"I don't know. It's hard to say since I've never met the guy. But I find it kind of suspicious that he's so insistent on not seeing you when you're in New York. That city is huge. What are the odds someone you know is going to see you two together?"
"He says he doesn't want to risk it. Celine knows a ton of people and so does Aiden."
"And if someone saw you guys, he thinks it'll ruin this deal he's doing at work?"
"Yes, because her dad owns the firm."
"Sophie, I know you really like this guy but maybe take a break from him until you figure out what's going on."
"I've thought about that but I can't stand the idea of not seeing him. I look forward to our weekends in Vermont. I don't want those to end."
"Would you want them to end if you found out you're the other woman?"
I pause, realizing how bad that sounds. What if it's true? What if I'm the other woman? I'd feel awful. That is not what I want.
"Sophie, are you still there?"
"Maybe you're right. Maybe we should take some time apart." I let out a sigh. "Now to the other bad news."
"What do you mean?"
"I got an eviction notice."
"When?" she asks, sounding panicked.
"Over a week ago. I paid part of the rent but I don't have enough to pay the rest."
"When does your promotion start?"
"Not for another week, but because of how they pay I won't see the extra money in my check for a month."
"I thought you were going to ask your parents for money."
"I was, until I found out their fridge and furnace both died, along with my dad's truck."
"So you didn't ask them for money."
"I couldn't. They don't have it."
She gets quiet, then says, "Sophie, I know you're determined to stay in New York but is there any way you'd consider moving back?"
"Macie, you know I don't want to go back there."
"You may not have a choice. You're already behind on rent and you'll be even more behind if you can't pay next month's rent."
"If I don't pay this month's, I'll be out on the street by next month."
"Exactly, so wouldn't you want to at least have a backup plan?"
I sigh. "Okay, what are you thinking?”
"Remember Jenny Mitchel?"
"From high school?"
"Yeah. Her aunt started a catering business here and it's doing really well. She's getting orders from all over, not just here in town. She's doing weddings, parties, business events. She can barely keep up."
"And? What does this have to do with me?"
"She wants to expand the business to not just catering, but event planning. She's looking to hire someone."
"Has she posted the job?" I ask out of pure curiosity, not because I plan to apply.
"Not yet. I only know about it because I saw Jenny at the store last week. She asked about you, and when I said what you were doing, she told me about her aunt's business and said you'd be perfect for the event planning job. I told her you'd never leave New York but she wanted me to mention it to you anyway. She said her aunt would even consider doing a co-ownership agreement if she found the right person. It'd be a great opportunity if you ever want to move back. You could own your own event planning business."
"Co-own," I point out. "And yes, it'd be great if I lived there, but I can't do it. I can't move back. I told myself I never would."
"Why? So you could prove to your parents you're stronger than they think? Sophie, they know you're strong. They know you can do anything you set your mind to. You said you'd move to New York someday and you did. You don't have to keep trying to prove something they already know."
"I can't do it. I can't move back there."
"Well, if you change your mind, let me know. Jenny sent me the application for the job but she said it'd probably be better if you just called her aunt and talked to her. She thinks you'd easily get the job. There's no one around here with as much experience as you."
There's a knock on the door.
"I have to go," I whisper. "I think my landlord's at the door. I don't want him knowing I'm here."
"Okay, bye."
"Sophie?" a voice says. It's a girl's voice. "Sophie, are you in there?"
Did my landlord send a woman over, thinking I'd answer? I keep quiet and don't move, hoping she'll go away.
"I'm a friend of Celine's. I live in the building."
I go to the door and look through the peephole. The woman has short blond hair and is dressed in a suit, like she just got home from work.
Why is she at my apartment? Did Celine send her over?
I open the door. "Hi. Sorry I didn't answer. I was just being safe."
"I totally understand. I do the same thing. That's why I tried to explain who I am. Celine mentioned you lived in my building so I thought I'd stop by and introduce myself. I'm Anna." She shakes my hand. "I've seen you coming and going from the building but wasn't able to catch you to introduce myself. Anyway, I just wanted to say hi. Maybe you can join us for happy hour sometime."
"You and Celine?"
"And the other girls. We have a whole group that goes."
"Yeah, maybe."
"Okay, well, see you around!"
I shut the door, confused why Celine would send her friend here. Celine doesn't want me going to happy hour. She and I aren't even close to being friends. I have nothing in common with her, other than my attraction to Aiden. When I was working with her, she went out almost every night and never once invited me to come along.
I eat dinner and try to forget about it, but my mind keeps trying to figure out why that girl would stop by. Celine had to have had a reason for sending her over here.
My phone rings and I see Aiden's name on the
