Chapter 1
The morning after my date with don I woke up feeling refreshed as if this could be the start of something new, with someone even if it's not don. It's just nice to feel wanted. But knowing that it is once again built into of my lie made me take a step back and realise I can't let things proceed with him.
'Morning Maggie.' I say entering the kitchen where Maggie is pouring coffee.
'Morning you, how was things with don?' She asks.
'Good but I think it's done, I don't like him enough to tell him the truth but I also don't want to risk falling for him. I can't be I love with another man when I'm still unavailable.' Is say.
'Or when you're still in love with Charles.'
'That too is not fair to him.'
'Have things with Charles thawed at all?'
'Ice cold.' I say. 'Well I'm off to work, see you tonight?'
'No ive got a date!'
'Ohh where?'
'That little Spanish rooftop around the corner.'
'We'll have fun!' I say picking up my bag and make my way to the subway.
Arriving at the office it's still quiet because I'm half and hour early. But not long after I sit at my desk the elevator pings
'Good liza you're here... coffee?' She says raising her eyebrows expectingly.
'Sure' I sigh
While I start up the coffee machine let my mind wonder thinking about men, always men. I catchy my self in that thought. 'No your not that woman!' I mutter to my self. I turn at the sound of a scoff. It was Charles entering the kitchen. 'Do you have a problem?' I ask annoyed.
'Nope.' He said with no conviction.
'Fine. Would you like a coffee?' I ask gruffly.
'Sure, thank you.' He stands behind the machine as I'm working away making 3 coffees.
'So.. 42..' He says with a stern confused look on his face.
My head snaps up and glances over at Diana's office. Then back to him. 'I'm sorry.' I say as Dianna stamps out of her office in search of her coffee.
'Oh good morning Charles.' Her mood changes so quickly from anger to sweet.
'Good morning.' He says with a nod.
'So Liza. How was the date with don? Did you hear anymore about this book of his?' She demands to know.
'It was great dons a nice guy. Yes I did hear a little more about it and I think with a bit of a push in the right direction we could have a best selling tell all about manhattans elite.' I say with excitement trying to graze over the date comment. Although I don't know why I should as Charles knows everything now and comes want anything to do with me.. well not everything.
'Well if you're sure there is a book there I'd like to maybe read a chapter before we commit, but happy to hear him out.' He says a little disgruntled but obviously trying to make up for his outburst the other day.
'I'll get onto it.' I say giving him a weak smile. And he sort of returns it but very obviously forced.
'What's with you too lately?' Dianna asked scenting something in the air.
'Oh it's the whole lie with Pauline. He thinks I should have pushed her to tell the truth.' I say quick on my feet.
'Oh.. sorry I guess that's my bad.' She says taking her coffee and striding back into her office.
After a long day of being assistant and editor I pack up my thing and are about to leave when my phone rings. It's Pauline... shhhit i run into the conference room and answer. 'Hey Pauline, how are you.'
'Hi Liza, I'm fine. Are you free for dinner tonight? I need to talk to you?'
'Sure.' I say scared. 'Where and when?' I stammer.
'Hilton, midtown at 7. See you there.' She spits and hangs up.
It's only 5.45 so I may as well do some more work before I leave. Time passes slowly and it's 6.45 so I finish up. As I'm putting on my jacket Charles comes out of his office.
'You're just heading off. Well you are dedicated.' He says.
'Yeah.' I say annoyed at another dig. I grab my bags and walk over to the lift. Charles is following close behind.
'How are you doing tonigh?' He asks making awkward conversation.
'Pauline rang me and asked to meet... So I'm doing that.' I say with more awkwardness.
'Oh, are you sure that's a good idea?' He asks
'Why wouldn't it be? I'm her editor. I can't just avoid her forever. And we'll you made our situation harder than it has to be.' I say with annoyance in my voice.
'Yeah I'm sorry about that.' He says.
'Yeah me too.'