Chandler yawned discreetly, trying to keep his eyes open. He shifted in his chair trying to get comfortable as Doug, his boss, droned on and on in a monotonous tone.
His mind drifted away from the meeting and thought about Monica…and Lizzie. He was still confused about the meeting that never happened. Time and time again he almost had the nerve to send a message to Lizzie asking what had happened that night. Why didn't she come?
"So, Bing, are you ready for this presentation?" Doug's voice brought Chandler back to reality and he looked up.
"Excuse me?"
Doug sighed, exasperated, "I was just talking about the possibility of merging with another company Bing! Please pay attention."
"Sorry," Chandler muttered, "What's this about a presentation?"
"I and the rest of your colleagues agree that you are the best man to give a short speech to our employees about the merger. As you may have guessed, they are not happy about this new development."
"Why not?"
"They think they're going to be pushed out Bing! You are the only person here who can convince them otherwise!"
"Ok, anything I can do to help the company." Chandler replied, trying to sound interested.
"That's the spirit Bing!" Doug cried, "Now, I think we should start planning what you are going to say…"
"Now I think we should work together to make this a success…" Chandler said aloud in front of his mirror, "It's important for you all to know that we are in this together…"
Monica walked discreetly into the apartment, listening to Chandler practice his speech.
"Now, if I said this was going to be easy I'd be lying to you. This won't be easy, but I can assure you this, all of you individuals are our priority. If you're not happy in the future, we'll fix it. Thank you."
Monica clapped hard; causing Chandler to turn around, startled that someone had been listening to him.
"Just for your information, this speech was not my idea," he said sheepishly, "I know what you're thinking – it's a load of crap with no meaning."
Monica shook her head. "I think it's good," she protested, "People will really look up to you afterwards."
"I doubt it." Chandler sighed, looking down at his notes, "They'll think it's all a front that hides the truth."
"…And what is the truth?" Monica asked gently.
"That there are going to be a lot of people without jobs over the next few months Monica. Business is bad – it's why we're merging with new managers, to get more money invested in us."
Monica hugged her friend and stroked his cheek. "Don't worry." She told him softly, "I'm sure everything will be ok." She looked at him and smiled. "I know what'll cheer you up!" she said.
"What?" he asked, touched at Monica's concern.
"How about coming out tonight? We could go see a movie or something."
"Not a bad idea," Chandler replied, smiling, "What time?"
"How about eight o'clock? I'll even let you pick the movie!"
Chandler laughed. "I see what you're trying to do," he teased, "You want me to pick a movie you know you won't like, make me feel guilty and we'll end up going to a chick flick! Am I right?"
"Well…maybe." Monica giggled.
"Ah, I KNEW it!" Chandler cried, "It's always the same when I go out with girls. Every time."
Monica widened her eyes. " 'Go out with'?" she asked.
"Um…well…I guess this is what you would call a date." Chandler ventured, looking hopefully at her. "Do you want to come?"
Monica smiled a little. "I thought I was the one who was asking you." She said, amused.
"Ah, well, you see when you were asking me, that was just a friend trying to make another friend feel happier. This is different. Would you like to go out with me tonight as my date?" he asked, grinning at her.
"I would love to." Monica replied softly, blushing a little.
"Ok. So, eight o' clock then?"
"Well, we already said that too but ok eight o'clock is fine by me!" Monica said. She turned to go and then stopped. "By the way, just so you know, you are a great kisser." She told him, blushing more as she left.
Chandler danced around the room, delighted with the last comment. Joey came in, staring at him. "You got a date, haven't you?" he asked, smiling at his friend's pleased expression.
"Yes indeedy," Chandler replied, stopping his dance. "You?"
"No." Joey replied, sighing.
"Haha!" Chandler pointed at him triumphantly and started to dance around the room again. "You're going to be stuck in while I go on a date with the nicest woman I have ever met!"
"You've met Lizzie!" Joey exclaimed.
Chandler stopped in his tracks. "Actually…it's Monica," he confessed.
"Oohh," Joey nodded, understanding, "Then I suppose Lizzie is out of the…um…"
"Equation?" Chandler finished the sentence for him. "I don't know, I just don't know." He shook his head.
"You've got to talk to Lizzie Chandler," Joey said, "Tell her what's going on…"
"Yes but what do I tell Monica about it all?" Chandler exclaimed, "How do I tell her I've been in contact with this woman for nearly three months?!"
"Well you can't count this last month," Joey drawled, "You haven't spoken since she stood you up." He chuckled.
"This isn't funny Joey," Chandler told him angrily, "I'm in a mess."
"So you're two-timing a cyber girlfriend with the girl across the hall." Joey shrugged, indicating that it wasn't something to worry about.
"Maybe you're not the right person to talk to about this," Chandler groaned, sitting down on a chair. "I really like them both. They're so similar. Lizzie is so great to talk with, so perfect for me… but Monica…" he sighed, not finishing his sentence.
"…And Monica?" Joey gestured to Chandler to continue.
"I love her." Chandler finished, "I'm falling in love with her."
END OF PART SIX