The Other Woman

Chapter II

- How's London?

- Cold, old and boring. I want to go home.

That was basically Crystal's response to everyone from New York that would ask about her thoughts on living in that God forgotten land.

She looked through the window of her office feeling blue. A cloudy sky and a chin-trembling cold. You'd imagine that she'd be used to that, living in New York and all, but nothing could have prepared Crystal Sinclair for her life in London.

- Don't be dramatic – complained Reese, her best friend – I was there once and I particularly found it very trendy.

- If you have a social life – agreed Crystal – This is the city of pubs. I can see one in every corner.

- As bistros in Paris?

- Yes, but more abundantly. - explained the youngster with shining locks, pointed chin and straight nose. - I barely arrived in London and I want to go back home.

She had been to New York for Christmas and New Years, after having taken a few days off in January, but when she was about to get cozy and used to the New Yorker style again, duty called and Crystal had to cut her trip short of two days and come back to work.

- Why? New York is the same as always. We still visit the same places and our streets are packed with beggars.

- Believe me, London's not that different. But well, in NY I had my family, I had friends. I don't know anyone here but the idiots from work.

Reese frowned confused on the video call.

- Didn't you go out for dinner with one of them?

- That's why I can say they're idiots. - explained Crystal – Besides, if one of them ask me again if I hold back farts I swear I'm going to slap them.

The problem of being the only woman in the midst of a bunch of men is that no matter how beautiful and intimidating you are, you end up becoming one of the guys. Crystal couldn't stand any more jokes on jerking, farting and burping.

Everyone there were men over thirty, successful and showing in each of their offices their degrees from Oxford, Cambridge and many other well known colleges around the world.

Crystal's said, in very gaudy letters YALE and just beside her framed degree she had hanged on the wall the Institution's logo and her photography with Hillary Clinton.

- Who'd say that Oxford's ex-alumni were complete idiots.

- You'd be surprised.

- Speaking of idiots, I saw Ethan with his new girlfriend at brunch at Von Rosier.

- Really?

She did her best to fake indifference, but it was ridiculous to even try that with Reese that knew her so well.

- You're prettier.

- I don't doubt it. - she mumbled.

- She's short and clumsy.

- Is she fat? Ethan only dated fat girls before he met me.

- No. She's more on the petite side.

- That means she'll get fat when she's older. - Crystal said thoughtfully.

- You're cruel.

- I went to Law school, Reese! Well, anyways I will have to catch up with you later. They're waiting for me. Video con with Manchester branch.

- Ok. See you later, love you.

Crystal hang up and immediately searched Ethan Mason and found a Facebook profile of the man she had almost married with. Almost.