"Yes, how are you?"
"Fine. Where the hell you been all weekend? I thought we were going to hang out."
I shoved a piece of ravioli in my mouth. "Sorry, I was sick."
The phone was quiet. "Are you all right?" Carly asked, concern lining her voice.
"Yeah. I've been working long hours, and Friday was more than I could handle. I guess it all just caught up with me."
"What did?"
"Spencer, all the feelings I still have."
"Ainsley."
"I know what you are going to say. I need to get over him, but I've wanted him for so long. You have no clue how I feel about him, and now not to be able to have him is just unbearable." My voice cracked and my throat burned as I held back tears.
"How many times do I need to tell you to let him go," Carly said, getting annoyed. "I told you he was too old for you in the first place and that you'd end up getting hurt. Besides, I thought you were putting in a transfer or a resignation."
"I did. He refused to sign the transfer."
"What? Why? How can he do that?"
"Because he can. He is the boss, remember. Besides, he can't train someone new at this time of year, and with the Christmas party needing to be organized, he would rather have someone experienced. A new person would just be totally overwhelmed."
"Ainsley, he has an events division. You aren't an event planner."
"Yes, however, the girl is off. She just had surgery, so he is helping me plan the event."
"Ainsley, can't you see what he is doing?"
I knew exactly what he was doing. He was doing exactly what I wanted him to do. I didn't want to work in another division of his company. I wanted to be as close to him as I could, only with everyone pushing against us, I couldn't let on that that was what I wanted. I certainly couldn't tell Carly about that kiss on Friday night and how it stirred emotions in me that I had hoped were dead.
"He's looking out for his company. I told him I would stay and help only if he promised to sign the transfer in the new year."
"Uh huh, and what did he say?"
"He agreed."
The phone was silent for a moment. "You know, Ainsley, I think for your own good, you need to come away with me next weekend. There is someone I think you should meet, guaranteed to get Spencer off your mind. He's tall, handsome, funny, and most importantly…your age."
This was just like Carly, trying to persuade me to date someone else. She sounded just like my father. All I wanted was for one person to understand how I felt.
"What if I don't want to get my mind off of Spencer?"
"Ainsley, did something happen between you? What's got you all wrapped up in him again?" Carly questioned. "Last time I talked to you, I was sure you agreed it was over."
I debated not telling her, but she was my best friend, and the only one I could share this with. I let out a heavy sigh, playing Friday night over in my mind, my body filling with that tingling feeling I'd felt the moment he'd placed his hand on my lower back.
"He, um, he kissed me."
"Ainsley, are you serious."
"Yes, and, Carly, it was just as wonderful as I remembered."
"What happened?"
"At first, I kissed him back, but then I ran. All the feelings hit, and as much as I feel for him, I don't him to lose Nikki, and I don't want my father pissed off at me for the rest of my life."