Gripping the letter he had received a week ago, Eli watched the numbers progress as he stood inside the elevator to the sixteenth floor. He still wasn't sure what to make of this impending meeting with The Edge but he was looking forward to the chance to get the word out about his play. It was the kind of press he knew he was fortunate to have. It had been his dream for as long as he could remember and now that such a huge opportunity was upon him, Eli was eager to rise to the occasion.
As the elevator's doors opened, he was instantly bombarded with the fast pace speed of the magazine's workers. It was a different atmosphere from the theatre of which he'd just come from. It was a few minutes to noon and already it seemed as if a whole workday had gone by. It was a bit overwhelming but he made due, straightening his back and squaring his shoulders as he stepped off the lift. All around him people had a task of some kind, crouched over a keyboard and typing away or on the phone engrossed in conversation. It was a lot to process all at once but he appreciated the energy of the space.
Spotting the receptionist table, he smiled warmly at the young woman sitting behind the front desk on the phone. Behind her was a large logo for the magazine in its trademark bright pink font. He waited for her to finish her talk, nodding his head as she held up a finger, smiling apologetically as he approached.
"Okay, great. I'll be sure to pass along the message for you. Thanks so much and have a great day," she said before hanging up and turning her attention to Eli. Her eyes lit up a bit as he held her gaze, her smile now growing more sincere.
"Hello, how may I help you?" she asked, an unmistakable flirty glint in her eye.
"Hey, I actually have a meeting with Janis Brennan?" he said, his words coming out more like a question as he looked back at the letter quickly to make sure he got the name right. "I'm Eli Goldsworthy. We were scheduled to meet at noon."
"You're Eli?" she inquired, slightly taken aback.
At this, Eli's brows knitted together as he rubbed at his jaw. "Last I checked, yeah. Why the shock?"
Shrugging her shoulders, she tucked a lock of her brunette hair behind her ear. "No reason. I'm not sure what I was expecting but it wasn't this."
Her flirting was shameless at best but Eli didn't put a thought to it, instead laughing it off. "I don't think I'm ever what anyone expects but it's just as well." Glancing at his watch, he noted the time, seeing that his meeting would be soon. "Is she in now?" he asked, steering the conversation back to its original starting point.
Embarrassed, the receptionist laughed and nodded. "Right, of course. I'll page Janis now and-"
"No need, I'm here," Eli heard another voice say, a tall dark haired woman stepping over to them. "Eli Goldsworthy, I presume," she greeted him, extending her hand for him to shake.
Reciprocating, Eli shook her hand. "You'd be correct. Thanks so much for taking an interest in the play. I can't tell you how much it means to not only me but the cast and crew."
It was the honest truth. After it finally sank in, Eli broke the news to the rest of the theater and was met with a resounding outbreak of cheers and applause. They were all proud of him and anxious to share their project with the rest of the city. Eli knew he owed a great deal of gratitude to each and every person that had a hand in bringing the play to life.
"You're humble. I like that," she mused, dropping her hand. "Here at The Edge, we pride ourselves on having our finger on the pulse of all things current and your play is getting some serious buzz. We'd be crazy to let that slip through our fingers. Come with me. We have lots to discuss, Mr. Goldsworthy," she said with a wave of her hand as she took a step forward and began the walk.
"Eli, you can just call me Eli. We can save that Mr. Goldsworthy business for when I'm rich and famous," he joked, following after. "But seriously, I wasn't expecting anything like this to happen so soon. Your magazine is huge according to my producer. She couldn't stop talking about how major a feature from you guys would be."
Janis laughed as she stopped outside a room, Eli seeing her name plastered on the door. "You're quickly becoming one of my favorite people, Eli." Opening the door, she ushered for him to take a seat before walking to her side of the desk and sitting. "Our readers will eat this modesty up. It's not too often someone with so much talent is actually down to earth. You're going to be the next big thing. I'm calling it now." With how confident she was in her words, Eli couldn't doubt her at all. "Your producer is a smart girl. You'd be wise to keep her around. She knows what she's talking about."
Taking a seat as instructed, Eli smiled to himself at her words. Any nervousness he'd been feeling earlier had faded away. Conversation with Janis was natural and Eli was reassured by the fact. If their small talk was going well, he thought it safe to assume the interview would follow the same smooth track as well. It was a step in the right direction and if this were just the beginning of good things to come, Eli was willing to be Janis' prediction would be proven correct.
"Alright, let's get started, Eli."
One week had passed without much incident for Clare. Her days at work had boiled down to dodging Jake around the office. The two had done a fairly good job of it, only running into each other a few times. On those occasions, the tension was apparent but luckily always broken by someone else being in the same vicinity. It felt more like walking on eggshells but Clare had already grown used to the notion that Jake wasn't up for discussing anything. After that day she had essentially cornered him in the printing room, Jake had gone above and beyond to avoid her at all costs. It still got under her skin how much he had been ignoring her but she never wanted to clue him in to the fact. Her face was always neutral, never betraying her true emotion.
At her desk now she could see him with a few of his fellow photographers. She'd never admit it aloud but it made her heart sink to the pit of her stomach to see him a few feet away and know that they were broken up. The last two and a half years of her life were spent with him by her side and now they'd been reduced to total strangers. He was a different Jake, nothing like the charming guy she met that night years before.
Closing her eyes, Clare drew in a breath to steady herself. It was all too easy to bring herself back to the low points, the nights spent in bed alone and crying herself to sleep. He seemed so unfazed by it all and it made Clare wonder how genuine he had been all along. When did he suddenly fall out of love with her and why? The questions never stopped swirling around in her head and Clare already learned that the answers may never surface like she wanted them to. Jake was content with pretending as if nothing happened between them and it was unsettling to her.
Letting out a deep sigh, she shifted in her seat, clicking open her column's email. As usual the inbox was filled with messages from readers. In the midst of her personal problems, it was a strange comfort to see them all, if only to know she wasn't the only one going through a tough time. While she wasn't sure how to handle her current situation, Clare was glad she was considered someone that others felt as if they could trust to give some insight to. Chewing on her lower lip as she opened up a message at random, Clare let out a soft groan as she read it.
Dear Clare,
Recently my boyfriend and I broke up. I see him around campus with other girls, hanging out with friends and carrying on as if nothing happened. How do you get over a guy when he's everywhere you are?
It was as if the universe were against her now, Clare's eyes flickering over the top of her computer and stealing a glance at Jake. He was still wrapped up in talk as he and his co-workers looked over recent prints they'd finished. His slender fingers were holding onto his camera which hung loosely from his neck. Swallowing the lump in her throat, Clare turned her attention back to the screen. She read over the short message once more, copy and pasting it to a new Word document.
Once more she felt like a complete fraud. How could she possibly answer when she was still without a solution for herself. She stared at the daunting question, coming up short on a reply. Frustrated with herself, she closed out of the document, getting up from her seat and stepping out of her cubicle.
"Are you okay?" Katie asked cautiously.
Stopping in place, Clare tried her best to put a smile on her face but doubted it was truly convincing. "I'm fine, thanks. I think I just need a few minutes to think some things over before I work on these replies," she said. It was vague but oddly enough to the point though Katie wouldn't know the true extent.
"You have all the women and even some men in this city flocking to you to help them out. I can imagine it must be exhausting. I don't think anyone can blame you for needing some downtime. You should get some coffee or something to snack on. A short walk and some food might do the trick," Katie suggested.
"It can be a lot to tackle but I signed up for it, right?" she joked lamely. "I think I'll do that. Sitting around is making me a little stir crazy. I'll be back in a bit. Thanks, Katie."
With a small wave, Clare was off, walking down to the staffroom. She kept her eyes down as she walked past Jake, letting out a breath she hadn't even realized she was holding until she was in a safe range from him. Pushing open the door, Clare was glad to see she was the only person there. She headed over to the coffee maker, pouring herself a cup and adding sugar to it before taking a seat. It was almost excruciating to be at work but she still had to get through the rest of the day. At this rate, going home "sick" was looking like an appealing solution but she didn't want to back down in any regard. Keeping up appearances and sticking it out was the only viable option for her. The last thing she wanted to do was appear weak in front of him.
Rolling her eyes, she took a sip of her coffee, allowing it to wash over. She was grateful for this alone time now, soaking up as much of it as she could. Clare knew she couldn't stay hidden forever but the small break was needed. There was so much going unsaid still, so many unresolved feelings she was forced to live with and it was unbearable more often than not. Clare made a mental note to get in touch with Alli later. She didn't want to be a nuisance, essentially suffering in silence in order to spare her best friend as much as she could but it was to the point now where Clare needed help from someone, anyone that would be willing to listen.
"Thank you again, Janis. I can't wait to meet with the reporter and have them stop by the theatre later this week. It'd be great for them to see how things get done around there. I think it'll be a really good article," Eli said adamantly, anxious to get things underway.
"You're welcome. If anything we should be thanking you. Next month's edition just might be our best one yet and your feature will be the reason why."
Eli smiled at this. Whether she was merely buttering him up or being entirely sincere, Eli was flattered by the sentiment nonetheless. As the two walked to the door, he shook her hand one more time.
"You're much too kind. It was nice meeting you. We'll be in touch," he said before exiting.
Out in the main hall now, Eli looked around himself. The area was just as he'd left it an hour prior with workers milling about and focusing on their different tasks. He knew Fiona would be waiting for him back at the theatre like a dog anxious for its owner at the door after a long day at work. She was more excited for this interview than he was it seemed. He wanted to fill her in on how the meeting went and discuss what they should share with the reporter when they visited in the next few days.
Deciding he wouldn't make her wait any longer, Eli began to walk in the direction of the elevators. Rounding the corner however, he spotted a familiar space. She looked so engrossed with reading something that he wasn't sure if he should say something. But despite that concern, Eli found himself walking over to her on impulse. Rapping his knuckles against the top of the cubicle, he greeted her.
"Knock, knock," he said softly.
Looking up, Clare's eyes widened, her cheeks flushing instantly. "What are you doing here?" she hissed, abandoning her work. "Are you stalking me?"
Eli let out a laugh, shaking his head. "Jeez, do I have that look to me or something? Don't flatter yourself. I'm not a stalker though I am shocked you even remember me with how wasted you were that night."
Clare's jaw clenched at the reminder, shifting uncomfortably in her chair. "Can you please lower your voice? I do work here you know." Glancing over, she sighed in relief that Katie wasn't at her computer and around to overhear anything. Her head turned back to face Eli who rested comfortably against the cubicle wall. "You didn't answer my question. What are you doing here?" she repeated.
"Would you relax? Or do you need a Bloody Mary to calm you down?" he said with a wink. "Your secret's safe with me, Edwards. Don't worry. As for your question, I'm here because your editor in chief wants to do a feature on me for next month. My god, for reporters, communication around here is terrible," he chided, shaking his head wistfully.
"You're awful, you know that?" Rolling eyes, Clare tucked her hair behind her ears, attempting to keep her cool. "Wait…you said they want to feature you? Why? Who are you exactly?" she asked curiously, now genuinely intrigued to find out more.
"I've gotten that a few times, yeah," he replied nonchalantly, shrugging his shoulders. "When I'm not moonlighting as a bar vigilante, I'm a playwright and director down at the Tarragon Theatre. Your editor in chief wants to do a story on me and my newest play."
"Color me not surprised." Furrowing her brows, Clare tapped her index finger against her keyboard. "That's pretty cool though. You must be really talented if Janis is seeking you out."
A soft chuckle elicited from his lips. He had to admit he liked her wit though he wouldn't tell her so then. "I guess so. I think everyone is feeling more hyped about this than me but it's just as well. All I'm really focused on now is opening night. We've all been working so hard and to be able to share that with the rest of the city will be the real reward to all of this," he said sincerely, clearing his throat when he realized how sentimental he was becoming.
It was a little too late though as Clare could hear the tone in his voice when speaking of the play. Gone was the teasing from before and in its place was a sense of warmth. "You seem passionate enough about it so I'm sure the play will be a hit." She smiled at him genuinely, taken aback with how much their conversation had shifted.
Originally she had been on the defense and now she was finding herself softening up a bit more seeing him this way. It was easy now to forget about her inbox full of messages, namely the one that had been giving her trouble before. After she returned from her break, she decided to give it another go but was still at a loss for what to say.
"Writing is what I love most and theatre is my calling. Thanks for the vote of confidence," he said softly, his gaze moving away from her and to her wide screen.
Clare followed the direction he was looking towards, frowning a bit at her screen. She couldn't even find it within herself to get annoyed that he was essentially snooping. It was a lost cause anyway in her eyes. More than anything, it felt more like she was torturing herself.
Eli read the message to himself, repeating the question aloud quietly. "'How do you get over a guy when he's everywhere you are?' That's easy," he said, shifting his weight on his feet. "Instead of investing so much time in a guy that doesn't have the decency to be cordial after a break up, find someone worthy of your time. It doesn't have to be another boyfriend, just a friend- someone you can hang out with, vent to, whatever. That's the problem with most people. They become way too dependent on the person they are with. They make them into their entire world when all along they should have been keeping on to a part of themselves. A break up is the perfect time to focus on what's important and make time for yourself. What good does it do you to sit around wondering about someone who clearly doesn't care about you?"
He stopped short then, realizing how much of a rant he had been going on. He knew that feeling all too well having gone through it twice. He had to learn that life lesson the hard way. After two devastating breakups, Eli had come to the conclusion that perhaps there was truly something as loving too much. He had essentially lost a part of himself after those relationships ended but he could stand on his own two feet today and that within itself was an accomplishment. It was true that it made him grow colder and rule out the chance of falling in love again but Eli felt as if he were justified in doing so.
All love had ever done was destroy him. He was never the type of guy to mess around with a girl's heart and yet that ended up happening to him on two occasions. He had long since learned that perhaps he really wasn't cut out for romance to that extent, instead channeling it all into his writing. It seemed to be the only place his emotions were safe- within the pages of a script.
Looking to Clare now, he studied her face. She seemed to be lost in thought, perhaps allowing his reply to the message sink in. A changing atmosphere was a growing trend for them. Now a silence fell but Eli didn't interrupt it, instead allowing her to mull over whatever thoughts were going through her mind. He knew her situation, of the boyfriend that had dumped her out of nowhere. Perhaps his advice to that unknown person was striking a chord with her.
After another moment, Clare laughed breathlessly, shaking her head and pulling herself back to the present moment. "Sounds simple enough but what appears to be easy isn't always so."
To this Eli nodded his head. "Touché but one day a person has to take stock of their life and see their true worth. That can't come from anyone else." The talk was much more profound than he thought it would be and it made him feel unsure of himself. "I should probably get back to the theatre. You're busy and I don't want to keep you from your work. It was nice seeing you again, seriously. Sober Clare is just as entertaining as Drunk Clare. Who would have guessed it?" he teased, alleviating the heaviness that hovered over them.
Clare wasn't sure if Eli realized just how much his comments were getting to her but she could admit he was making her see things with a new set of eyes. "Right, of course. It was great seeing you sans alcohol this time," she joked as well, rolling her eyes at his teasing. "I don't need drinks to be fun, jerk. I guess I'll see you around some time."
Laughing softly, he nodded once, an amused smirk decorating his lips. "I'll be the judge of that. If we ever talk again, then I'll make up my mind. For all I know, this could be a fluke." Shaking his head, he sighed softly as he pushed himself off the wall. "Later, Edwards," he said with a small wave, turning to leave. He almost bumped into a young woman as she approached, Eli offering a quick apology as she settled into the cubicle across from Clare's.
Katie waited until Eli was out of earshot before turning her inquiry on Clare. "Who was that?" she asked, glancing over her shoulder at Eli's retreating frame.
Clare was stumped on an answer. What was he to her? This was only the second time she spoke with him and the first instance she had been inebriated. But before she consciously realized, she was giving an answer. "He's a new friend of mine," she said simply, smiling to herself before replying to the message on her screen.
A/N: I hope you guys are enjoying the story so far. Feel free to leave reviews and tell me what you think!