Page 6 of Cloud Storm

“That’s not what I meant and you know it. There’s no need to move away since Mr. Hatz has already said you can move to another house here in the community. You can afford it now and it’s time for you to live like the successful entrepreneur that you’ve become.”

“I am who I am, and money won’t change that.” I’m as adamant as ever about that, because the clear and simple truth is that my essence is not going to fade away just because all of a sudden I have more zeros in my bank account than I ever imagined.

“You know I’m the first one to celebrate that you’re genuine and authentic, Ariel, but I also think that you’re being unfair with yourself.”

“Why are you scolding me?”

“I’m not scolding you, but look around, Ariel. Your life is changing for the better and it’s time for you to adapt to that change.”

“I’m adapting perfectly,” I reply arrogantly, lifting my chin.

For example, for the first time in my life I have rewarded myself with professional hair coloring in a prestigious hair salon in the city.

Which my friend didn’t even notice, I might add.

“Look, Ariel, since we founded the company you’ve left the administrative side of things to me, and I really appreciate your trust. However, I think it’s time for you to get more involved, so I think you should come to the meeting with the new distributors for the ‘cookies and brownies to go’ range. A lot of people I’m dealing with would love to meet you in person, and the truth is that I feel like I’m stealing your place when I talk about something that was your idea.”

“But you developed it.”

“I know, but it’s your company too. You need to grow up. Act like an adult instead of sulking behind that abandoned orphan child mask.”

Her words make my blood boil. I swear that the rebel in me has gone to my head and ladies and gentlemen, while you did not have the pleasure of meeting my father, I can assure you that this is not good at all.

In this moment I feel radioactive, ready to explode.

The man of my dreams—ahem, nightmares—has disappeared behind his door thank God and now I have the opportunity to concentrate on the stupid things Roselynn is saying.

“Look, I’m not asking you to stop being the generous and adorable person that you are.” Here it comes again. “But it’s your time to shine, Ariel. Start acting the part. Buy yourself some decent clothes and come with me to those meetings.”

“What’s wrong with my clothes?” This is serious, Roselynn is crossing the line.

“Well, for starters, they look as if they came from a charity shop.”

“That’s because they did. I’m not one of those stupid, mindless fashionistas, happy to spend hours shopping in the mall. That’s not my style and you know it.”

She closes her eyes and takes a deep calming breath, while I do the same. I don’t want to fall out with Roselynn, she’s the closest thing I have to a sister. Sister from another mister.

Why are we even having this important conversation in the middle of the sidewalk where everyone can hear us?

Roselynn raises her hands in a gesture of conciliation.

“Ariel, I’m not asking for you to stop being yourself. All the success that you’ve achieved is precisely because of the wonderful person you are.”

“Yet you still want to change me.” My tone sounds sharper than I intended.

“Ariel, no, I’m not explaining myself very well. I just want you to work on being a better, more confident version of you.”

“Well, that’s exactly what I’ve been doing, and since you haven’t even noticed, I’ll have to tell you. I just had my hair done, and it wasn’t one of my home experiments.”

Roselynn puts her hands over her mouth as her golden eyes stare at me.

“Oh my gosh, it’s true!” she cries. “I’m so sorry, I was distracted and I didn’t see.”

She bounces around me as she takes in my hair color and I end up laughing at her. I can’t be mad at my friend for more than five minutes.

What can I say, I have a big heart.

“It’s beautiful, Ariel, really beautiful.” She grins. “That tone and the darker shades make your eyes look huge and sparkly. That’s what I meant when I said a better version of you, to show the world a more sophisticated version of my friend and partner.”

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