Pretender

Okay but why did the last part make me find Elijah unattractive???

I love making fun of my writing.

I fixed myself a small plate of dessert that now lay on the table where dinner once was. They had a variety of options from, tiny bit-sized delicacies to a healthy slice of cake.

I opted for a brownie and some sort of fruit pastry. After talking with Elijah - I had little appetite and I would not allow myself to find comfort in food.

Honestly, I'd rather just find comfort in someone's bed. It would not be Sawyer. I had left that pathetic plan back on the terrace, along with Elijah. I couldn't do that to myself and it was a really stupid plan.

Flirt with my current boss to make my other one jealous?

I placed my hand on my forehead. My thoughts were so scattered, nothing felt right.

"You okay?" Sawyer asked, coming up to rest by my side, concern washed over his face.

I nodded, slightly embarrassed someone witnessed me scolding myself. "Yes, I'm okay. This is just kind of a lot for me." I gestured to the room of people.

"I understand." He said, continuing to look at me. "I-I need to ask. Kyla...about what-"

I said, almost frantically, as I had a mouthful of brownie," That was nothing. I'm not sure what got into me, but it didn't mean anything. It was nothing."

Sawyer's shoulders relaxed. He had been relieved. "That's good. I think it would be best if we each got separate rooms in a hotel, give Elijah the space he needs."

The space he needs? Did Sawyer hear our conversation? He couldn't have...

Sawyer must've noted my scrunched eyebrows. "Bethany has thrown him a curveball tonight."

Oh, yes. That bitch. How could I have forgotten?

I fought to roll my eyes and finished eating the last of my brownie. Allowing, hoping, Sawyer would continue.

"I really hope she doesn't give him any more problems, she's also a pain in my ass too." Sawyer rubbed at his stubble as if just thinking about her made him stressed.

"Yeah," I said, setting down my empty plate at a nearby table. We stood on the sidelines of the room, our backs to the windows just feet away. "I don't like her much either."

Sawyer snorted. "You've barely spoken with her."

"It was enough," I quickly retorted, my attention going to the folks who nervously walked onto the dance stage.

I heard Sawyer sigh. He didn't say anything more. Neither did I.

We stood in silence. We were the audience to crowd of people that danced gracefully over the wooden floor. The instrumental music remained soft and slow as it echoed around the great hall.

"Is there a party afterwards?" I asked, breaking the silence.

"Yes. It doesn't usually take off until one or two in the morning though. Only certain people will stay until that late." Sawyer mused, as if he was reminiscing of his times staying late.

"Do you plan to stay?" I finally tore my gaze off the dancers and looked at Sawyer.

He shook his head. "I'm getting old and we have a meeting tomorrow morning."

I cocked my head. "We do?"

"You didn't know?"

I gestured my hands. "As your personal assistant, I feel like I should be on top of things here." I shook my head, the feeling of confusion growing thicker. This night has all been a mess.

Sawyer just smiled, his brown eyes crinkling. "Don't worry about it. When you get to the hotel, brush up on your emails - and mine - and you will be just fine."

I scoffed. "Now I need to get a hotel room for you and I. I am so prepared."

"Relax, Kyla. Elijah should've better prepared you for your responsibilities when he first mentioned the trip and that you don't have experience as a PA."

I widened my eyes, heat rising to my face. "He told you I didn't have experience?"

Sawyer gently placed his large hand on my shoulder, the warmth steadying some of the anxiety that pulsed in my veins. "From one colleague to another, yes he shared that. It's all professional, Kyla. Now -" He removed his hand and gestured to the entrance. "You should reserve our rooms and get ready for tomorrow. Thank you for being here, I can take over now."

I nodded my head. He was right. Things are okay, I am here to do my job. To hell with Elijah. It's time to work.

I set us up with a hotel a few minute drive from Elijah's. I felt the close proximity would be nice for Sawyer should they need to meet, for either professional or personal business. Our rooms were right next to one another with the view of the ocean in the distance.

I was so glad I was not paying for this. The walk in shower helped me relax. My confused thoughts came to a standstill and my body felt exhausted. I had just finished catching up on my emails - my responsibilities for this week - when my phone dinged.

I reached across the bed to grab my phone that I had shoved off on the corner of the bed.

Elijah: I just wanted to apologize for today.  I knew it wasn't the answer you wanted, but its the truth. I hope this does not affect our professional relationship.

I scoffed, tossing the phone back down. When was our relationship ever professional? Maybe day one of the job, if that. I wasn't going to respond, it wouldn't be worth it. Besides, texting my boss after dark about non work related things is far from professional.

And I decided in the shower, just minutes ago, that was the only relationship I cared to have with Elijah. Professional. Nothing more. Nothing less.

I laid on the bed, the beige comforter nearly swallowed the height of my body. My eyes closed and the events of today ran through my mind. All of it was reckless and pointless.

The thought of quitting briefly came across my mind. But I shooed it away quickly. I'm sure I would be able to find another job, but hardly at the same pay. Which was what was keeping me in the big apple.

My rent was atrocious, no matter where I would live. And I would hate, with all my soul, to move back in with my family.

"Chicago." I physically grimaced. Just the sound of it rolling off my tongue had me in disgust.

I refused.

My phone buzzed again.

"Elijah, I swea-" I sat up and snatched my phone. The screen was bright as it flickered to life with another buzz.

Elijah: I just need to ask. One more time. Do you want to have fun?

I can barely look at the next text message.

Elijah: Forget I said anything. Bethany invited me out.

My stomach flipped upside down. Bethany.

I grunted as I threw my phone behind me. It landed with a plop on the comforter. I stood up from the bed and began pacing the carpeted room. My eyes kept glancing at my phone. Almost waiting for him to text back and say he's actually just going back home. Alone.

That even though I don't want to have fun, he wouldn't do it with someone else. Even though I said I would do it with someone else...

I fight to not tear my hair out. "This is just great. Kyla, you fucking idiot."

I stop in my tracks and take a deep breath.

"He is your boss," I whisper. "He is a colleague. That's that. You will see him tomorrow at a meeting as his personal assistant. Okay."

I take another deep breath, but its shaky.

Maybe Chicago isn't so bad.