Page 23 of Petals and Fangs

“You are exhausting, Lily. You are my best friend and I love you, but sometimes you can be such a killjoy.”

“He was a little rude with me today.”

“How so?” Arial asks, her eyes sparkling.

“I don't know, I expected something else from him. Something different.”

“Different? Why? Because he's the most eligible bachelor in New York?”

“No, Arial. That is not why,” I scoff at her as I take a sip of my drink.

“How so, then?”

“So, I began work today. His office was a bit challenging to decorate since he lacked any taste for colors. The task was easy, though.”

“And?” Arial says, nodding, eager for me to continue.

“Well, he loved it. He loved the fresh look. We talked for a bit, and he showed me around, but then I found myself involved in the workplace gossip.”

“How is that?”

“Alright, gossip is not the right word. He introduced me to his advisors, and they were talking about a rather serious issue that the company is facing right now.”

“How did you get involved in that, Lily? I don't get it.”

“For whatever reason, Ethan confided in me, and told me more than I should know about his company,” I answer, trying to remain calm.

“Like what? I am dying to know here.”

“Like how his company produces substances that are not sold anywhere else. That made the FDA go after it, I guess.”

“Do you mean whatever they sell is not FDA-approved?” Arial asks.

“No idea. All I know is that he looked tense, alongside his advisors.”

“But their company is very reputable. That is very odd, indeed. I am guessing they are doing something illegal, then?” she asks.

“I'm not sure. Ethan said the opposite. I don't want to know more about this issue,” I shrug, lying to myself. I want to know about this mysterious issue. The thought of it all keeps me anxious.

“You don't have to deal with it, Lily,” Arial says, patting me on the shoulder.

“I know I don't have to, but I will be spending a lot of time there now, so I can't really avoid it.”

“I am sure it will work itself out, dear,” Arial says, smiling and holding my hands.

“I hope so. This is an interesting opportunity for me, I guess.”

“It is, and you are doing just fine. It is but the beginning.”

“I really don't want to interact with Ethan. I feel like he will only bring trouble to my life.” I whisper.

“That is a bit extreme, Lily.”

“Maybe, but I just can't get over how arrogant he is.”

“Why don't you give him a call and have me witness your interaction with him, huh? I am sure he is not that bad,” Arial suggests.

“Are you out of your mind, Arial?” I gasp at her, not believing the words that just came out of her mouth.

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