Ryan: Is it love - The original story (Game walk through)

Chapter one part three

Blog > I challenged my company's CEO, whom I'll call Mister Intense eyes, in front of his second in command who's actually my manager's boss, during a meeting. The reason? Well, he doesn't know what wine could fit what dish for a charity ball dinner! Such is life... You can be a multi-billionaire businessman and not excel in everything."

I giggle thinking back to our dangerous encounter. I'm a little hard on him. I must say that he held his own. I like forgetting details especially when it suits me. Soon my heart starts pounding as I think back to his haunting eyes.

Blog > I have to say that I found it difficult to concentrate. He is nonetheless very attractive! He's exactly the type of guy to bind you up with his tie and take you to seventh heaven in no time at all! I would try to seduce him with one of my desserts, but he seems to have a preference for top models who don't swallow anything!

I put my laptop aside and decide to go and see Bobby. It's looking at me and wiggling about whilst nibbling something. I place it in the palm of my hand looking at it, licking its little paws. With my forefinger, I gently scratch the top its head. It burbles closing its eyes.

> What about you? What do you think of Mister Carter?

Its little black eyes stare at me lovingly. I remember the day I found it. When I moved to New York I wanted to take a pet. When I went to the pet shop, I hadn't thought about taking a hamster. And then, I saw this adorable little ball of fluff staring at me from behind the window pane. All its fellow creatures were fast asleep, apart from it. I remember how skinny it was at the time.

> Well, you've put that right since! You walking stomach, you!

It burbles as I scratch it. In the end, I left the pet shop with my hamster and its little cage. Bobby has been my biggest confident ever since and I couldn't imagine my apartment without it. A beep coming from my computer snaps me out of my daydream. I put Bobby back into its cage and go to check my blog. I've already received lots of messages. I burst out laughing as I read some:

Comment > D'you think that your boss has a red room?! You're gonna have to teach him about gastronomical pleasures. Nobody could possibly resist Lily's delights, not even a multi-billionaire boss! Supermodels are cool, but there's nothing to eat on them.

I answer on the same tone, giggling. But quickly, my heart sinks: there's little chance of me ever seeing mister Carter again. Unless I see him at the ball...

This morning I get to work humming. I take my earphones off in front of Matt's amused look.

> Hi, Matt!

Matt > You seem very jolly today. Would it have something to do with Mark?

I put my earphones away silently staring at Matt. What's he on about?

> Mark?

Matt > Yeah. He came this morning. He was looking for you.

> Really?

Matt > Yes, he said it was urgent and that you had to go to your manager's office straight away.

What's going on? Why does Mark want to see me so urgently? I hope there's nothing wrong. And why see me in Gabriel's office?

> I wonder what they want.

Matt > Maybe they need your expert advice for another charity ball, who knows?

> Matt, you're a real pain in the neck, do you know that?

Gabriel > Lily?

I turn around almost jumping in surprise. Discover my manager standing in our doorway.

> Gabriel! Hi!

> What's wrong? You wanted to see me, with Mark?

Gabriel > Er yes... Follow me to my office.

To give myself a little composure I grab my notebook, but Gabriel stops me.

Gabriel > You won't need to take any notes.

I stifle an "oh" and straighten up clumsily. I don't like it... I don't like it at all! As we get to Gabriel's office, he closes the door behind me. He gently puts his hand on my back inviting me to take a seat.

Gabriel > Take a seat, Mark will be here any moment.

I sit down, feeling uneasy. I look through the glass bay windows at the New York buildings around.

Gabriel > You're gonna be missed...

What?! Gabriel fixes his azure coloured eyes into mine twisting his signet ring around his finger.

> What do you mean?

Gabriel just looks at me. Then rubs his hand on his stubbly chin.

Gabriel > Mark will explain. It's just that things won't be the same here without you...

> But what are you...

Suddenly someone knocks at the door. Mark comes in. He's finishing a call. I look at one then the other. Somebody's gonna have to explain and quick!

Mark > Hello, Miss Langood. Sorry to interrupt your work...

> It's not a problem. What's going on?

Mark > Well...

Mark looks very uncomfortable.

Mark > Mister Carter has asked for you to be his new assistant.

> I beg your pardon?

I let out a little nervous laughter. It must be some sort of joke! Mark stays very calm and continues to look straight in my eyes.

Mark > You're gonna work in close collaboration with him. It's the opportunity of a lifetime.

Yeah right... Having to put up with all of Mr. Carter's demands, is not exactly what I call a lifetime opportunity.

> Wait a minute, I don't understand. I don't fit any of the requirements for the post.

Mark > Mister Carter thought otherwise.

> Wait a minute, Mister Carter has obviously made a mistake, it's not possible...

I look at Gabriel who's staring at me silently. Where have his fine words gone?

Mark > Miss Langood... I understand that it's all very sudden...

You bet!

Mark > But it's an offer that can't be refused.

To put it into plain English, you can't say no to Mister-I-take-what-I-want.

> Allowing that I accept. When would I start?

Mark looks at me, surprised.

Mark > Well, now. Your office is ready. Mister Carter wishes for me to show you there.

> Now?! Are you serious?

Mark > Very much so, yes.

I look desperately at Gabriel. He just calmly stands and invites me to do the same.

Gabriel > It's a great opportunity, Lily. We will miss you, but you will learn a lot.

I don't know what to say! Working with the very man who's been triggering such strong and contradictory emotions in me? And still, the question lingers in my mind ever since they told me: why me?