I'm not going to Paris. Can we talk soon?
I don't know if it's too late for us, but I have to give it a try, at least to apologize.
* * *
A few days later, I'm sitting in the lobby of my favorite restaurant in Chinatown waiting on Aiden. It took him almost a full twenty-four hours to respond to my text. We agreed to meet for dinner to talk. Chelsie's been out of town, so I haven't been able to talk to her about the job. I've also done an excellent job of avoiding both Bre and Aly. Of course, you could cut the tension with a knife. I feel bad for everyone else having to work with the three of us. I want more than anything to confront them both, but all in good time.
Just then I see Aiden walking towards me, and it takes maybe a half a second for all my feelings to rush back. I want more than anything to throw my arms around his neck, but I remain guarded, and he does the same. By the way he looks, I get the idea he is feeling the same way I am. Although I doubt he's been on a TV-watching binge.
"Hi," he says.
"Hi," I say softly. "Thanks for meeting me."
"Sure."
While we wait for the hostess to seat us, neither one of us says anything.
"So, you're not going to Paris?" he asks after we sit down. "I'm sorry, Erin. I wish I could go back and change things. I probably should have told them about us or resigned from the committee."
I can tell how bad he feels, but this isn't his fault at all.
"This is not your fault." I take a few deep breaths. "I've had a lot of time to think about it, and I don't know why, but this job never felt real to me. The truth is, my issue with Aly really didn't have anything to do with the job—it had to do with you. Every time she flirted with you I got jealous…horribly jealous. Then, when I found out that she told you about Will, I lost it."
Aiden listens intently, but he seems preoccupied.
"Maybe there's a chance she didn't sabotage my position on the Paris project, but she certainly went out of her way to come between us," I add. I'm about to tell Aiden about Bre taking my place, but I can tell he's not paying attention to a word I'm saying. In fact, I seem to be doing most of the talking. He must still think that I have something going with Will.
I reach across the table and take Aiden's hand. "Aiden, I promise you that there is nothing going on with Will. He really is just a friend."
Aiden holds onto my hand and looks down.
"I have to tell you something," he says nervously. He doesn't let go of my hand. In fact, I think he holds it even tighter. All of a sudden, my heart starts to race.
"Okay."
He takes a deep breath and starts talking, "That night, after our fight, I went out with a few friends from the office. I admit I was really upset, so I had a quite a few drinks. More than I should have had. Aly showed up, and I told her about our fight." He pauses. "I was hurt and feeling sorry for myself …"
I'm starting to feel sick again. "And?"
"She kissed me…" He trails off.
I pull my hand back from his. This can't be happening. Maybe I'm imagining this. I could be in an episode of General Hospital, right? I do everything I can to fight back the tears. Not only that, now it would seem I was right all along. She's wanted to make her move on him for a while now. The day she ran into Will and me played perfectly into her hands.
"Erin, please look at me," he pleads. "I had too much to drink, and it all happened so fast."
I make a face and shake my head. "So, she finally made her move on you. That's really classy of her to wait until you were drunk."
"I should have listened to you," he says as he hangs his head. "I thought you guys were good friends, so I didn't think she would pull something like that. By the time I really thought about what was happening, it was too late. I've felt awful since it happened, that's why I haven't reached out to you. I was so happy when you texted, but I knew I had to tell you the truth."
I feel dizzy. Everything that's happened, it all makes total sense. I guess Bre was right about her all along.
"So, you say she kissed you? That's it, or did the kiss lead to more?" I ask coldly. "How far did your little fling go?" I raise my voice. I don't know if I want to know the answer, but it's better to get it all out now so I can process it and move on.
"If you're asking if we slept together, the answer is no," he says. "She did drive me home because there was no way I would have been able to make it, and then I passed out."
I feel like I'm having an out-of-body experience. I'm sitting across from Aiden, listening to him tell me about making out with my alleged friend. I don't know what to say or do from here. Was he really that drunk, or was he trying to get back at me for going out with Will?
"Have you seen Aly since that night?" I ask.
"Only at the office," he replies. "I told her that what happened was a mistake, and the only person I want to be with is you. Erin, you have to forgive me," he pleads.
I want to forgive him more than anything. I want to forget this ever happened. But what I want more than anything is to go back to that night we were together at my place. Everything was so perfect that night. Unfortunately, that's not possible.
"I want to," I say softly. "I just need to think."
He nods. "And I believe you about Will. I completely overreacted, especially when we never agreed that we were exclusive. I…I messed everything up. Obviously you can be friends with whomever you want."
I watch his expression, and I can see that he's being sincere. Despite everything, I still want to be with him more than anything. But right now I have to figure out if I can deal with all of this. I need to figure out if I can still be with him, especially after he was with that lying bitch.
After dinner, Aiden and I walk outside. Neither of us says a word, and I shiver from the cold air.
"I hate that things are so awkward between us," Aiden says as he pulls me toward him. "I want to make this right, if you will let me."
"I know. Believe me, I want that, too."
As I drive home, I try to put the puzzle pieces together. I wonder if, when Harry rejected her, Aly decided to make her play for Aiden. Maybe it started because she thought Aiden could get her further at the magazine? At that point, she didn't need me anymore. Now the question is, how am I going to handle her betrayal? To make things even worse, I'm realizing that Aly could have been behind all of this. I'm so confused that I'm even making up crazy scenarios in my head. Did Aly go out of her way to expose my relationship? Maybe her plan was just to drive a wedge between us. Either way, I'm going to get to the bottom of this. And as far as Aiden goes, I'm not sure I will be able to ever forget what happened between them.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
"Thanks for meeting me again," I tell Chelsie. I'm finally able to see her after what feels like forever. For the past few days, I've avoided Bre and Aly and have been concentrating on my job. I'm working on an article that's going to wow everyone. This has been a long time coming, and in light of recent events, I think it may be the best work of my career thus far.
"So, what can I do for you?" she says, sitting down with a cup of the world's best coffee.
I take a deep breath. Crap! I have been rehearsing what I want to say in my head for the last few days and as soon as I get here I draw a blank. Chelsie gives me a questioning look and starts talking before I have a chance to say anything.
"Erin, how have you been through all of this? I know how hard you've been working to further your career here. Between you and me…" she lowers her voice, "I think their decision is absolutely ridiculous. Who cares if you and Aiden were dating? It's not like he was the one making the final decision. I hate all this political correctness."
I give her a grateful smile and she continues, "Oh well, their loss is our gain. I admit I didn't want to lose you for five weeks."
Talking to Chelsie makes me feel a lot better, and I know that she has my back no matter what.
"Any luck with finding out who's behind this? I'm pretty sure I have it figured
out, but I would love some proof to back it up," I ask hopefully.
She makes a face. "Erin, does it really matter? For all we know, it could have just been office gossip."
I shake my head. "I don't think so. I just have this feeling that someone did this on purpose, and I want to prove it."
Chelsie looks at me as if I've lost my mind. I'm sure she thinks I should just forget about it and move on. "What are you planning on doing?" she asks worriedly.
I wish I could forget it, but I just can't accept the possibility that someone who was supposed to be my friend could possibly have done this to me. Especially if it's someone I took under my wing and befriended when others didn't give her the time of day.
"Don't worry about it," I tell her.
"Did you and Aiden work everything out yet at least?" she asks, conveniently changing the subject.
"No, and I'm not sure we will be able to," I say sadly. "I don't know, maybe too much has happened."
"That's a shame. I thought you guys looked great together. I hope you can."
"We'll see," I reply.
"Before I go, I do have another request, and I really hope you can help me with this." I pause. "Can I move my desk? I know we spoke about this briefly a while ago, but with everything that's happened, it's completely necessary."
She smiles. "Are you asking for an office again?"
I shrug my shoulders. "Of course I would love an office, but right now, I'd rather work in the restroom than where I'm currently sitting."
She laughs. "Well, you know the girls will be leaving for Paris within the next few weeks. But let me get back to you. I may have a solution."
I leave Chelsie's office with a feeling of hope, something I haven't felt for a while. Right before I left I gave her a hint about the piece I'm working on. I have a really good feeling that this is exactly what I need. In the meantime, I have to do some research. I pull out my phone and call my sister-in-law.
"Hi, Liza, I need your help. When can you meet me?"
The next week practically flies by, probably because I've been putting in a lot of hours. I realized that I completely lost sight of my goals, and I have to get back to where I was. The team is heading to Paris in a few days, and I'm counting the minutes until they're gone—speaking of which, Aly and I completely ignore each other, and I'm fine with that. I had all these grand ideas about confronting her in front of everyone and calling her a dirty tramp, and if it weren't for my career goals, I would have done it in a heartbeat.
Bre's bragging about Harry meeting her in Paris is extra annoying, but I try not to acknowledge it. I'm basically over the fact that she took my spot, or at least I've come to accept it. We've never actually discussed it, but really, what would be the point? I'm busily pounding away on my laptop when Bre slides her chair over to mine.
"You should be going to Paris and not her," she says, pointing to Aly's desk. "We were working at this magazine when she was still in high school. This is ridiculous."
"It's fine," I reply. "I just wish I knew who was responsible for me losing my spot. I've been trying to find out but with no luck."
Bre looks confused. "What do you mean?"
"I want to know who blabbed about Aiden and me. That person is the reason I'm not going to Paris."
Bre looks confused. "You really shouldn't be worried about that. Like I said before, you should be worried about fixing your relationship."
I'm not surprised Bre would say that. It's always about men with her.
"Yeah, I doubt that's going to happen," I say sadly. "I guess we weren't meant to be after all."
Bre looks shocked. "How can you say that? You guys are good together, even Harry agrees. I don't know what your problem is, but you are being stupid."
I roll my eyes. "You don't know the whole story, and frankly, it's none of your business," I snap.
She leans back and holds her hands up. "Fine. It's your life, but you will regret it. Life is not all about work." She turns back to her desk.
She doesn't know anything—just ignore her, I tell myself.
I don't leave the office until dark, and it's freezing. When I get home, I put on my warmest pajamas and pour myself a glass of wine. I just sit down on the couch when I get a text from Aiden.
I miss you.
Ugh. This is such torture. I want to just move on and forget everything, but is that possible?
I miss you, too. I wish things could be different.
Yeah, different as in I wish he would have never made out with Aly the second that she threw herself at him.
* * *
One more day until there will be peace at work. The team leaves for Paris tomorrow, and despite wanting to make a big countdown calendar for my desk, I decided that might be too obvious. I also don't need anyone accusing me of being jealous, which honestly I'm not. My day starts out with an awkward elevator ride with Aly. I'm shocked when she talks to me.
"Are you planning on ignoring me forever?" she asks.
I roll my eyes. "Was I ignoring you?" I say sarcastically.
She glares at me. "Aiden told me that you think I'm the one who exposed your, um…relationship."
I was so wrong about this girl. I could totally slap her, and there would be no witnesses in the elevator.
"You couldn't be more wrong about me, and I'm hurt that you would think I would stoop so low."
I shake my head as the door opens. I quickly push the button to close the door again and block her from leaving. The door closes, and I turn to face her.
"You can't be serious," I say, folding my arms. "You would never stoop so low? I would say kissing my boyfriend is pretty low."
She looks taken aback. "Oh, now he's your boyfriend? How many times did you say he wasn't? Oh, and don't give me this bullshit that you and Will are just friends."
The elevator door opens on the first floor. I walk out, and Aly follows me.
"Oh, and let's get this straight: I may have kissed Aiden first, but he certainly didn't stop me. You were the one who walked out on him that day after he defended me."
What a piece of work this girl is. How did I not see this about her from the beginning? Everyone else noticed it. Even self-involved Bre could see through her act. All the signs were there. Maybe I was so caught up in Aiden and in Paris that I didn't see what was right in front of me.
I laugh loudly. "Of course he didn't stop you. He was drunk, and you took advantage of that."
She gets in my face. "If that makes you feel better thinking that then fine." She turns to walk away, but I stop her.
"Don't think I don't know that you sabotaged my position with Bleu Amour. I was so wrong about you, and someday this will all come back to bite you in the ass."
"I already told Aiden that it wasn't me," she yells. "I wouldn't put anyone's job at risk."
I roll my eyes. "Whatever. You've made it pretty clear that you will do whatever it takes to get what you want."
She sneers at me. "You started this by seeing someone behind his back. If you were that into Aiden, you wouldn't have gone out with Will."
This conversation isn't going anywhere, and I shouldn't have to justify my friendships to anyone.
"Have fun in Paris," I say sarcastically. "I hope you can make it on your own."
As I walk away, I hear her say something else, but I don't stop. I've wasted enough time on her.
* * *
Strike a Pose is throwing a celebratory good-bye party for the Paris team for being selected for such an important project. At least that's what the invitation said. Gag. I shouldn't have to go to this good-bye party, especially because they kicked me off the team. Wow, it really is kind of humiliating to think that I was actually kicked off the team. Now I wish I was never selected in the first place. I admit I'm having a bit of a pity party for myself, but I'm still getting ready…begrudgingly.
Tonight should at least be entertaining, and I've already had a few glasses of wine, so I'm starting to relax. After my altercation with Al
y, I'm not looking forward to watching her run around bragging about how hard she worked to get this job. I'm sure Aiden will be there because he always goes to these office events. This will be the first time we are all in the same place, so it's bound to be unbearably awkward.
I've gone out of my way to look good tonight. I even went to one of those hair-drying shops. I can't believe that there are actually places you can go just to get your hair blow-dried, and it was fabulous. My plan is to show up and act as if I don't have a care in the world. I don't want anyone to think that I'm bothered about getting kicked off the team.
The party is at a local restaurant, and I'm a little surprised they are making such a big deal about it. Actually, not surprised…more annoyed. I take one more look in the full-length mirror in my room. Not too shabby in my little pink dress and Stuart Weitzman gold heels. I take one more (long) sip of my wine and head out to catch a taxi. Here goes nothing.
When I arrive at the restaurant, there is no sign of either Aiden or Aly. I head to the bar and wait.
"Erin, it's good to see you," Kimmy says excitedly when she sees me. She takes a sip of a bright blue drink.
"Can you believe us rejects have arrived before most of the team? I guess that shows that they made the wrong decision, right?" She laughs loudly. I give her a fake smile. I hate that she's calling us rejects.
"I think it shows how professional we are being supportive of our coworkers."
She gives a thoughtful look. "I never thought of that. I like it." She pulls out a chair and sits down next to me.
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