Page 80 of April

“Oh,” Asher said and walked into her office. “Are we going to talk about it or keep pretending like we’re okay?”

“Did you tell her?”

“Yes,” Asher confirmed.

“So, it’s official?”

“I still have an offer letter to sign and details to work out, but it’s official other than that.”

Linden bit her lip and asked, “What about supermodel Stephania?”

“Whatabouther?”

“Is she excited you’d be a little closer to LA?”

Asher laughed and said, “We had one dinner, and you think she’d care if I move?”

“You’re having another date.”

“It’s not a date, Linden.” Asher put her hands on the back of the guest chair. “We liked each other enough to maybe haveanother dinner or coffee, but we’re not dating. I just might make an interesting friend out of it. That’s all.”

“Did something happen?”

“No. We got along really well, but it’s not romantic,” Asher explained. “Besides, she lives in LA and travels the world. She told me her upcoming schedule last night, and the woman won’t stop for a break until Christmas. When would we even be able to explore what this could be? Better off as friends.”

“Well, I’m happy for you about Dallas,” Linden told her with little emotion.

“No, you’re not. But I understand,” Asher said. “You struggled when we moved into our offices.” She smiled at her. “It’ll be an adjustment.”

“You’ve always been here, Ash.”

“I know. But maybe it’s time for us both to start thinking about new challenges, Linden. When I leave, you’ll get my office. It’s bigger than yours. Plus, you’ll get my accounts, and you’ll be the top planner here.”

“Confident you’d take me again this year?” she teased.

“I’ve beaten you every year since you got promoted,” Asher replied with a lifted eyebrow.

“I was going to finally beat you this year, and you’re leaving. What does that say about you, Ash?” she joked.

“No way you would’ve beaten me. And it says I’m smart for taking this opportunity.”

“Even though it takes you away from… here?”

Asher looked around Linden’s office and said, “I will miss…heremore than you know.”

Linden knew what she meant, but they didn’t say anything else. Asher gave her a quick smile and left her alone to wonder how it was only now that she was realizing that she might just be in love with her best friend.

CHAPTER 21

“Ithought I’d say hi before I head out.”

“Bryce? I didn’t know you were here,” Asher said.

“Yeah, I just had lunch with Linden.”

“Oh. Is Sophie here, too?”

“No, she’s working. I needed a break from script and blog writing.”

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