In the end

Chapter 6 - That's it

I stared at myself in the bathroom mirror. What the hell is wrong with you I asked myself. Okay maybe I've never been super confident or outgoing but I've never had a guy reduce me to bumbling idiot with just a look before. I decided on a long, hot bath and put on some music ( Kings of Leon ). As I lay there letting the hot water loosen my muscles I closed my eyes and tried to forget everything from the past couple days. I let the music flow through me and eventually relaxed enough to actually laugh at myself for being so ridiculous. He's just a guy, okay an insanely hot, perfect specimen of a man but still just a guy. That's it. You are not going to let some guy turn you into some stuttering pile of jello. I towelled off and checked my reflection again noticing the bruise developing on my forehead. Awesome.

I woke up feeling better than I had in days and started humming while getting ready for work. With my renewed confidence I picked out an outfit I wouldn't normally choose for work and did my hair. I normally kept my hair up in a twist or loose bun because it's so long it gets in the way but I decided screw it. I left it down in mass of loose curls reaching my waist. I chose a dark grey fitted dress (http://www.polyvore.com/narciso_rodriguez_grey_double-zip_pencil/thing?id=63131336) and nude pumps. I threw on some mascara and lip gloss and grabbed my bag.

Heading outside I couldn't stop myself from glancing across the street hoping to catch a glimpse of that beautiful man. Unfortunately because it was lunchtime there weren't many people around. I shook my head at myself and took off down the street. Thankfully I only live a few blocks from work so I arrived early enough to grab another coffee. I walked in to the office and Brit our receptionist looked up and her mouth popped open. "Wow, do you have a date or something." I laughed at the thought. "No I just felt like dressing up today." "Well it's good timing because the founder is waiting for you in your office." I raised my eyebrows at her and she shrugged. I turned towards my office and was silently freaking out that I had forgotten a meeting.

I walked in and my boss was sitting in one of the the overstuffed arm chairs in front of my desk talking on her cell. I smile and she motioned for me to sit at my desk. Trying not to freak out I hung up my coat and grabbed my folders from my bag. I kept sneaking glances at her while booting up my computer and checking my emails.

Finally she hung up and stood to shake my hand. "Bree I'm so sorry to barge in on you like this but something important has come up." I swallowed nervously. "No problem Maren it's always great to see you." She laughed. "Relax hun, everything is fine. Great in fact." I sat in the chair next to her and forced myself to take a deep breath. "So what's going on?" I asked her. "I just got a call from from the Charity Association International and the foundation has been chosen to receive a humanitarian award." She was so happy she was practically bouncing. "Oh my god, Maren that incredible!" She stood and pulled me in for a big hug. "I know it's so amazing, the award comes with a huge donation to foundation and they're throwing a big deal party for us in L.A next month." "Wow that's so-" She grabbed my hands and looked at me which a sneaky smile. "As it turns out my shoulder surgery is scheduled for the same week and I can't be there to accept the award." Oh no. I could see where this was heading from a mile away. "Umm Maren I..." "Please Bree your the only other person I would even consider asking to do this and I know we would've even have been considered without everything you've done for the foundation" I was at a total loss trying to think of any excuse to not have to do this. The thought of standing in front of a crowded room with everyone looking at me made me slightly nauseous. "I dunno Maren I'm scared I would say the wrong thing and embarrass you." No problem, I will write your speech and take care of everything, all you'll have to do is show up, read the speech and mingle with people." As much as I wanted to say no it was a really great event that could gain more exposure to the foundations cause. "Ok" I sighed. "But if I drop the award or something you can't say I didn't warn you." She just laughed and hugged me again. "I'm not worried at all, you are going to be fine sweetie." We talked a bit more about the award and the new be benefit programs I was organizing before Maren said goodbye. Before I knew it Jules was texting me asking if I was ready for lunch.

We met up at small Indian restaurant we always have lunch at on Thursdays. She whistled appreciatively when I sat down. "Damn girl you look hot!" She touched my arm and pretended her finger was burned. "I was just in the mood." She just nodded and picked up her menu but I could see the suspicion in her eyes. While we were waiting for our food I told her about the award and invited her come with me to L.A. It was her favourite city so she was pretty excited. Our food arrived and we dug in. I could feel her sneaking looks at me all throughout the meal. We were almost done eating when she put her fork down. "So who's the guy?"