Chapter 3

20 2 1
                                    



She felt like someone had thrown her a cold bucket of water. That, she didn't expect. She averted her eyes and left the office trembling.

So, he was 'Richie' who liked his women skinny... She went to the bathroom and locked herself in. She needed to take a few breaths. To think. What happened in the elevator was nothing. A game that a famous man played, knowing the effect he had on women.

It was time to be a professional again because in the last half hour she had forgotten it. She had a lot of things to do before the event and she was acting completely unprofessional.
She heard someone trying to open the door and then banging it. Taking in a last breath, she unlocked the bathroom door, smiled apologetically to Carry, the sports editor secretary, and went to act as a thinking adult again.

When she entered her office she was immediately attacked by Amanda.
"Where were you? I want you to go and buy me a hot Americano from the Starbucks across the street. I was in a hurry and the row is endless." She opened her bag and finding her wallet she took out a ten pound bill and extended her hand towards Eliza.
"You can keep the change." She added with an ironic smile.

Eliza didn't even lift her hand to take the money. She was looking at her impassively with a polite smile on her face. As if! Richard seemed really uncomfortable through this exchange. He walked closer to Amanda, and taking the note off her hand and shoving it inside her bag, said irritated,

"I'll go and buy you your coffee! Eliza is not your servant!" and with obvious anger he wore his jacket and left.

Stunned by his reaction Amanda followed him. With his big stride he was already in front of the elevator. Amanda caught up with him a few moments later. They started arguing, but they were too far away and they were speaking really low, so she couldn't hear what they were saying.
The whole floor was watching them apparently, as everyone had stopped what they were doing and looked from the corners of their eyes. The only thing that Eliza could think at the moment was, what a decent man he was and how she liked defending her. No man ever defented her! Well except her father, but he didn't count.

The elevator came and as Richard was ready to get in, Lesley stepped out.
Seeing Richard a big smile spread across her face. Eliza saw his beaming responsive smile and taking a step towards her, she lifted her off the ground in a big hug.
She caught herself imagining what would be like to be held by him, in those strong arms. She tried to stop herself from going down that road and taking the file with today's duties and appointments walked towards them.
She was apprehensive of her attire. She hadn't even taken her coat off in an attempt to conceal her wet and coffee smeared clothes.

He had let her already down by the time she reached them. The whole office was looking openly now. Tracy would be really angry when she'd learn what she missed working in a different department.
Amanda's sour face was even sourer but she was trying hard to hide it behind a fake smile. They were talking pleasantries when she reached them.

"Ah, Eliza, here you are." Lesley said seeing her. "I think you know Richard. Have you been introduced to his agent?" Lesley asked, holding Richard from his waist with one hand and gesturing with her other toward Amanda.

Eliza smiled politely towards Richard, catching his eyes for a brief second and dropping them immediately, avoiding his intense gaze.

"Yes, I know Miss Turner" she replied turning to Amanda, "We will be related in a few months. Her brother is marrying my sister."

"Really, Amanda? You never told me that." Lesley said surprised, turning towards Amanda.
Richard, also surprised, looked at Eliza and then turned his eyes to his girlfriend.

The Man Of Her DreamsWhere stories live. Discover now