Friends ForNever

by Melissa Baldwin

  "I don't think so," I say. "We earned this on our own merit." Does she really think that we were chosen only because of Aiden?

  "Oh, of course, but you know what I mean," she agrees.

  I give her a curious look. "No, I don't," I tell her.

  "Aiden was on the panel, so I'm sure he talked us up to the others. Each one of them probably gave their recommendations."

  I shrug. "Maybe. But I still don't think that means we owe him."

  She smiles innocently. "By the way, I thought Will was a really nice guy. That was so cool running into you yesterday." I practically stare her down. I know what she's trying to do.

  "Yes, Will is a good friend," I say firmly.

  "Oh, I know," she says innocently. "I wasn't trying to imply anything," she says.

  Yeah right, I think to myself. I know exactly what she was implying. I turn around and try to make myself busy. I would rather not continue this conversation any further. In my mind, I keep replaying what Will said about not completely letting my guard down with Aly.

  Bre never returns to the office. I sent her two texts asking if she was okay, but she hasn't responded.

  At five o'clock sharp, Aiden saunters off the elevator looking as dashing as ever. I feel like it has been an eternity since he was with me at my apartment. Unfortunately, Aly is still hanging around, so she practically pounces on him when she seems him.

  "Aiden, isn't it exciting that Erin and I will be in Paris together? Thanks for all your great advice."

  "Anytime," he says, flashing her his gorgeous smile. I glance at her and see her turn bright red. Well, that isn't obvious or anything, not that I can blame her. Aiden has a way of making women swoon. I don't know if he realizes he does it, and if he does, then he certainly pretends not to.

  "I'm ready when you are," I announce loudly, startling Aly out of her schoolgirl dreamy-eyed stare.

  "Great," Aiden says, flashing me the same gorgeous smile he just gave Aly.

  It's not a competition, Erin, I tell myself.

  We finally escape and head down the street to a quaint family-owned Italian restaurant. Neither of us says anything for a few minutes, and it seems a bit awkward. Nothing like the way things were the last time we were together. I want to ask him if anything is bothering him, but I don't want to pry. I know he said the interviews were more stressful than he thought, but maybe it's something more?

  "I'm sure you're relieved the interviews are over, right?" I ask.

  "Oh yeah. But I feel like I owe you more of an explanation." He takes a deep breath like he's about to unload some huge secret on me. "To be honest, with the whole Paris thing, I didn't want to complicate things for you. I knew you would be a front-runner for the job but was afraid our relationship could interfere with that."

  Relationship? He said relationship. I stay as still as I possibly can even though I want to jump up on the table and dance.

  "I completely understand," I say, feeling a huge sense of relief wash over me. "I'm sure it really put you in an awkward position, and I hope that I didn't put any added pressure on you. And I'm especially sorry about Bre and Aly. I told them on more than one occasion that you were not the only one making the decision."

  He shakes his head. "You didn't do anything wrong. Sure, Bre drives me crazy, but that's not anything new. I'm just glad that it's over with now, and we can move on." He reaches over and grabs my hand, sending shivers down my spine.

  "Me, too," I say softy.

  He doesn't let go of my hand until our food comes out. I can't believe I'm getting this excited over him holding my hand. I feel like I'm in the eighth grade.

  "I have to make a confession," he says after the server brings us our coffee. "I almost didn't give you my vote, for purely selfish reasons of course." I give him a confused look. "The thought of you running off to France without me makes me sad. I'm sure some French guy will come along and sweep you off your feet."

  For some reason, I immediately think about Beverly Hills 90210 when Brenda meets that hot guy in France and falls for him. This TV addiction must be worse than I thought. Maybe my mother is right. Maybe I do need to get out more.

  "Nah, I doubt that will happen," I tell him. "Besides, I'm sure they will be working us so hard that we won't have any time for a social life." Hmm … I hope that's not true, I think to myself. This may be the one and only time I visit Paris.

  "Oh, I'm sure you will. In fact, it sounds like Aly has a whole itinerary planned out for you girls."

  She what? Why would she plan out an itinerary without talking to me, and how does Aiden know this? I'm growing very tired of Aly quickly, and there is a part of me that wishes I never helped her.

  "Oh, really?" I say curiously. "This is news to me. When did she tell you this?"

  Aiden looks confused. "She told me this a while ago. Of course, it was before you were both chosen for the positions, but she said you planned it out just in case." Aiden's looking at me as if I've lost my mind, and I feel so stupid.

  "Well, we didn't exactly plan it out," I explain. "I mean, we briefly talked about it, but considering we hadn't gotten the jobs yet that would have been extremely presumptuous." I'm so confused. I don't understand why Aly would tell him that we planned our itinerary together.

  Thankfully, the server brings our check at just the right time.

  "So, are you allowed to tell me what happened with Bre's interview, or is that off-limits?" I've been dying to ask him about Bre.

  He shakes his head and takes a sip of his drink. "Not much to tell, really. She did excellent in her interview, but the panel wasn't as impressed with her article. It wasn't bad by any means. It just wasn't as good as the rest of the candidates'."

  Well, that's not as exciting as I was hoping it would be.

  "How was she after she heard?" he asks.

  "She was quiet," I say thoughtfully. "Oddly quiet, actually. I think she's taking it pretty hard. I tried texting her, but she hasn't gotten back to me."

  We don't talk about Bre for very long, and we take our time walking back to the office. Aiden walks me to my car, and we stand there talking for what seems like forever.

  "When can I see you again?" he asks me after a few seconds of silence. I can feel my face getting hot again.

  "When would you like to see me again?" I ask. I don't know why, but I love this flirtation we have between us.

  "How about this weekend?" he asks. "I could cook dinner as long as you understand that I'm an average cook at best."

  I wonder what he would think if I did a few cartwheels right here in the parking lot.

  "I would love it, and I don't mind that you're an average cook," I tell him. "I can bring dessert."

  A huge smile spreads across his face. "Yes, please do."

  * * *

  "No fair." Mya is practically yelling on the phone. "I have to come visit while you are there." I knew she would say that, and I'm sure she will. I'm trying to tell her about Aiden, but she's much more interested in my trip to Paris.

  "Have you told Mama Margie yet?" she asks with a snicker.

  "Not yet, but I'm expecting she will want to join me as well."

  "Well, your mother can't come at the same time that I'm there," Mya demands. She's obviously already planning her trip.

  "Mya, I have no idea how much free time I will have. Don't forget that this is a business trip, not a vacation."

  "Yeah, yeah," she says. "You know we would have a blast, business trip or not." We start to talk about all the fun we will have while she visits, and she makes me swear on my Louis Vuitton bag that I will send her the dates once I know what's happening.

  "Jack just got off work and he wants me to pay him some attention, so I better go. Don't forget you swore on your bag. I will be waiting for the dates."

  "I promise," I tell her, and we hang up.

  I admit that I tried to play it down for Mya, but the truth is I'm getting more and more excited about going to Paris, even if I end up having to work the e
ntire time. I can't believe it, me in the City of Light. The only thing that would make it better would be if Aiden could come with me. Oh well, for now I will settle for him making me dinner.

  I admit, I'm nervous as to how they are going to do our living arrangements. I'm praying we will have our own rooms because I'm not sure I could live with Aly for five weeks without killing one of us. They sent out an email that we would be getting all that information later in the week. I think I'm more nervous about that than I am about the job.

  For the first time in as long as I can remember, I don't even turn on the TV. I open my laptop and start planning my five weeks in Paris. I can't wait.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  "I'm sorry it's so early," Chelsie says. I'm just getting out of the shower when I get her call. "Can you come to my office when you get here?"

  All of a sudden, I have an uneasy feeling. This isn't like her at all.

  "Sure. Is everything okay?" I ask nervously.

  "Yes," she says quickly. "Just a meeting about the project."

  "Okay, I'll see you soon."

  I have to admit I'm worried. I rush to work, quickly grabbing a coffee on the way. When I walk into Chelsie's office, I'm surprised to see three other people there, including Aiden, his boss, and someone I don't recognize. Aiden gives me a worried look. This is not going to be good.

  "Thanks for coming so quickly, Erin," Chelsie says. "Please have a seat," she says, pointing to the last empty chair in her office. I sit down on the edge of the chair, holding my coffee tightly in my lap.

  "Erin, this is Katie Evans from HR," she says, pointing to the mystery woman in the room. "We had to call you in regarding the project you've been selected for." She's obviously been advised how to act and what to say. This doesn't sound like her at all. "It's been brought to our attention that you and Mr. Thomas are romantically involved. This, of course, poses a problem considering he was on the interview panel." I don't say a word, and Aiden is still silent, staring at the floor. This is exactly what he was trying to avoid.

  Katie Evans speaks up. "Normally, we don't have any policies or rules that say staff members can't date, but this situation is different. Regardless, it complicates things, and we are waiting for Ms. Bufont to advise us how to proceed." I'm so confused. Aiden and I have been careful around the office. In fact, we hardly ever see each other, especially during work hours.

  "Can I say something?" Aiden finally speaks up. "It's true that Erin and I have been out a few times, but that in no way influenced the panel. She earned her spot fairly, and everyone on the panel agreed that her work was fantastic."

  I give him a grateful smile. I try not to show too much emotion because I don't want anyone to read into it.

  "I have to agree," Mrs. Smith says. "I was on the panel, and Aiden did not show favoritism to Ms. Taylor at all."

  Katie doesn't say anything at first. I can tell she's taking it all in. "As I said, we will review everything before any action is taken. Ms. Taylor, I can tell you that this in no way will affect your employment here at Strike a Pose." I can see Aiden relax a little as she continues.

  "But, it could affect your position with Bleu Amour." My heart sinks. I knew it was too good to be true.

  "I understand. I just hope you take my work and time I've given to this magazine into consideration," I say as I hold my head up high.

  Katie Evans nods her head. "We will let you know once a decision has been made," she says calmly as she stands up. "Thank you for your understanding." She holds out her hand to shake mine and then leaves the room after saying good-bye.

  Mrs. Smith follows behind her leaving me, Chelsie, and Aiden. I want so badly to cry, but I'm trying to remain professional and strong.

  "Um, I have to run an errand," Chelsie says quickly. "You can use my office to collect your thoughts."

  She grabs her bag and stops to give me a tight hug. Aiden is still looking at the floor.

  "I don't know what to say," he says, moving over to the empty chair next to me. "I thought we were really careful."

  "Me too."

  I have such an uneasy feeling, like something isn't adding up. We were very careful, and why all of a sudden did this come up now? Someone told them about us. Someone is trying to ruin this for me.

  "I think someone told them about us on purpose," I exclaim. Aiden gives me a concerned look.

  "Who would do that? Not many people know, and the only people who do are our friends."

  That's where he could be wrong. There is a possibility this was done on purpose, and if so, I would hardly call them friends.

  He continues talking. "I suppose anyone could have spilled the beans, and maybe unintentionally, but …"

  "Aly," I say flatly. "It has to be her."

  Aiden looks completely shocked. "No way," he says. "She's planning your entire trip to France. She would never try to sabotage your career."

  "Don't underestimate her," I tell him, thinking about what Will said. "I'm starting to think her sweet and innocent act is just that, an act."

  "I disagree," he says firmly. "She would have nothing to gain from telling anyone about us." Wow, Aly really is that good. She definitely has people fooled. She had me fooled.

  "You seriously don't think it's possible that she could have told someone about us?" I ask him. I'm growing extremely frustrated with this conversation.

  Aiden stares off into space. "Maybe she could have said something, but I don't think she intentionally would do anything to hurt you or anyone for that matter," he replies. "I'm surprised you would think she would."

  Both of us become silent, not looking at each other. I guess we're having our first disagreement.

  "I suppose we will just have to agree to disagree," I snap. I quickly stand up and make a beeline for the door. Aiden rushes behind me and grabs my arm to stop me.

  "Wait. Are you mad at me?"

  I shake my head, not looking at him. "I just need to think all this through."

  "Hang on." He puts his hands on my shoulders. "Look at me." I still haven't looked him in the eye. "I know you're upset, but just don't jump to any conclusions yet. This will all get worked out. I'm sure of it."

  I bite my lip. "Okay, I'll see you later." I open the door and head to my desk to figure out a way to fix this. I hate leaving Aiden like that, but it's really bothering me how he jumped to her defense so quickly.

  When I get back both Bre and Aly are at their desks. Of course they have their backs to one another. This is great—just another fun day at the office.

  "Bre, did you get my messages?" I ask.

  "Yeah, I did. I just didn't want to talk." She doesn't seem that upset, but I'm still surprised to see her here. I was expecting she would be calling in sick for a while.

  "Are you okay?" I ask cautiously.

  "I'm all right, I guess. Luckily, I had Harry to help cheer me up." She practically yells Harry's name, and of course she did that on purpose so Aly would hear, which is pointless because it appears that Aly has moved on…to his brother. Maybe she knew that Harry was not interested in her? Or maybe she's just using Aiden's connections to further her career? Either way, it's really strange.

  I raise my eyebrows. I had no idea she was still in touch with Harry.

  "That's good," I say. I sit down in my chair and put my face in my hands. The distraction of seeing Bre wears off quickly, and I'm once again reminded that there's a very good chance that I've lost my position on the project not to mention I doubt I will have any shot of getting my own office any time soon. I have nothing to say to Aly because I'm pretty sure she has something to do with this. I let out a frustrated sigh.

  "What's wrong with you?" Bre asks curiously. "You look like someone kicked your dog."

  I never have understood that expression. I'd rather not get into it, and I especially don't want to give Aly the satisfaction.

  "Nothing's wrong," I lie. "Just tired."

  Aly hasn't said a word since I got here, and I would say that's a pret
ty good indication that she's guilty. My phone starts buzzing in my bag—it's a text from Aiden.

  Please don't be mad.

  I stare at the text. It's not that I'm mad, more frustrated that he was so insistent of Aly's innocence. Maybe he likes all the attention she gives him. She doesn't exactly hide her crush. I put my phone back in my bag. I have to find out who's behind this. I refuse to let a relationship interfere with my career.

  When Bre leaves for lunch, I notice that she now has a picture of her and Harry on her desk. Wow, she's definitely trying to send a message. Too bad it means nothing now.

  "Are you sure you're okay?" Aly asks. I spin around to see that she has a very concerned look on her face. I glare at her. Stay calm, I remind myself.

  "I'm good." I inhale deeply as I remember what Aiden said. I can't jump to any conclusions. "I must be feeling a little overwhelmed with our upcoming trip." I plaster a fake smile on my face in hopes that she will reveal something.

  "I am, too, but we are going to have an amazing time," she says excitedly. She starts going on and on about some tours she wants to do, and I zone out. I'm more confused than ever. How is she able to keep such a straight face? I know in my gut that she's not innocent.

  I leave the office early in hopes of avoiding Aiden and everyone else. I guess now I have to patiently wait until my fate is decided.

  * * *

  Maybe I'm completely overreacting. I have played it over and over in my head, and I really don't want to believe that Aly or anyone would do anything like this on purpose. Maybe Aiden is right. Anyone could have blabbed about us, or maybe someone overheard it or saw us after work. For all I know it could have been Bre. I would hope not considering how long we've worked together, but anything is possible. She's a very difficult person to deal with, but she's not vindictive. At least I don't think so.

  I'm starting to feel really guilty, and to top that off, I acted like a complete bitch to Aiden. I still haven't texted him back because, frankly, I'm a little embarrassed. I heat up some vegetarian lasagna, pour a glass of wine, and pull out my phone to text him back.