Page 20 of Knocked Up By the Silver Fox

13

BETH

Iwas exhausted, lying on the couch scrolling my phone. Rachel was in the kitchen making some sort of snack and I felt like I hadn't slept in days. I also felt slightly nauseous and ravenously hungry at the same time. I knew whatever she brought in here I'd devour, so I ignored it when my stomach growled.

Will hadn't called me like he said he would, but I knew he was a busy guy. I couldn't get him out of my head at all now. When I thought of him, I got slightly giddy too, like a schoolgirl with a crush. It wasn't even a bad feeling, except I had to hide it from Rachel. I already knew how she felt, and telling her how serious things had gotten would only draw more lectures—which she told me were because she cared. I didn't want to hear them.

So I buried myself in my scrolling and pretended she wasn't really around, living in my own thoughts most of the time as posts and images scrolled past my eyes. When Will told me he wanted me for so much more than sex, it seemed to seal the deal for me. I didn't care how much older he was or that he was my boss. It felt so amazing when he was around. We had this connection so genuine and real that it couldn't be faked.

The doorbell rang and Rachel called: "Can you get that?"

I grumbled and stayed where I was and ignored that too. I was cold and didn't want to get up. I felt grumpy and moody, and all I wanted was food and for everyone to leave me alone. I heard Rachel huff and then I heard her stomp toward the door. When she opened it, I heard a man's voice and sat straight up.

The first thing I thought was that Will had shown up to see me. I was hideous, wearing sweats and a T-shirt and my hair was tied up into a messy bun. I was so not presentable, so I raced into my bedroom and tore off the stained clothing, rifling around for a sweater and jeans. I was hopping on one foot, trying to get the jeans up around my hips when Rachel walked in and snorted at me.

"Some dude is here to see you. If that's the guy you're dating, my God you have horrible taste." She rolled her eyes at me and I scowled as she backed out of the room.

I hastily took my hair down and brushed it, then quickly decided a ponytail was better. When I was finally as put-together as I knew I could be without a full shower and makeup routine, I slapped a smile on my face and walked out to see not Will, but Nevil Banks seated on our sofa. He stood to greet me and held a box of chocolates and a manilla envelope in his hands.

"Ms. Reid," he said with pride. "I apologize for the intrusion."

I glanced at Rachel who shrugged, and I walked hesitantly over to the couch where he stood. "Uh, it's okay," I said, but I was very cautious. Rachel tried to warn me so many times that Mr. Caldwell was dangerous for me, but I'd never been so intimidated or awkward around him as I was this man.

"These are for you…" He offered me the chocolates and the envelope and smiled. His weaselly face scared me. Everything about him creeped me out, right down to his gray leisure suit and ugly plaid tie.

"What's this?" I peeked into the envelope, but I didn't pull out the papers I saw in it. I looked up at him expecting him to offer an explanation. He must've thought Rachel was me when he first walked in because she stood in the kitchen behind him nodding at me profusely. She was trying to send a message to me about something.

Mr. Banks noticed me looking at her and glanced that way, but Rachel stopped her gesturing immediately. "I apologize, I didn't realize you were a twin. I already told your sister, but this is a job offer." He smiled and tapped the envelope. "Your salary, plus 40 percent—five weeks paid vacation, travel stipend, clothing stipend, health insurance…I think it's a very handsome package and I want you at my firm."

Of all the things that could happen today I never in a million years expected this. How did he even discover where I lived? This was outrageous.

"Mr. Banks, I …"

"Now don't answer until you read the contract. I know it's a huge leap of faith, but you have real talent." His voice droned on for a full five minutes while I was staring at him.

All I could think about was not seeing Will every day. I was learning from him, but at the same time, I was adding value to his firm too. I was sure Mr. Banks was a decent man to work for, but Will's praise was what I craved, and being near him. For a moment I thought it would be a good idea, that working somewhere else would alleviate the pressure on me to keep things secret when it came to Will, but how would I feel not seeing him every day?

"What do you say?" he asked and I shook my head.

"I have to think about this. I just got this huge promotion and…" And it felt amazing to have people begging for my talent and time, but I just wasn't sure. It was a huge choice.

"I understand. You take your time. The offer is good for two weeks, and if you aren't ready, we can discuss a negotiation for the contract." He tapped it again and promptly walked right to the door. "Have a nice day ladies."

Nevil nodded and let himself out, and Rachel squealed. "Oh my God, your salary plus 40 percent? Five weeks paid vacation and a clothing stipend. Beth, tell me you're not stupid enough to pass this up."

I sank onto the couch as she rushed over to me carrying a plate of no-bake cookies. She plopped down beside me and I closed my eyes and laid my head back.

"Rachel, it's not that easy." I could hear her chewing and it made my mouth water, but I felt so sick to my stomach now I knew if I ate I'd throw up. It was just too much for my nerves.

"What's not easy about it? Give me one good reason you can't take that job."

"One: people will call me a traitor. I'd be given a black mark for the rest of my career. Two: they'd make me sign a non-compete which would basically stifle my entire first year somewhere else. Three…" I hesitated and bit my lip, then raised my head and looked her in the eye. "And three: I might have slept with Mr. Caldwell, and I'm very certain I'm falling for him, so I don't want to work somewhere else."

Rachel was silent for a moment, chewing slowly. Then she set the plate of food down, and instead of lashing out with hateful lectures again, she sighed and shook her head. "Okay, so I figured something was happening since you just stopped talking about him. I just didn't realize you were doing that…First of all, I hope you're using protection. Second of all, if you're screwing the boss already, people will trash your reputation. Take the different job, save yourself the hassle, and if something develops with the old man, at least you're across town and people can't accuse you of sleeping your way to the top."

It was hurtful the way she said it, but there was a lot of wisdom there. Will would be hurt. I knew it. Leaving his firm to go to one of his rivals' firms would feel like a kick to the balls, at least to me it would.

The salary and benefits package sounded nice, but at what expense? And would Will ever forgive me?

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