"An offer I can't refuse?" Why did I have this feeling like I was about to sell my soul to the devil.

"Yes an offer... I know you will like." That wicked smirk was on his face.

"Alright, tell me."

He grinned. "I've had you replaced, because I want you to take leave."

"Leave?" I said confused "I don't understand?"

"Lea, you need time to yourself, you've made time for everyone else, your Dad, your work, your cousin and for Randy but what about you?"

"I'm perfectly fine."

"Trust me, you're not...I can see how hurt you are, it's not healthy." He looked at me with pity.

"I'm fine."

"I may not look like it, but I know women and 'I'm fine' never means that."

I put my hands over my face and sighed. "So you want me to go?"

"Lea, you're getting me wrong" he said getting up off his seat and putting his hand on back "I want you to stay, I just think you just need some time for yourself and I have a fantastic idea on how you should spend it."

"You do?"

"I want you to stay at my villa in Miami."

"Miami!" I said excited.

He laughed "yes just for a few weeks, I want you to enjoy yourself and come back a little happier."

"You'd do that for me?"

"I don't like to see you upset."

My eyes became glossy; I stood up and hugged him. I could feel him resist, yet he put his arms around me.

"You are just the kindest man I've ever met, how could I ever make it up to you?"

"Well... here comes the deal. You have to come with me to Christmas Party on Saturday."

"That's what I have to do? Your joking, of course I'll go with you!"

He smiled "alright, I'll pick you up at 6pm."

"Alright" I grinned "you know you really aren't that bad."

He smirked "close the door on your way out."

...

I decided to go dress shopping since I was now going to the Christmas party. I was in one of the clothing stores trying on this gorgeous dark grey off shoulder short tulle dress. I thought I looked great; I was really excited now to go to this party. I mean Mr Barrett had become my friend, he was kind and dashing. After getting lost in my reflection I became lost in what I could behind me through mirror. "Ivana?"

"Hello Lea" she said hugging me "that dress looks lovely."

"So does yours" I said admiring her long, figure hugging, lilac strapless gown "you look amazing."

"Thank you" she said "it's for the reception."

"The reception, you guys are having a reception, really?"

"Yes, well you know now that Randy and I are married" she showed off the diamond ring on her finger. I was entranced by the ring, the reality setting in.

"It's beautiful."

"Randy must have gone to give tell Paul, it's this Saturday."

I was tied; the Christmas party was on Saturday. "This Saturday? I actually have my own party to go to."

"But, Randy's your best friend, he'd be devastated if you weren't there, this party was mostly so he could spend it with you."

Feeling of guilt reeled through my mind. "I'll definitely try to make it."

"It would mean a lot to both of us; I know we are already thinking about making you godmother to our children."

"Godmother?"

"We hope to see you there Lea." She went back into her change room.

I stood there staring at my reflection; suddenly I didn't feel as great as I had.

...

"So you're in a bit of a dilemma" said Bethany.

"Yeah, I mean I don't know which party I should go to. Maybe I could go to both?"

"Well that might be difficult Lea seeing as one party is on land and the other is at sea!"

"See! I'm not even thinking straight, I need you to help me."

"Alright, just give me two minutes I need to take out the birthday cake" she said opening the fridge.

It was Friday night and it was Henry, Bethany's son's birthday party. Randy had left the invitation to his reception with my Dad, I wasn't home. Randy had called me numerous times; I just wanted space from him. This was all happening so quick for me; I had to adjust to life without him as much. Of course he would still be there, but it would never be as it used to be, everything had changed.

"If you ask me, I say get the fuck over Randy and get with your boss! A good fuck would do you good."

"Bethany please, he's just my boss and could I remind you we're at a children's party, your own child's party."

She grinned eating her cake "Lea, I think this is a sign, get with the guy Randy hates, stick it up his ass that he's living his life and you're going to live your own, I mean he has a villa in Miami, who knows what else he has. I'm sure he doesn't just want your company at the party, he wants a little more for the after party"

"Are you insane? Your being crazy, maybe I should just go to the reception, I'm his best friend shouldn't I be there?"

"Why? So you can cry like a baby, seeing the two together. The reception is celebrating the two as a couple, how is someone as fragile as you are, be able to handle that?"

"I'm not that fragile."

She gave me an apprehensive look.

"Alright, but I feel like I'm letting him down."

"Listen to me, do something for you and go to your Christmas party! You'll be so much better off."

...

I went to bed thinking over what I should do. I thought it would mean a lot to go to the reception party, to try and get myself over him. I'd be happy for them and show my support. But I was really excited about the Christmas party, Wade had been a good friend to me and he was being so kind and caring to me. I would have enjoyed having fun on a cruise. But if I went to the Christmas party, I knew Randy would be devastated and he would hate me for now caring. But if I went to the reception, I would break into a million pieces. Bethany was right. I couldn't bear seeing the two together, happy. It would be excruciating, to see him with another woman, to see him kiss her and then leave without turning back. What was I to do?