“I’m not in love. Don’t be silly. But yes, I guess you could say we’re dating.” It was weird admitting that. But after our weekend in London, there was no doubt we were together.
Lucas surprised me. He was attentive. Affectionate. He went above and beyond to ensure I had a great time. He suffered through an exhaustive tour of The Tower of London. We couldn’t go to Westminster Abbey as it was Sunday but we spent hours walking up the South Bank, going over Westminster Bridge, eating lunch in St. James’ Park, watching the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. He let me be the crazed tourist taking a million pictures and freaking out over everything.
I had felt like an idiot after my meltdown at the club. I was sure he’d realize I was too much trouble. Why bother with a woman that required effort when he could hook up with anyone he wanted, without the tears in a public restroom.
But for some reason he wanted me.
I still couldn’t wrap my head around it.
Today, however, the realities of dating an upcoming footballer became startlingly clear. My face all over the gossip sites took me aback. Details about where I had grown up, where I went to college were there for anyone to read. And the only reason anyone would care is because of who I was sleeping with.
Lucas Bradley. Darling of Chester.
Well, I had said I wanted a new adventure, I had sure gotten one.
“I can’t believe I have a friend dating Lucas Bradley.” Hayley shook her head. “Be prepared for your entire life to change.”
I picked up the newspaper on my desk. “I think it already has.”
“That’s nothing, love. WAGs are huge news. Particularly when they’re pretty Americans.” Hayley winked at me.
My phone rang on my desk. “Maybe it’s Lucas,” Hayley joked.
“Shut up,” I chuckled as I picked up the phone.
“Pardon?” my boss said on the other end.
Shit, he’d heard that.
“No, not you, I’m sorry Mr. Richardson, what can I do for you?” I scowled at Hayley who tried not to laugh.
“I’ve been waiting on your budget numbers since last week. I need to go to the CTO with the projections for this project. We’ve had some setbacks with getting approval, so we need to show that it’s financially viable.”
“I thought the project was a go ahead. That’s why you hired me.” Hayley was listening to my end of the conversation with a concerned look on her face.
“I hired you because at the time the project was seen as necessary for the business. Between you and me there’s talks of a buyout so the big wigs are looking to trim fat. We have to make sure your project isn’t one of them.”
His news hit me with the force of a freight train. Was he telling me I might not have a job soon?
I had uprooted my entire life to move to another country. They couldn’t just cut me loose so quickly. Could they?
“How’s Lucas doing? It was really nice seeing him in the office the other day. Will he be coming by again?” Peter asked but I barely heard him.
My ears were still ringing with the realization that my job was by no means secure.
“Excuse me?” I asked weakly.
“Lucas Bradley. You are dating him right?”
“Yes. I am.” It felt supremely wrong to discuss my dating life with my boss.
“That’s nice,” Mr. Richardson responded with enough awkwardness for both of us.
“I’ll get those budget numbers over to you as soon as possible,” I said.
“Please do. The sooner the better.” Peter hung up without saying goodbye.
“Dear god, what did he say?” Hayley asked.
