Roses and Flames (ongoing)

9. Thea

I got in my car looking both ways to ensure he wasn't there. I started the engine and sped up to the main road. It's been 3 days since he dropped me off, since he texted me. I don't know why I'm avoiding him. It's not like he found that I'm attracted to him, it's just that he is good-looking. Nothing else.

We should test your theory on your allergic responses soon.

What did he mean by testing it? Whatever. I don't wanna think about it too much. Nate, my assistant, is noticing things. That I asked him to attend yesterday's meeting in my stead, my usual walk to Lisa's office to chat with her, me totally avoiding him.

Even if I'm attracted (which I'm not) to him, I should stop it right away, because I don't want any distractions now. It's a peak point in my career. I'm getting invited to seminars, which means I'm getting noticed and that's rare for a person who's in her late twenties. I should keep up with it, and present a seminar on my research topic.

He indeed gave me butterflies after so long that I thought I no longer had that feeling in me. But I've seen people losing everything they worked hard just for that one person.

I pulled into my apartment's parking lot and made my way home. Emma isn't here yet. Even though we were best friends we had little time for each other. She's building her own fashion brand and I'm busy with my work. But the little time we get, we make sure we use it in every way.

I took a quick shower, took a book curled up on my bed and flipped onto the page I last read. I fell into the fictional world that eased up my tensions in the real world. After a couple of hours, I was weary. I kept the book hesitantly on my nightstand and turned off the lights.

You should stop avoiding Tyler.

Act like a professional, Thea.

Act like nothing's changed.

A voice inside me said and I drifted off.

__________

"When did you come home last night? "I asked Emma. We were getting ready for the day.

"Around 11" she replied.

"11!? Take it slow Em. You know you're gonna do it in time." True that building a brand from an idea is hard. But she has been working in a frenzy to prove her parents wrong and she's almost there. I asked softly, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, yeah. I am." she smiled, her eyes glassy, dark circles under her eyes. She continued, her voice cracking, "It's... mom. She called me yesterday. She still doubts... if I'm good enough to start my own brand. She thinks I'll mess up."

I walked to her and hugged her. "Have faith in yourself Em." I said as we sat on our couch, "You won't go work for your parent's company. You are gonna do it. Okay?"

She slowly brushed off the silent tear. She inhaled and laughed softly, "Thanks, Thea."

I shook my head standing up and said, "Let's go. We're gonna be late."

"Yeah." She stood up took our coats and got out. Walking to the elevator she said, "Thea! I almost forgot about the happy news, when I was so caught up with the sad one. I've been invited to The Horizon, one of the greatest fashion events!" she jumped with joy and continued, "I can take one person with me. You'll come, right? It's next Friday."

I clapped my hands like a little girl who got a handful of toffees and said, "Is that even a question? Of course, I'll be there!"

We exited from the elevator and went to our respective cars when she said, "I know! Well, I'll introduce you to someone. She is helping me with my brand, a great photographer. I'm sure you guys will hit it off!"

"Sure."