to get nervous. No one has heard anything back about the interviews, and they are supposed to start this week. It's Monday morning, and the office is all abuzz talking about the Paris project.
I wish I could rewind the weekend and actually go out with Aiden. When I spoke to him yesterday, he still didn't sound good. I doubt he even came in to work today.
"I've already started packing," Bre says to Kimmy. That's so typical of Bre to assume she's landed one of the positions. They haven't even interviewed anyone yet. I look at Kimmy, who rolls her eyes. I try to hide my snicker, but Bre sees me.
"What's so funny, Erin?" she asks rudely.
"Nothing, Bre. You don't have to get all defensive. I was just appreciating your confidence," I reply sarcastically.
She clearly doesn't like my answer. I can tell she's about to tell me how much she doesn't like my answer when Chelsie comes off the elevator. All of a sudden, the room becomes completely silent. It's so quiet that you can't even hear anyone breathing.
"You can all relax," she says loudly. "I just wanted to let you know that they will be starting interviews tomorrow, and they will be held throughout the week. There are a total of twelve candidates selected to move on to the interviews. This includes people from our department as well as company-wide. As I told you originally, only five people will be sent on the project. You will be receiving an email later today to let you know if you've been selected and when you will be interviewing. Thanks and good luck."
Everyone starts to breathe again, and Kimmy and Sean follow Chelsie to her office. They are wasting their time if they think she will tell them anything. I think she's the only person on this planet that can actually keep a secret.
"This is so exciting," Aly says from her desk. She's been unusually quiet all morning.
Bre rolls her eyes in her direction. "Erin, check this out," she says, completely ignoring Aly. "My dating doctor sent me this email. What do you think?"
Bre never ceases to surprise me. A few minutes ago she was acting like she was mad at me, and now she wants my advice on her dating life?
"You're still seeing the dating doctor?" I ask. "I thought you met some great guys. Do you still need him? Or maybe I just don't understand the process."
She shakes her head as if I've said something completely outrageous.
"You definitely don't understand," she says calmly. "Once a patient of Doctor D's, always a patient."
What's she saying? She called herself a patient. I can see Aly make a face behind Bre.
"Doctor D will see me through until the end when I find my soul mate," she insists. "He has an amazing track record, and I trust him completely."
I read through the doctor's email, and I have to admit it's very motivating and positive. I can really understand how she could become so engaged in the dating doctor and his program. I'm dying to ask her if she's seen Harry at all, but I don't want to say anything in front of Aly.
"Well? What do you think?"
All of a sudden, Aly starts jumping up and down and clapping. "I did it. I did it. I was chosen."
Bre and I stare at her and then at look at each other. Holy crap! She got her email. I practically dive on top of my laptop to open my emails and there it is. I also made it to the next round—I have an interview on Thursday.
The next few minutes seem like a blur. There are five of us from our floor that make the interview round, including Aly, Kimmy, Sean, Bre, and me. Everyone is talking excitedly, but in the back of my mind, I'm reminded that there are only five spots, and other than us, there are still seven other candidates. In a perfect world, we would all be selected to go, but I know the odds are against us.
"I just can't believe this," Aly says excitedly. "My first job and I get an opportunity like this."
Good for Aly. I would have loved the chance at an opportunity like this so early on in my career.
"Just remember we aren't there yet," Bre says, interrupting my thoughts. "We still have to convince the interview panel that we're the right people to represent this magazine."
Bre is right, although I'm still shocked that she spoke to Aly at all and that she was actually civil.
"Yeah, I know," Aly says. "I'm really thankful we have Aiden."
Bre looks at me and raises her eyebrows. I know what she's thinking, and she's wrong.
"Yeah, it is a good thing we know Aiden and that he's Erin's boyfriend," Bre insists.
I give her a frustrated look.
"Bre, you know that Aiden is not my boyfriend. Even though we're seeing each other, that won't have anything to do with the interviews." Ugh. I have a bad feeling about this. If I get the job, then people are always going think it's because of Aiden and me. I need to be prepared to make a choice if it comes down to it.
"Yeah, yeah," she says. "Anyway, I have to make a few calls, so I'm going to take an early lunch."
I know what that means with Bre. We won't be seeing her for the rest of the day. I have to admit that I'm a little surprised that she was chosen to interview. She must have had an amazing submission, which doesn't surprise me because Bre really is a great writer. If only she took a little more time to commit to her job, she would be unbeatable.
I send Aiden a text to let him know that I was chosen to interview. Of course, he probably already knew that. He writes me back right away and, of course, my heart starts to speed up when he tells me that he misses me and can't wait to reschedule our date. I smile to myself. For the first time in a while I feel like I'm finally moving forward.
* * *
After such an exciting day at work, everyone decides to go out for drinks to celebrate making it to the interview round. For once I actually feel like being social, so I'm totally on board.
"Ahem," Kimmy says loudly as she holds up her martini glass that is full to the top with a bright pink beverage. "I want to make a toast to the four of us. I plan on saying a million Hail Marys in hopes that we can all party in Paris together. Cheers, ladies."
"Cheers," we all say in unison.
Bre had left work a little early, and I can tell that she's already a little buzzed, especially when she puts her arm around Aly's shoulder and whispers something in her ear. Bre hasn't made it a secret that she doesn't like her, so her kindness looks very insincere.
"Where's Aiden?" Bre yells loudly. "Call him and tell him to grab his brother and come down here. We need to talk to him about our interviews."
I try to tell her that he had food poisoning all weekend, but that doesn't stop her. Before I know it, she's on the phone with someone.
"Who was that?" I demand when she gets off the phone. She gives me a wicked smile.
"Don't worry your pretty little head about anything. Auntie Bre took care of it." She quickly runs in the direction of the bathroom. What? Who the hell is Auntie Bre, and what did she take care of? I think as I glance at Aly, who's staring at me.
"Do you think she called Aiden?" Aly asks. "I kind of want to talk to him. He told me if I ever had any questions to let him know." I feel that familiar wave of jealousy come over me, which I know is ridiculous. Aly is harmless, at least I think she is.
"I'm not sure. He was pretty sick this past weekend," I tell her. "I don't know if he would be up for hanging out tonight." I feel a sudden sense of satisfaction knowing more about him than she does. I think I'm losing it. I have no idea where this crazy jealous side has come from.
Aly looks ove
r my shoulder and smiles. "Well, he's obviously feeling better." She points to the door. I turn around to see Aiden rushing over toward us.
"Erin, are you okay?" He's completely out of breath as if he ran the whole way here. What did Bre say to him?
"Yeah, of course I am. Why? Are you okay?" I put my hand on his shoulder.
"Bre called Harry and told him that you needed help, so I rushed over."
He's breathing heavily and I'm at a complete loss for words. And honestly, I don't know whether to kill Bre or kiss her. Once again, her crazy shenanigans benefit me. I feel bad Aiden rushed over, but I love that he did it because he thought I was in trouble.
"Erin's fine," Aly says, interrupting our semi-private moment. "In fact, we're all doing great. We were all selected for interviews for the Paris project."
Really? Does she have to bring this up now? Can't she see we were having a moment?
Aiden smiles warmly at me. "That's awesome. Congrats." He leans in and kisses me on the cheek.
I'm sure I've turned bright red. But leave it to Bre to return at that exact second to bring disruption and chaos. "Oh good, I'm glad you're here because we need to talk to you about these interviews." She grabs Aiden's arm and drags him away from me and to a nearby table.
"Wait," I say, trying to get Bre's attention. "I think you owe Aiden an apology. You made him rush over here for no good reason."
She rolls her eyes and ignores me. "Okay, Monsieur Thomas, please tell me how you are going to make sure we all get these jobs." She stops and glances at Aly. "Well, most of us anyway."
Rude, I think to myself. Luckily, Aly is oblivious or maybe just a little drunk.
Aiden gives her a frustrated look. "As I told you many times before, I have nothing to do with who gets the job. I'm one vote out of five," he insists. "Hey, Bre, here's an idea: Harry will be here soon, so why don't you harass him when he gets here."
Bre gives him the middle finger. "Whatever."
"You were the one who had me rush here to be with Erin, so that's what I'm going to do." He gets up from the table and takes my hand and starts to lead me away. I feel like I'm in a complete daze.
Aiden leads me outside to the patio.
"Finally," he says. "I just wanted to be alone with you so I could tell you how bad I feel about having to cancel on Saturday." I'm about to tell him not to feel bad, but he continues. "I really like you, Erin, and I have for a while."
Before I can say a word, he gently takes my face in his hands and kisses me. His kiss is different this time—it's fierce and passionate, and I willingly kiss him back.
When he finally pulls away, he starts to talk again. "And before you worry, I'm not sick anymore, and it was only food poisoning." I'm still speechless so all I can do is laugh. I want to tell him that I feel the same way and have since I first met him. Before I can say a word, he brushes my hair away from my face with his hand and takes my face gently in his hands again. Is this really happening? Am I dreaming? If so, I never want to wake up.
"My little brother is such a stud." We pull away from each other to see Harry staring at us. "I'm glad you are okay, ET. Bre gave us quite a scare earlier."
I'm about to yell at him about the ET nickname, but then I remember who Harry is. I can't exactly go off on some big shot CEO, or maybe I can.
"Um, yeah, well, Bre is never subtle when it comes to getting what she wants," I say sarcastically. "She wanted to get Aiden here, and she did. And look, you're here, too. Damn, she's good."
He shrugs his shoulders. "I respect a woman who knows what she wants."
Now is my chance to try to find out what Harry is thinking. "So, while I have you here, what is it that you want? Are you enjoying emotionally torturing both of those girls? Are you interested in Bre or Aly? Both?"
He folds his arm and gives me a smug look. "And what makes you think I'm going to tell you?" I fold my arms and give the sweetest, most innocent smile that I can.
"Because I asked nicely."
He looks at Aiden who's smiling widely. "Wow, little bro, you're in big trouble with this one." Aiden nods his head.
"And you think Bre's not subtle?" he continues. "That was a rather direct question. But, to answer your question, I think both women are gorgeous, and although it's none of your business, I'm definitely intrigued by Bre. She's got an unshakeable fire in her, and I dig that."
"Really?" I say sarcastically. "Maybe you should tell her that."
He shrugs his shoulders. "In time." He pauses and then continues, "In the meantime, maybe you should concentrate on this little game you and my brother are playing."
I look at Aiden who's now glaring at his brother.
"Game?" I ask nonchalantly.
"Yeah, the game where you're pretending that you don't want to rip each other's clothes off. It's pretty obvious."
"Okay, I think it's time to get a drink," Aiden interjects. He drags Harry over to the bar, and I slowly make my way back to the girls. I'm not going to let him bother me. Aiden and I like each other and are taking things slow, but that doesn't mean that we're playing games.
But I am actually impressed with what Harry said about Bre. I think I should tell her, especially because she's obsessing over this dating doctor when maybe she should put that much effort into getting to know Harry.
Ugh. This is the stuff I hate. I have absolutely no desire to be a matchmaker.
"So, are you really mad at me for calling Harry?" Bre asks when I sit down. "It seems to have worked out in your favor. I think the whole bar was watching your…um, conversation. That was pretty hot."
"Anyway," I say, trying to avoid that topic at all costs, "no, I'm not mad at you, but you need to stop harassing Aiden about these interviews. He's not making the final decision, so give the guy a break."
Bre is completely ignoring me and staring off behind me.
"Bre? Did you hear what I said?"
She looks at me and raises her eyebrows. "I don't think you should be worrying about me." She points behind me. When I turn around, I see Harry and Aiden at the bar with Aly. She's leaning in toward them and talking animatedly. All three of them start laughing. I suddenly feel that same wave of jealousy come over me that I felt before.
"You have nothing to worry about, Bre," I say reassuringly. "Harry made it very clear that he was intrigued by you, not her."
She nods her head. "Oh, I know, but I'm not talking about me. I'm worried about you. You better watch that one."
Before I can respond, Bre wanders over to where Kimmy is talking to a few men in very expensive-looking suits. So typical of her to drop a bomb and then walk away. I look back at where Aly is standing with the guys. Honestly, maybe I'm completely naïve, but it looks harmless to me. Bre hasn't liked Aly since the day she came to work with us. I really think she's jealous of her. She has a good head on her shoulders and she's dedicated to her job. I think those qualities bother Bre because she wishes she were more like that.
I look over and see Aly put her arms around both Aiden's and Harry's shoulders. Hmm… on the other hand, I guess it won't hurt to keep an eye on her—you never know.
When it's time for everyone to leave, I purposely take my time, including running to the bathroom and chatting with the girls at the table next to us. I want just a few more minutes to talk to Aiden alone and maybe continue our earlier conversation. We haven't been able to be alone since our close moment on the patio.
Finally, everyone has left except Aiden, Aly, and me. Ugh, why won't this girl leave? She's been talking nonstop about work. Aiden, being the nice guy he is, continues to answer every question she has. Our eyes have met a few times, and he smiles at me. Aly must be a complete idiot to not see how much Aiden and I want to be alone.
"It's getting late," Aiden says, looking at his phone. "I will walk you ladies to your cars." Yes, I think to myself, just as long as we go to Aly's first.
"That's so sweet of you," Aly says. "I didn't realize how late it was either." She continues to ramble as
we walk outside.
"Aly, where are you parked?" Aiden asks immediately. He glances quickly at me. We follow Aly to her car and finally manage to get rid of her.
"So," I say awkwardly. "Thanks for walking us out. I'm over there."
As I turn to my left, Aiden grabs my arm and stops me. I turn back toward him.
"Erin, about what Harry said…just ignore him." I nod my head.
"Of course, I mean, I didn't think we were playing any games," I say nervously. "In fact, I wanted to tell you that I, um, feel the same. I mean…what I'm trying to say is that I really like you, too, and I have for a while. But, I'm sure you already knew that." I laugh nervously.
He pulls me closer to him. Our faces are now inches apart. "I wasn't sure," he whispers. "But I'm really glad to hear that."
Here we go again, I think to myself. "So maybe Harry wasn't completely wrong?" he says flirtatiously. "Every time I came to your floor to visit you at work, and last year when we hung out together at the Christmas party, I wanted to…" He kisses me again, and it lasts for what seems like several minutes.
When we finally stop kissing, our foreheads are touching. "It's late. I better go," I say with hesitation. "I don't want to," I add.
"I know the feeling," he says as he grabs my hand and walks me to my car.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
I've been on a lot of interviews in my life, and the preparation is always the same. The day before the interview, I spend hours at Nordstrom trying on clothes. I end up dropping a bunch of money on clothes, none of which I would wear to my interview. I end up choosing something I already have in my closet.
I've somehow managed to function even though I've been in a complete daze since my encounter with Aiden in the empty parking lot. We've been texting nonstop since that night, and I think it's safe to say that he's my boyfriend now. At least, in my mind he is.
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