“Me, too,” she says. So she knew he’d be there after all, and had declined his invitation at first, I’m guessing.
“Can I get you ladies a beer or something?”
We say “Yes” in unison.
When he walks away, we take a seat at a high bar table, farther away from the music. “I like seeing him happy,” she says. “We do have shared interests, but I don’t know if Blake and I will make it.”
That small statement sounds like a needle coasting across a record. “Why do you say that?”
“There’s no spark anymore. It has nothing to do with my job, my father, or Blake’s artistic aspirations. It’s just run its course. I turned him into someone he’s not. I feel bad about it. I care for him, but I haven’t been a good girlfriend.”
“Don’t give up yet.” I can’t believe these words are coming out of my mouth. “He loves you.” Whether it’s romantic love is doubtful at this point.
“Yeah, I guess. I’d break his heart into a million pieces if I broke up with him now.”
I wasn’t so sure about that, but they needed to figure their relationship out on their own.
“Hey, you know what? I have a lot of great ideas for the new Caroline Crompton look. I’m glad you brought me here. And this music is definitely growing on me.”
As soon as Blake returns with our beers, Caroline gets a phone call. “I have to step out,” she yells over a loud guitar riff. “It’s my father.”
Once she’s gone, Blake says, “She takes calls from him all hours of the night. It’s ridiculous. I’m thinking about quitting. I don’t know how to tell her.”
For a second I think he’s referring to their relationship.
“You just have to be honest with her and tell her you want to pursue something else.”
He looks at me peculiarly.
“Your art,” I say.
“Yeah, my art.” He’s lost in thought when Caroline returns.
“You guys, I have to go.” She seems distraught, and she’s wringing her hands. “My dad just got served with papers. He’s being sued for fraud.”
“How? What is this about?” Blake says. He’s shocked. I am, too. Crompton Enterprises has a flawless reputation.
“I don’t know yet, but I need to get to the office right now.”
Blake and I are quiet. Caroline looks downright exhausted.
“CC, it’s late. You can deal with this in the morning. There’s nothing you can do now,” says Blake. Thank god he’s reminding her that this isn’t her fight.
“He called his lawyers. They’re coming in to work on their strategy. This is a big deal, Blake.”
“It’s Friday, Caroline,” Blake says, ditching her pet name. “This isn’t your problem. You can take a break for once. I haven’t seen you all week, except passing you in the hall at the office.”
I realize Caroline chose to hang out with me over Blake earlier tonight.
“Blake, don’t do this.”
He holds up his hands in a defensive gesture. “I’m not doing anything to you. Do you want me to come to the office with you?”
“No. There will be enough people there and I’m sure they don’t need some sales analyst getting involved in this. Plus, I know you’re over the company. You should just quit, Blake.” She rolls her eyes at him. It’s the most dismissive I’ve ever seen her, though, at the same time, I can’t imagine the pressure she’s under right now.
“I meant, did you want me there for you, for moral support?” She’s wounded him.
“No, I’m good,” she answers brusquely.
