A wound dressing...

***

There was a deafening silence in the office of Podium magazine. Almost two hours ago, all the staff had left their desks, looking forward to having a great time on the upcoming weekend.

Only the lights were still on in the editor-in-chief's office and her reception area. Sitting at her desk, she mercilessly, petal by petal, dealt with the bouquet of flowers.

- Why did you do that to him? - I asked quietly.

She shuddered. Immersed in her thoughts, she didn't notice his approach.

- I don't know... I was thinking," he shrugged and pushed away what was left of the once beautiful bouquet.

- I see," he lowered himself down on one of the chairs for visitors. - Why don't you go home?

- I have a lot of things to do.

- Well, I figured as much," he grinned. - And if you're honest? - I knew her too well to be satisfied with a casual answer.

She smiled a little. It's nice to know that there's someone in your life who's genuinely interested in your life, with all its joys and sorrows.

- And to be honest... I just don't want to go home," she grinned bitterly. - The girls went on vacation to their grandmother. At home is empty... Ahead of the weekend, lonely and meaningless. And tomorrow is a friend's wedding anniversary...

- Don't you want to go?

- I don't want to go," I nervously plucked the bouquet again. - Steven and his new girlfriend will be there, and I'll be alone.

Life had taught her not to be afraid of many things, but not of being alone. And now she was really afraid of showing her ex-husband that he was absolutely right when he told her she would always be alone. That had indeed been the case. For almost a year now, Miranda Priestly had been going to sleep and waking up alone....

- Listen, would you like me to be your date? - to break the long silence.

- Are you serious?

- Absolutely! - I smiled my most charming smile. - We can even pretend we're having an affair," he winked mischievously.

- Thank you. You're a true friend," I smiled for the first time that evening. - Let's go out to dinner. We'll discuss the details of our "romance".

- Let's go," he said cheerfully. - You know I'm all for anything but a hunger strike.

- Emily, make us a reservation at my favorite restaurant!

***

Knowing Miranda's love of punctuality, he stopped at her penthouse ten minutes ahead of schedule. They decided to get to their destination without a driver. Miranda didn't want their visit to look official.

At precisely 6:00 p.m. the doors of her house opened, revealing Nigel, as elegant and beautiful as ever. For this trip Miranda had chosen a cream-colored pantsuit and stiletto heels to match.

- Hi," she smiled as he stepped out of the salon to gallantly open the door for her and help her into the car.

- Hi. You look great. You always do.

- Thank you," something made my cheeks blush. - You look great, too.

- I don't really know," I said, sighing heavily.

- I don't know, really," she sighed heavily. - I just want to not feel alone in the crowd. At least for one night.

- You'll be fine," he squeezed her hand gently, pulling onto the road.