Friends ForNever

by Melissa Baldwin

  "This afternoon's mandatory meeting sounds really interesting," Aly says excitedly. "When I was in HR, I overheard some people talking about it. They were saying something about big changes coming."

  Bre and I look at each other. What big changes are they talking about?

  "What else did you hear?" I demand. "Do you know who was talking about it?" I'm practically yelling in poor sweet Aly's face.

  Her eyes get big, and she leans back. "I'm sorry, I didn't hear anything else."

  Bre laughs. "Don't mind Erin. She's so obsessed with work she even gets really excited for boring mandatory meetings. She lives for this stuff. Isn't it depressing? I keep telling her to chill when it comes to work, but I think she would sleep here if they let her," she says sarcastically.

  I give Bre a dirty look, and what she says is only half true. I do love my job, and it's not that I'm excited about the meeting, I'm just really, really, really curious.

  "Whatever," I say defensively. "Isn't it time for you to get back to your dating website?"

  Bre cracks a smile and grabs her phone.

  "Ohhh…that sounds fun. What dating site?" Aly asks excitedly. She slides her chair over to Bre. This is just perfect. Now I'm outnumbered. I may need to consider moving my desk or figure out a way to get that fancy office with my name on the door.

  The day seems to be dragging on, and I haven't seen Aiden at all. I think about sending him a text, but I don't want to appear desperate. Finally, three o'clock arrives. I'm clearly the only person who's interested in going to the meeting. This is, in part, because I'm bored. Between my stupid writer's block and no appearance from Aiden, I need something to distract me. Thankfully, Bre was there to witness him asking me out, or I would wonder if I imagined the whole thing.

  Everyone slowly makes his or her way to the conference room. Chelsie starts off the meeting with a few announcements. I look around the room to see what everyone is doing—Aly is sitting to my left with a notepad, ready to write down every word Chelsie says. I notice she even wrote the words Mandatory Meeting at the top of her paper as well as underlining it twice and dotting the letter I with a heart. Bre will tease her to no end if she sees it. Luckily, she's too preoccupied with her phone to even notice anyone around her.

  "The reason I called everyone here is to let you all in on some fabulous news, and I know many of you are going to like it. Our sister magazine, Bleu Amour, has asked that we collaborate on a few projects with them. We will be sending a team to start working on this in the next month or two as well as looking for a journalist to head up the team. The project will last about five weeks."

  Bre and I glance at each other with excitement. Oh my gosh, this is unbelievable. Our sister magazine happens to be in the one and only City of Light—Paris!

  Chelsie continues, "So, if you are interested in being on this team, you will need to go through a whole new interview process and come up with a piece that will blow the interview panel away. And it absolutely needs to be your best work because only five people will be selected for the team."

  The room is abuzz with everyone talking at once. This is what I've been working so hard for, and now is my chance to actually take my career to the next level. It will be difficult, though, because there is so much talent in this room alone, and I don't doubt for a second that almost everyone wants a chance at this project.

  When the meeting is over, I make a mad dash back to my desk. I'm determined to prove myself. My coworkers are still in the conference room talking about the big announcement, so I have a few minutes of peace and quiet to jot down some ideas.

  "How fantastic is this?" Bre says when she and Aly return to their desks. "We better get to work."

  I force a smile. Don't get me wrong. Bre is a great writer, but she spends most of her workday on social media and dating websites. She's hardly dedicated to her job. I have no doubt she sees this as an all-expenses paid trip to Paris, and that's the only reason she wants to go. Honestly, I don't blame her because who doesn't want to work in Paris for a month? The energy on our floor has changed, and people are actually doing what they are paid to do. I'm going to have to up my game if I want to stand a chance.

  CHAPTER TWO

  I just pour myself a cup of coffee when I hear my phone buzzing. I'm ecstatic to see that it's a text from Aiden, until I read it. Are we still on for Friday night?

  I can't believe he's confirming via text—a text. Here I was stressing out over him not visiting me at work, and now I'm annoyed that he's sending me a text. Again, I haven't dated in a while, so maybe texting is the way it's done now. Would it be so hard for him to call me or, I don't know, send me flowers or diamonds to confirm our date? Not that I've made any effort either, and maybe I should. My childhood best friend, Mya, was always really creative when it came to dating. One year she even took the time to freeze water in a heart-shaped pan, and inside was a laminated invitation to her homecoming. When her date melted the heart, the note inside said Now that you melted my heart, will you go to homecoming with me? People talked about that for years. Granted, I was never that creative. I may or may not have baked cookies or cupcakes for someone at some point, but that's the extent of my creativity when it comes to dating. Hmm…maybe that could be part of my problem?

  I decide to stop my pouting and respond to his text. Yes, can't wait.

  The office has been a different place since Chelsie's big announcement. It's kind of like the Twilight Zone. I have worked at Strike a Pose for two years and have never seen this much work being done—even when there's a deadline. I think Bre has surprised me the most. She hasn't been on social media as much as usual—which isn't saying a lot, but she's definitely taking this prospective job seriously.

  "So, where has Aiden been lately?" Bre asks, taking a break from her work. It's like she's been reading my mind. "Do you know where you're going on your big night out?" I could go into detail about Aiden's text, but I don't want to let on that it bothers me or that I'm overly paranoid about him canceling.

  "Is that any of your business, Bre?" Aiden says, startling me. Why does he always sneak up behind us?

  "It's rude to listen to other people's conversations," Bre says shortly. "I need to look out for my girl and make sure you don't bail on her." She folds her arms, and I want to run far away.

  "Um, thanks, Bre, but I got this," I interrupt her before her big mouth messes everything up. "Maybe we should take a walk." I grab Aiden's arm and pull him toward the elevator. I want to talk to him without a bunch of eyes on us. When we get on the elevator, things seem awkward for a few seconds. "Sorry about Bre. You know how she is," I say, trying to make the horrible awkwardness disappear and fast.

  He waves his hand. "Who cares about her. I wanted to talk about our date. What would you think about taking a drive down to Sonoma?" he asks. "We could just leave from here and head down there. A good friend of mine owns a vineyard, and it's gorgeous."

  What would I think? I think I could die happy. I also really wish we were discussing this over the phone so I could jump up and down and dance around my room.

  "That sounds, um…amazing," I answer as I imagine how perfect this night could be.

  "Good." He smiles. "I'm really looking forward to it."

  Somehow we've managed to move really close to each other. If we were any closer, we would be touching. Our faces are a few inches apart, and my heart starts to race until the elevator door opens. I jump back—a few people join us in the elevator and the horrible elevator silence begins. When we stop on the bottom floor, the two people who intruded on our moment leave, but Aiden and I stay on. The door closes and we are alone again. Unfortunately, it's too late and the moment has passed.

  "So, I better get back to work, but I will see you Friday at five?" he asks.

  "Yes," I say absently as I still try to collect myself after our near-intimate encounter.

  I know it was only a potential kiss, but I could actually feel the sparks between us. It was like a magnetic force pulli
ng us together. I don't think I've ever felt anything like it. As I said, I haven't been involved with anyone for quite a while. In all honesty, I've only had one really intense relationship, and years later, I learned that it was mostly one-sided (my side).

  I practically float back to my desk, and I must have some silly lovestruck look on my face because Aly and Bre are staring at me.

  "What happened to you?" Bre asks suspiciously. "And don't say nothing because I can see it all over your face."

  I really want to tell her. Actually, I want to jump on my desk and announce how I'm feeling to the world.

  "Nothing happened to me. Aiden and I just took a walk to discuss our date privately." I make a point to emphasize that, but knowing Bre, she won't take my obvious hint.

  "You guys make such a cute couple," Aly says excitedly. I knew I liked Aly. Bless this girl. I could kiss her right now. I love the sound of that: Aiden and me—a cute couple.

  "Thanks, Aly, but we aren't a couple. We haven't even gone on our first date yet," I reply, trying to sound nonchalant.

  "What Erin's trying to say is that they aren't a couple yet," Bre says, barely looking up from her computer. I hate that she knows all my business, but yes, that was exactly what I was implying. We aren't a couple yet, but we're well on our way, at least in my mind.

  "I think we need to go out for drinks after work," Bre says, quickly turning around in her chair. "We need a girls' night out. You in?" she asks.

  Before I have a chance to respond, Aly speaks up. "That's an awesome idea! How about sushi?"

  Bre looks at me and raises her eyebrows. I'm not exactly sure what her problem is with Aly because I really like her.

  "Sounds good to me," I reply.

  Bre scowls, but luckily, the ringing of her phone draws her attention away.

  I glance at Aly, who has a huge smile on her face. "I love girls' night out," she squeals. I nod and smile—this ought to be fun.

  * * *

  A few hours later, Bre, Aly, Kimmy, and I are seated around a table, drinking wine, and laughing. I have to agree with Aly—girls' nights are fun, and for me, it's a nice change from my TV binge watching or my workaholic writer's block. Even with Bre's constant babbling about online dating, I'm still having a great time.

  "You girls are fantastic. I thought I was lucky enough to find an amazing job, but I had no idea I would find such great friends as well." Aly holds up her wine glass, and I'm not sure how many glasses she's had because this isn't her first toast of the night.

  Bre and Kimmy are whispering to each other, and I poke Bre on the arm. "Be nice," I say, even though I'm not exactly sure they're whispering about Aly.

  "Thank you Aly," I say, trying to be kind. "We're glad to have you on our team." At least I am, I think to myself.

  "So, Erin, tell us about this hot date you have planned for this weekend," Kimmy says, changing the subject. I give Bre a look. That girl has the biggest mouth. She shrugs her shoulders, clearly trying to claim innocence.

  "What hot date?" I say before I take a long sip of my wine, or rather finish the glass. I know I don't have a chance in hell of leaving this restaurant without having a discussion about Aiden and me.

  The girls are staring at me, patiently waiting for my answer.

  "So, what do you guys think about the Paris project?" I ask. I really do want to get their thoughts because even though they are my friends, they're also my competition.

  "Uh-uh, don't try to change the subject," Kimmy interrupts. "Everyone knows that you and Aiden have wanted each other for a while now. It was just a matter of time that you would finally get together, right, Bre?"

  Bre nods her head without taking her eyes off her phone. "And when you get married you can tell everyone how you owe it all to me."

  Married? What? I'm starting to sweat.

  "Aiden and I have been friends for a while, and we like hanging out together. He's planning the date, so I don't have any more details for you ladies." I feel satisfied with my answer. I need to say something to take the focus off my love life. "Now back to the project. What do you think?"

  Kimmy and Bre start talking at once about Paris and what a huge opportunity this could be for the future. I notice that Aly has gotten really quiet, and I feel bad. I'm sure she doesn't think she would stand a chance going up against the rest of us who've been in the industry longer. The reality is that she has just as much of a chance as any of us, maybe more. She probably has fresh, new ideas and might be the perfect addition to the team.

  Bre and Kimmy start talking about the French food and all the sites they want to visit in Paris. Don't get me wrong, I want to soak up every bit of culture I can while I'm there, but the reason I really want to go is because of the experience I will get. That project will look fantastic on my résumé, and I think that would put me even closer to that fancy office with my name on the door.

  "Can you imagine all the European men we could meet?" Bre says loudly. I knew that was coming.

  Aly finally speaks up after what seems like hours of silence. "I would just love the opportunity for the experience," she says excitedly. "I mean, the chance to work on an international project so early in my career. That would be so cool."

  Her face immediately falls. Poor girl.

  "Aly, you have just as good of a chance as any of us," I remind her. Bre and Kimmy exchange glances. I don't understand why they're acting like such mean girls.

  "I don't know," Aly says.

  "Honestly, everyone has to start somewhere in this industry," I say. "I can remember many times when I thought I was just wasting my time, but every chance I took gave me more and more experiences. Don't you guys agree?" I ask Kimmy and Bre.

  Bre doesn't say anything, but Kimmy immediately speaks up.

  "I totally agree," she says loudly. "If I never sent over samples of my work I would probably be unemployed right now."

  Aly and Kimmy start chatting about my awesome pep talk, and Bre plays on her phone. I glance curiously around the room when someone catches my eye at the bar. It's Aiden! I run my fingers through my hair just in case he happens to see us. My heart starts to beat faster, and I take a few deep breaths. Why do I get so nervous when he's around?

  "Is that Aiden?" Bre asks loudly. She gets really loud when she drinks too much.

  "Where?" I ask, pretending that I didn't already see him.

  "Aiden?" she yells. "Aiden?"

  Several people look at us.

  "Bre, stop!" I plead. He turns, and when he sees us, he smiles and waves.

  I lean back casually in my chair because I don't want to show my excitement. Aiden turns back to the bartender and then starts talking to the hot guy sitting next to him at the bar. He points to us, and now the hot guy is waving. A few minutes later, they are walking toward us.

  "Who's that with him?" Bre asks. She quickly checks her makeup in her phone. I already know how this is going to go down.

  "Please don't embarrass me," I whisper to Bre. She gives me a wicked smile.

  "Well, well, what's going on here?" Aiden says playfully as he walks over to our table. "Are we interrupting ladies' night out?" He walks directly toward me and places his hands on my shoulders, and an electric shock shoots through my body.

  "Yes, you are," Bre replies. "But we might let you slide—at least Erin might let you slide." She winks at me. "Although, I may let you slide if you introduce your friend." She looks at his friend. "Sorry, Aiden can be rude at times."

  Kimmy and Aly don't say anything, but they're both staring at Aiden's friend, and I don't blame them.

  "Yeah, thanks a lot, bro. You really are being rude," he says as he slaps Aiden on the back. "Good evening, ladies. I'm Harry, Aiden's cooler, better-looking brother."

  Brother? Yes, I can definitely see the resemblance.

  "Yeah, and older," Aiden says with a snicker.

  The girls are still staring at Harry, and I'm not doing that much better. He looks a lot like Aiden except a little bit more muscular a
nd rugged. He has a few more wrinkles around the eyes, but their smiles are identical.

  We go around the table to introduce ourselves. Harry shakes each of our hands firmly. Granted, he has to pry his hand out of Bre's tight grasp.

  "You all work at that girly magazine? Damn, maybe I should get a job there. Aiden never told me that his coworkers were so beautiful," Harry says with a big smile. Oh, he's smooth. He definitely knows how to play it up just right. The girls are practically swooning. "So tell me, ladies, how is it working with my little brother?" He sits down in a chair that has somehow magically appeared. I look at Aiden, who also finds a chair and sits down. Where did those chairs come from? Have I also become completely mesmerized by Harry's smooth talking? Aiden subtly slides his chair closer to mine, and my heart does a flip-flop.

  "He's annoying as hell," Bre says sarcastically. "The only reason he comes around us is to flirt with ET over here." She points at me. Aly and Kimmy laugh.

  "I haven't heard about the ET thing yet," Aly says excitedly. She's really trying hard to become a part of our team, and I've been in her corner up until now—that is, until she starts in with that stupid nickname.

  I hit Bre on the arm. She knows how much I hate being called ET.

  "ET?" Harry asks with a smirk on his face.

  I raise my eyebrows at Aiden. "You want to explain that nickname?"

  Aiden puts his arm around my shoulder. (I'm trying not to blush, but I can feel my face getting really hot.) "This is Erin Taylor. I like to tease her, so I call her ET, and she hates that movie."

  "What?" Harry exclaims. "What's wrong with you, woman? Nobody hates E.T. It's a classic."

  Thankfully, before I have time to respond, the conversation changes to everyone's favorite movies. I shift around in my chair but start to relax after a few minutes. Aiden is sitting to my right, and every so often he will touch my arm or my leg or lean toward me. It takes every ounce of strength not to wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him. Now I'm more excited for our date than ever.