Chapter 3

My heart was beating like crazy by now and my hands were getting slightly sweaty, so I cut off the handshake as soon as I could. Needless to say, I was overwhelmed by his charming gesture. Meanwhile, George was giving me a killer look, which made me shiver. What else was I supposed to do? It's completely normal for a girl to start trembling at the sight of such mighty human. It wouldn't be normal if I wouldn't.

While I was trying to settle down and cease my heartbeat, Tim was staring at me, in wait for an answer. I came up with nothing good as an excuse for pretending I know not of what he's speaking about. Somehow, when he was standing right here in front of me, lying to impress somebody didn't mean such importance as it would in 'normal' circumstances.

"Well, I did in fact bump into you this morning," I answered insecurely. "But I never would've figured you'd remember me."

"I try to remember each lovely face I meet." His mouth once again elongated into a flirty smirk. Was he doing this to every woman he met or did he actually fancy me? That was the biggest mystery to me in that moment.

I chuckled to come off relaxed and adorable as I wanted to, but my nervousness once more destroyed the magical moment. To cover my instant redness that overcame my cheeks, I shyly looked away, but could still feel his heavenly blue eyes locked on my face. Something was going on, and it made me confused to not know what that thing was. Something was definitely in the air that day, or maybe it was just the tension that cooled down from when I rushed to the office.

Then it hit me – why did I actually come here for? I hated when something or someone could enchant me into some foolish creature not knowing its whereabouts in a split of a second just by looking at me.

I straightened my posture, put on a fearless expression, not giving out a single thought that crept through my mind.

"You said you were finished with your meeting, is that right?" My voice turned out to be slightly a bit more bossy than I've planned, but it worked, because Tim simply nodded and remained silent. Even his lips were still for a change.

"Well then, if you have nothing of big significance left to discuss about, I'd like to steal George from you for a few moments."

My arm slightly brushed Tim's as I was passing by him, to get near my boss. When I came to face him, my lips formed a forced smile, as I glanced to Tim for the last time. What they just agreed on or simply the nature of their meeting was still a mystery for me, but now I knew I had to focus on myself for just a bit. This was my chance of letting George know, that by putting my onto higher position, it also meant that he will not be able to play with me any more as he did so far. I suddenly realized once again the importance of my rush to get George to speak with me. It filled me with instant shame and disgrace to also acknowledge how little it takes to get me distracted. Carried away just with one look.

Tim was now closing the door, and suddenly I felt easier to breathe. My lungs captured the full air once again, and I was ready for a battle.

"I suggest we sit down. This might be a bit of a shock for you," I started simply and formally. Not usually my style of speaking when with George, but this was much more important than all the topics we've ever discussed before. "Although I was, however, standing up when hearing the news…"

I couldn't help myself but to add a bit of sarcasm to my incoming verbal attack. I knew it would hit George to let him know I am aware of his dirty little secrets as well as it did me. But I wasn't holding back the anger bursting within me.

"When were you planning on telling me this?" My voice was shaking, full of insecurity and indecisiveness, yet fearless and ruthless.

He was giving me a surprised look, oddly filled with sincere confusion. "I truly don't know what you're talking about. Do you mean Tim?" He threw his right thumb behind him to point on the guest, which was already gone.

I tried to ignore the signs of him actually not knowing what I was talking about, but the voice in the back of my mind was telling me he's just making a fool out of me. Like all those times before. I should have gotten used to it by now.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about, George." It was in my intentions to lead on this conversation this time and not letting him slip like each time the situation was getting out of hand. He sure is known for his great mind and creativity, but like every human being he also possessed a flaw. It was when things were getting difficult, when you have to work a bit harder, he would give up and let others do it instead. Even if that meant me, from time to time, but he tried his best to avoid that and save me for the writing part.

Sometimes I let him control me. Maybe too many times, I was aware of that. But how far was he prepared to go until I'd eventually give up? Was that his intention? I surely believed (or even hoped) that was not true. Because even though he had occasional trust issues, he often trusted me his top secret and greatest projects. When I first applied to this job I knew I'd to anything to keep it. It was my lifetime chance when I got accepted, when they said they loved my CV and how I manage to put together the most interesting words into beautiful sentences. I felt it in my bones I have to cling onto this opportunity no matter what. No matter what others might say, it was my break-through. I was lucky enough to come across it so early, let alone let it pass me by.

George eventually put his brown reading glasses in his palm and rubbed the corners of his eyes with the fingers of another. I had a gut feeling he's getting pretty irritated and annoyed and the last thing I needed was his moodiness ruin the rest of my day.

When he was starting to give no sign whatsoever of wanting to continue this conversation, I took a breath to convince him again, but he shut me up by putting his palm with glasses in front of my face. Somehow I was left speechless, still knowing deep inside me where the boundaries are.

"Julia..." he said tiredly. My heart was aching. "I knew you would sooner or later come to this point where you'd find out. But first of, before you get so obnoxiously proud of being right and having your suspicions, sadly, confirmed, I'd like to share my side of this story."

My mouth went dry like somebody would drain it in a matter of milliseconds. His words hurt me way more than I planned. I was trained so well by now, that I always somehow expected the bad news first and got pleasantly surprised if I was proved otherwise. But this time all my skills of being cold-blooded and ruthless, simply faded away. All my courage suddenly washed away. The words left unspoken hanged deadly in my mouth, leaving me unable to utter them. I couldn't comprehend those feelings bottled inside me; was I feeling guilty of pressing on him that hard, was I sad and hurt that it was actually all true or …. or did I actually feel sorry for him? Because after all: he is the main editor and he is the one taking whole responsibility for this business going down. Nobody can or will take his place this time, insuring him they will take care of the matter he was trying to avoid. Maybe that was his punishment, his penance for ignoring the important things in his life for too long.

I just stood there, all weak and bleak. Suddenly I felt an urgent need to hug him, but I successfully managed to shove that stupid idea back where it came from. A part of me was feeling sorry for him, prepared to do anything for him what he'd ask of me, but the other one, and probably the one I should obey in this moment, was telling me it was all his fault, he screwed up and that there's no way out of here unless he clears this mess up himself. After a few tough moments of observing the floor beneath him, he looked me straight in the eye. I wasn't quite sure, but did I saw a tear reflecting in his eye?

"I had a great deal. An awesome deal. A deal I've never had the guts before to carry out." I sensed obviously still present pride in his voice, and maybe after I'd hear his story, I wouldn't blame him. His eyes were sparkling like never before, until they sadly dropped and the sparkle died once he continued. "But the main representative of our biggest sponsor chose the other company over us and then I realized how foolish I'd been. How blind to let it all happen right in front of my nose."

He hung his head slowly and made a small pause before proceeding. "Maybe that was the problem. It was all too good to be true. I felt something like that would happen, but I chose to ignore it, because the feeling of triumph felt too well to just let it pass."

Again he put his brave expression on his face, an expression I haven't seen in a long time, if ever, now that I think about it. I was still awfully torn apart between the things I should do right now, the things that seemed most appropriate. But the best thing I could think of at that moment was to remain silent, not judge him and just listen to his story. If the George I knew was now about to speak, I was positive he would come up with a good plan for me as for the whole company. He invested too much in it to lose it now. He even put his family at stake to make it work.

"That's why I was hoping you'd come to yell at me for what I've done, not some other employee. I wanted to solve this matter with only you and you alone, because I was most ashamed to come to you myself." The obvious despair mixed with fear flashed through his eyes, and now I was certain what I am to do. Be there for him. But to be honest, my mind was currently not in the best form for creating life-saving agendas that would bring this company back to life. Or maybe he has prepared something for me already?

"I... I'm speechless, George." I wasn't feeling like keeping it all inside me now that he came out in front of me, so I let it out. All of it. "I'm not sure what to do. I'm not even sure of my place here any more. All the time I felt like we trusted each other, like you said yourself. It has never even crossed my mind that you'd betray me."

Maybe I was too tough in the choice of words I spoke, but like I said – I wasn't in the mood of keeping my secrets from him, my feelings and how I felt about this. Because even though he said it had ruined his life, it would also make a huge effect on the rest of the crew. He couldn't get away without bearing a bit of responsibility and consequences for his actions.

He was just about to say a comeback to me, but I cut him off. "I won't leave you now, I give you my word. But you have to tell me one more thing." I was being dead serious by now. "Do you have any kind of plan whatsoever about solving this? Or at least some dignity left to tell everything you told me to our co-workers? They deserve to know, you know."

We both knew what followed. He had no choice, but to ask me to escort him to the staff room, where the crew was having a break right now. He did what I suspected and we were only a few meters away from the glass sliding door, parting us from the curious and anxious journalists, when he stopped out of nowhere. He had to lean his had back a bit to actually be able to look me in the eyes. When he did, I could notice overcoming fear in his eyes, which was not the right way to start this. He needed to be confident about this, ready for the rude comments and remarks from his inferiors which are not how I reacted. Maybe this was the time when they'd all stand up against him and finally let out what they've been holding inside for so long. Maybe they were sensing this and preparing for some sort of revolt, but I seriously doubt that.

Though it was a totally acceptable option in George's eyes that were begging me for mercy right now. "Everything's going to be all right, George. Chin up, smile on and tell them the news with professional attitude that you own. Show them you're the right boss for them and they wouldn't want anyone else beside them but you in this kind of situation." I tried my best to instil courage into him, but his eyes were still reflecting insecurity. "I'll be next to you the whole time. I'll be there for you, but you have to do this on your own. You can do this, George," I said almost whispering.

I have never in my entire life spent here though I'd be in this kind of position with my boss. Having to tell him the inspiring and brave words to encourage him instead of him being in my place. It was slightly awkward and unexpected, but it was in my nature to help a person in anguish. That was just me. Regardless of the other person's position or rank, I'd help them out like I'd want them to do the same for me. Even if that wasn't always the case.

George was now instantly filled with enough courage to give him the strength of opening the glass door with such pomposity it made me think he might be bipolar. Just a few seconds ago he was asking me to do this instead of him, but now he gave off such glow and confidence I haven't seen in a while, since all I noticed lately were his concerned and sad eyes. I was, however, happy for him, but something wasn't right. Something inside me was telling me he does have a hell of a plan which, of course, he hadn't told me about in full. Something made him feel suddenly so positive about the world around him, and I knew it was something he was much eager and excited to share with the rest of us.

The co-workers were utterly surprised when George entered the room with his usual straightened posture and unreadable expression. His eyes flew around the room, checking each and every single one around him. When he finished his observation job, he sighed loudly, his eyes still filled with ill excitement which left the employees bewildered. I was also still in shock of the past few events that all happened in such narrow timing. They left me confused and wondering what the future will bring. But I knew I had to let those words be spoken by our boss, not some annoyingly appreciated ass-kissing toad that always did everything instead of him. Even I was getting on my nerves by now.

"Sorry to interrupt you during your delicious lunch break," he said cheerfully, ending the sentence with a smile exposing almost each tooth he possessed. "But I'm afraid I have even more delicious news for you instead!"

He let out a brief chuckle while observing his employees still in the middle of the bite of their lunch while having their eyes stuck on the small, preposterous person in front of them who was spoiling their precious free time. I'd be mad as well, if I were so rudely interrupted in the middle of a meal (which was very good today, by the way). The people who were holding the sandwich in their hands now stopped eating and waited for the news their boss promised to tell. It was quite a funny scene, if you were some random guy observing the situation; George was standing right in front of the entrance into the room (possibly to quickly dash when he'd reveal the bad news before the employees would get a chance to tear him to pieces) with his evil smile on his mouth. I was right beside him, like I've promised, just going along with his tactic by nodding at each word he said and tried to ignore the countless times I've caught someone staring at me with despise in their eyes. Others would either stand, leaning on the cupboard and holding a cup of morning coffee in their hand, or eating their lunch. To pass the time while this awkward moment of silence was filling the atmosphere, I tried to imagine which employee would attack (verbally or physically) George first. It was a fun game until I realized I'd probably be involved as well.

Then George realized it was time. I turned to him as he gulped, but still managed to maintain the timeless pride in his eyes and body language. "My dear, dear friends..." By saying that we both realized it was wrong the moment he uttered it. "There are times in the world of successful companies, whether in business, media or travelling, when it gets tough. We've all experienced such bitter era from our previous occupations since this isn't our first job, except this young lady next to me." His body turned around with his right arm coming towards me, and I caught myself blushing. It was true, no matter how high my position here was. I was the 'novice', even though I got familiar with writing at an early age. They all shot me an envious look and George probably sensed that since he continued with his sentence and all eyes were on him once again. I sighed with relief as I also turned my eyes on him, closely following with what he was saying. "But I would like to emphasize that in a positive way. Since she will be playing a rather huge role in what I'm about to say."

My heart went crazy. My neck vain was jumping out of the skin so evidently I had to cover it with my hand. I had no clue at all what he was about to say. Although I still held a tiny bit of hope left he'd reveal what he said to me earlier. I hoped he was that smart enough to obey me on this one.

He started off executing his purpose of being here by telling the truth, thankfully, like I've suspected. My heartbeat went normal again for those short moments where he was merely saying how sorry he was, rather than exposing the true matter. I guess his shyness overcame him. Although worries have never truly left my mind. I was concerned from the start about how he would carry out the whole thing, despite the fact that I trusted him. He still was from time to time unpredictable, defending his glorious reputation of being unbeatable. Until this day.

"I admit," he said after a short pause to let people sink in what he's just said. "I was a foolish man. I believed in my abilities, my ambitions and the invincibility of our company. I was more than just wrong – I let it go that far to risk losing it all. Put you all at stake."

I cannot deny the fact it was a moving speech. After all we've been through for a past few months, sentimentality was the last thing a person would expect from this man. Like me (plus probably the whole crew), he tried to withdraw from the feelings that might get in the way. Sadly, that was often the case. Not just with him, but with many of us. We just couldn't let it happen that our opponents, our rivals would sense a slight sign of weakness in our actions. For that would trigger them to take advantage of it. We were all too aware of that.

"So that is why, after a short period of time I had at disposal, I came up with a plan." Whole room stopped breathing. I had a feeling about this I couldn't not yet categorize whether was it a bad or a good one. I guess I could say I just went with the flow of the events. "Before you start burdening yourself with unnecessary doubt and fear, let me assure you it has more caution and approval put in it this time." Once again, he flashed his perfectly straight teeth which were the aftermath of wearing braces his whole puberty. Quite painful. I wasn't really sure how I was supposed to feel about the approval part since nobody quite knew anything about his plan yet, though I dared to think I knew what he was about to say.

"As some of you might noticed," he devoted me a mocking look which I tried to ignore. "We had a special guest today."

Suddenly it all made sense. It was all so clear to me now I mentally slapped myself in the face for being so blind before. It was all in his head a long time ago, the whole celebrity thing. I guess I could say he started taking care of the crumbling business quite early after his little incident. But I did not yet know what exactly did he have in mind when he brought him to our office. Something was definitely up and I hated it when I was stuck in a situation like this.

George's eyes were now glowing with ultimate shine that have always identified him. I could still sense him trembling a bit from being under a huge tension right now. However he did not show any sign of indulgence or surrender. He kept on going around the room with his skilled glance, making sure everyone was comfortably seated and prepared for what he had in store for them. For I had a feeling it will shock them more than the news of being at the edge of bankruptcy.

"A very special guest, if I may add. For those who are not informed about my little meeting today – it was that famous film star, Tim Huttington. Some haven't met him, yet some have been more acquainted with the fellow, am I right, Julia?" I swear he was doing this on purpose. Was it not humiliating enough that I made a complete idiot out of myself just in front of him, let alone in front of the actor? He had to make me feel embarrassed in front of those morons as well. I ought to have expected that.

"Well it was a bit unusual, yes," I replied straightforwardly. My cheeks went red as I felt each pair of eyes in this room on me. All I needed right now was another idiotic event that would convince my sometimes parochial co-workers that I possessed yet another privilege they will never have the chance to even think about owning. Sometimes I wished I could just slap him in that sadistic face of his.

"Oh Julia, don't be shy now!" He let out a loud chuckle which was really annoying. "No need to be humble now. You said yourself you had quite a face-to-face one this morning."

I could hear the loud and angry breaths my female co-workers took in from across the room. And it was not flattering at all, if that was George's intention.

"It was very awkward and brief. He hardly remembered me." The moment I said it I knew it was totally incorrect. He let it go that far I even started lying to myself.

Before he could happily announce my poor lying skills, I cut him off with a surprisingly creative comeback. "But yeah, you could say it was quite a refreshing thing to have happened to you as the first thing on Monday morning." With that answer, or rather a statement, I shut him up instantly which caused a rather big increment to my ego.

It was commonly known that defeat was not in George's nature. That's why he calmly continued with our indirect conversation. "That might actually be a use for you since you'll be spending an awful lot of time with him in the near future."

There are moments in life that really do take you by surprise. And by surprise I mean you often feel like you've just found out something so unexpected you almost shit your pants. That would be the least to describe what I was feeling right in that moment. First my eyes spread wide open like I was trying to suffocate someone with my eyes. In a way I guess it worked since one of my co-workers seemed to be really freaked out by my murderous glance. Then, after a solid five seconds of complete silence, I realized I was holding my breath the entire time. I literally lost the track of time. Then my sudden shock turned into boiling rage. He did, however, very explicitly showed he was highly enjoying this.

"What... What exactly do you mean by that, George?" I let out a ridiculous chuckle I regretted the very second I uttered it. In response, George giggled quite rudely. What was up with him lately?

"My dear Julia, I mean that you'll be making an interview with the guy." I already knew that when I searched through my titles for the future issues. But how was that relevant? Or rather, what good will it do us except to maybe increase the sale a little bit which will be merely caused by teenage fan girls and his publicist? Again, I had a mess in my head.

"But if it's a regular interview it would only take me one meeting to-"

"Na-a. That is why you won't me making just an interview. Or at least not an ordinary one. I mean, hello – it's Tim freaking Huttington, the Avenger's star!"

This was getting more and more bizarre. Not only was he hiding the company's problems from me, he was as well hiding an actual purpose to my most recent article. What the hell was he thinking?

"I really don't know what your point is here," I said rather bored. I had enough of his little games and sarcastic answers that only made me more confused and distracted. Maybe he enjoyed seeing me like this, but if that was the case I'll make sure he was never going to see me again.

"You'll be going on a little trip with him, love!" He looked at me as if I was playing dumb. Or was on purpose postponing the whole thing. But let me assure you one thing – I was definitely not being the centre of attention on purpose here.

"A trip?"

"Well not an actual one, of course! You'll be spending some time with him on the set of his new film coming up. We'll make sure you won't be in the way while he'll be doing his job." I was now certain I'll never speak to him again.

"Sorry if I missed – but what again will be my job?" I asked with insecurity in my voice.

If that was his grand rescuing plan, I must confess I was not deeply impressed. Or at all impressed, really. I shouldn't be so surprised, though, seeing him passing on his own burden on someone else's shoulders. And this time this 'someone else' was me.

I didn't mind him collaborating with me on certain things when I agreed on it. But this... This was way too much. Something I actually thought, for the first time in my life, that I won't be capable of doing. To be precise; I'd be capable of doing it. But I just didn't see the point in all this, therefore will not be able to do it perfectly like it was common in my work ethic. Yes, Mr Huttington did agreed on it. But will it be enough? Just some boring story about an actor who already has so many other things on his mind? And I suspected George knew damn well how 'in the way' I'll be on the set of that stupid movie. I admit, I did found the guy rather adorable and humorous. But other than that, I could not stand celebrities and the whole fame thing. It just wasn't my area. That's why I think any other person in this room would be more qualified for this kind of thing.

"I think we need to talk George."

"Oh Julia, don't be so dramatic. May I just please say-"

"Not this time, George," I cut him off this time. "I need to have a word with you. Now."

I could feel all eyes on the pair of us once again, but then I decided I had enough of those judgemental quims. I rushed out of the office and made sure I slammed those glass doors pretty damn hard as I left. It was in my intentions to let them know how pissed off I was right then.

My feet made their own way down the hall, as far away from that office as possible. After few seconds of walking really loud and incredibly fast, I heard another footsteps behind me. I could only guess whom they belonged to.

"Julia, I'm really sorry, I didn't know-"

"Could you please stop speaking now? If I remember correctly it was me who had something to say. Or at least I hope I still own that right of choices I make."

George's eyes flew away from mine and focused on a grey wall behind me. His posture was not as straight any more, and his shoulders tiredly and sadly dropped.

"First, I think you owe me an explanation why did you let me handle this article in the first place? I'm aware of what we agreed on the meeting this morning, but you know a thing like that... might not be what you're expecting. I'm all for the challenge, but we both know this is not what I'm here for. Not what are magazine is about either."

George's eyes revealed an emotion I've never seen in them before. It was a bold thing to do – yet I was sure what I saw was pure defeat. I've come to the point of no return. He didn't see any sense at all to keep lying to me so he went for it.

"It was not in my intentions to make you feel deprived or insecure about your abilities. If that's what I've caused, please forgive me," George said softly.

"You could've at least told me about this in private. What held you back this morning?"

"I... I felt ashamed. I could only imagine the expression on your face once you've seen the title. My actions were purely selfish and arrogant."

I've never seen George so vulnerable and weak right in front of me like this before. He never opened up to anyone about his feelings or his perception of things, if it was not about work. Somehow I let myself accept his apology, simply because I've had enough of our stupid, pathetic and completely irrational quarrel. However we did fight about important things, such as him tainting our mutual trust, but I guess sometimes you forgive people because you still want them in your life. And for all I knew, I needed this in my life. We've grown quite close during my time here. Who else would have my back other than George?

"I understand. It's a difficult time for all of us, and sometimes it slips my mind that you alone hold the whole responsibility and that you too sometimes feel like you lack of friends you can trust. I totally get that. And I'm here to make sure you won't feel that way again." He took my hand in his and squeezed it. It was a sign of reunited trust and friendship.

"Now, you have to tell me what that whole celebrity fuss is about," I said gently with a bit of humour as I withdrew from his touch. Still I had a perfectly straight goal for today – to clear up this matter with George. I have to admit; it did bug me the whole time.

"Let me escort you to my office where we'll clarify all the things that worry you." George kindly encouraged me to start walking towards our destination by clutching my left shoulder blade.

After a long period of time filled with worries and anxiety, I finally managed to feel calm once again. I should have felt more cramped or stressed about the fact that this company's future depends on me and how I'll do with the article. But to be honest, it mattered more to me that I have George back on my side again. Him coming back to reality and facing things as they were, was his biggest achievement so far. We all get carried away from time to time, feel invincible and like nothing can stop us. But if we don't put enough hard work and thought in it, it might actually fail. When all we meant was good – not only for ourselves, but the people around us as well. And I knew that from beginning, that George only meant it this to work.

Now that we were back on the same track, we could start working as professional partners as well. We were both excited for the things yet to come, although now that I've put this emotional break-down behind me, I was scared as hell as well. Nothing was certain and confirmed. The only approval I have is Mr Huttington's, and I don't even know if he's truly in this thing with his heart. Because after all, he didn't have to. He already has so many other appointments and press conferences that the last thing he needed was some nerve-racking journalist, eager to get a lifetime story out of him that would make her career bloom.

To be honest, I was afraid of even having a word with that guy. I was in awe of him, like each person would be. Though I thought he was intelligent and bright, I did not know what to expect. Even being close to that man made you go bananas. I mean, he's so freaking tall. I never would have expected to be actually in contact with a famous person. If someone told me that a few years ago I'd laugh at him and think that someone is being sarcastic and rather rude. That is how low my self-esteem was. Nothing really changed, though, I just found the way to ignore that.

That's why I was so nervous about this thing. We were now slowly walking to George's office, and I could feel my hands getting really sweaty. I was afraid I was going to fail him for the first time. Sure, I've been through a lot and a lot has happened to me, still was. But this was different. Going on an actual field trip with a guy with such high level of recognition among people was beyond describable. And I wasn't even sure if I meant that in a good or a bad way. I was just hoping George would give me further instructions of how to actually carry out this thing, because I hadn't got the slightest idea where to even start.

I know it's been a long time, but I'm not sure I will be able to post exactly on seven-days-time. I'm knee-deep in school work and I'm already really behind, so it's kinda hard doing it all at the same time. But enough whining! I am doing this with pleasure (guaranteed with more pleasure and joy than school work, although sometimes I wish it was the other way around, at least for the time being) and keep up (well, I'll try) with posting chapters within ten days.

I hope you guys like the story so far, although I know it gets pretty boring at the end, but I tried keeping it interesting and adventurous. I give you my word - the promising parts of the story are yet to come, don't give up just yet! But I have a thing of making long-ass introductions into the stories and describing things.

Anyway, I'll be maybe updating the chapters a bit when I get the chance, but so far I hope you're satisfied - otherwise please give me some advice, comment, anything at all to make this better! :)

Till the next time...