Sealed with a kiss (WomanxWoman)

12

God, I love my life! Things couldn't be better! The "Sealed with a Kiss" campaign was a huge success-our lipstick sales soared even higher than expected. My name and reputation skyrocketed because of it, and now so many of our clients want me to lead their campaigns. New companies are even reaching out to work with Feingold Advertising. I got a raise, too! Charlotte insists it has nothing to do with our "arrangement." She knows about my insecurities, but now, I'm feeling so much more confident. I still don't always believe the praise, but I'm getting there.

Cherry has become a bit of a celebrity, getting offers for tons of ad campaigns and even movies. She's planning to look for an agent soon and has received plenty of offers from agencies wanting to represent her. She asked me to come along to help her choose. We still talk all the time, though I feel guilty that I can't tell her about Charlotte and me. It doesn't stop her from asking about my "girlfriend" every chance she gets.

As for me and Charlotte, we see each other every moment we can. She usually comes to my place; we cook together or get takeout, talk for hours, and, well... the physical connection is intense-it just keeps getting better. I can't get enough of her. I think... no, I know I'm falling in love with her. But I don't know how long I can keep this a secret. I want to shout from the rooftops that we're together. Only, I don't even know what "together" means for us. We've never defined it. I want to have a real conversation about where we're headed, but I'm terrified she'll pull away and leave me hanging. I've never even been to her place. With so much at stake, I've settled for what we have. It's enough... for now.

I just wrapped up three campaigns at once, so I have a few days to regroup. Charlotte and I are lying in bed together after... well, after another amazing night. She's running her fingers through my hair, and I feel like I'm floating. "Are you free tomorrow?" she asks softly. "Yeah... I think so. Wait, tomorrow's Saturday?" I pause, remembering. "I promised Cherry I'd go with her to meet a potential agent." Charlotte stops playing with my hair. "Mmm."

I look at her, feeling a twinge of confusion. "What's 'mmm' supposed to mean?" She glances down, then back at me. "I just thought you'd want to spend your free time with me before things get crazy at work again. I've barely seen you outside the office for the past two weeks." My heart tightens-I do want to be with her. "There's nothing I want more than to spend time with you," I say, "but I promised Cherry. She's my friend, and I can't let her down." Charlotte's face darkens. "So it's okay to let me down?"

I feel a surge of frustration. "You know what? Fine. I'll just see if Jeff's free." She says it so easily, casually, that it stings. Jealousy flares in me. Meeting up with him is no different than my meeting with Cherry! How dare she. A thought I'd never considered slips in. "Wait-are you still sleeping with him?"

Charlotte looks away, and my stomach drops. I feel like I've been punched in my gut. "I feel sick," I mutter, rushing to the bathroom. I barely make it before I start throwing up. There's a soft knock on the door. "Jenny? Are you okay? I'm really sorry! I didn't mean to hurt you but I have no choice... I don't want him to get suspicious. I try to turn him down most of the time, but I can't avoid him completely. You have to understand!"

I open the door, holding onto my anger to stay steady. "How would you feel if I told you I was sleeping with Cherry?" Her face goes pale, and I nod. "That's what I thought. It's okay for you to be with whoever you want, but I'm supposed to stay loyal? Your little pet?" Tears blur my vision, but I don't let them fall. "Well, I don't want this"-I gesture between us-"whatever this even is."

Charlotte's face crumbles. "Jenny, please-" she begins, but I cut her off, barely holding onto my composure. "No. It's over. Please, just take your things and go." She drops her gaze, defeated, and quietly gathers her belongings before leaving my apartment.

As soon as the door closes, I break down. I cry harder than I ever have before. How could I have been so blind? We never talked about exclusivity, and now, I've lost her.
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I barely slept last night. When I finally managed to close my eyes, I had this dream about Charlotte. We were lying in bed just like before our fight. But instead of getting upset about me meeting with Cherry, she made plans for us later in the day. She kept kissing me, telling me there was nobody else but me. I woke up crying, realizing that it would never happen. I feel so cheap and used. She didn't even try to fight to stay. I can't believe I didn't see it coming; I'd promised myself I'd never be the other woman and here I am.

I pull myself together and start getting dressed. I'm meeting Cherry in an hour. Although I don't feel like putting in much effort, I slip on a blue sundress and low heels and try to hide the puffiness and dark circles under my eyes with lots of makeup.

Right on time, Cherry's limo picks me up. I get inside, feeling a bit better at the sight of her warm smile. "Hi, sugar! I missed you," she says, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek. She's already talking excitedly, her vibrant energy lifting my grumpy mood.

"Thanks for coming to support me; it means the world to me!" she says.

I smile. "That's what friends are for."

We arrive at the talent agency-a fancy place. The receptionist greets us and guides us toward the office. As we walk, Cherry whispers, "Jenny, whatever happens, just play along," and winks at me. I'm a little confused but nod, trusting her. We sit for a moment before a strikingly beautiful woman with a tall, graceful frame, long brown hair in a high bun, and captivating brown eyes walks in.

"Hi, girls, I'm Miranda. I'm so glad you could meet with me today."

"It's our pleasure," Cherry says smoothly. "I'm Cherry, but you already knew that." Her voice has a slight edge-maybe nerves? She gestures to me. "And this is Jenny, my friend and...consultant." Consultant? I glance at Cherry, confused, but quickly catch on and turn back to Miranda.

"It's an honor to meet you both. Wait-Jenny? Jenny Morton? From Feingold Advertising? The one behind the 'Sealed with a Kiss' trend?" My cheeks burn with embarrassment. "Yes, that's me," I mumble, hoping I've applied enough makeup to hide my blush.

"Jenny is the reason I'm here in the first place. I trust her judgment, so if you want me, you'll have to convince her too," Cherry says, surprising me with her serious tone. I've only seen her playful, flirty side, but today she looks like a woman on a mission. I feel a surge of pride.

The meeting goes well. Miranda is clearly experienced, and I notice a spark in her eyes whenever she looks at Cherry. She seems genuinely invested in Cherry's success. I can't help but wonder what Cherry thinks.

As we leave, Cherry keeps her cool until we're back in the limo. Once the door closes, she lets out a squeal of excitement. "Oh my god! That was incredible! She's amazing! I can't believe this is happening!" She hugs me tightly, and I laugh.

"Now, this is the Cherry I know! I'm so happy for you! She sounds fantastic, and if you feel like she's the one, you should go for it."

Cherry grins. "This calls for a celebration! Are you free tonight?"

"Yeah, sure. Just tell me where and when."

She side-hugs me. "I'll come pick you up at 8:00 p.m. Dress fancy, and bring an overnight bag-we're having a slumber party! I've barely seen you; you're always so busy. That 'girlfriend' of yours sure kept you occupied now that you're a big shot."

A pang of hurt hits me at the mention of Charlotte. She did keep me busy, all right-busy falling for her while all I was to her was a convenient distraction. Cherry must sense something is off because she gives me a concerned look. "Are you okay, sugar? You went quiet."

"It's nothing, Cher. I don't want to ruin your day. Let's save it for another time."

She nods, looking thoughtful. "Alright, but later, when we get to my place, I want to hear everything. Everything gets better after a few glasses of wine" I nod back, feeling grateful for her understanding.

We pull up to my street. I get out of the limo, smiling at her. "See you tonight, superstar," I say.

She laughs. "See you, gorgeous."

As soon as I close my apartment door, the weight of everything hits me again. I let the tears fall. God, I hate my life.