Page 53 of Interning For A Billionaire

“He told me at the bar how he had struggled to get over you.”

“That wasn’t what you were talking about?!” she accused me, suspiciously.

“The thing is,” I said, moving closer to her, as if I was about to share something very secretive with her.

“Michael and I met in group therapy.”

“What?”

“He doesn’t want anyone to know, but he’s been going to a group for sex addiction for several months now.”

“I had no idea!”

“They help people with relationship problems and sex addiction. He’s been doing really well, but tonight threw him. He’s not allowed to have relationships with anyone for at least a year. That is part of their program. Celibacy.”

“I see,” Marianne sounded impressed. “So, the two of you….?”

“Oh, no. I’m like his sponsor at the group. I’m supposed to keep an eye on him and help him when he is faced with difficult decisions.”

“I thought you were together.”

“God, no! Knowing where his dick has been… no offence, but no thank you!”

Marianne smiled.

“He offered me a temporary job when I got retrenched. He said it would help keep him on the right track if I was there to keep an eye on him.And working there is good for me, because I need the money. It wouldn’t be good if people found out, though. About the group, you know.”

“Of course not,” she said.

“He can trust you not to talk?”

“Of course,” Marianne said.

“I just wanted to tell you in case you thought he was short with you.”

“So typical of Michael,” Marianne said, her voice filling with longing. “Coming across rude when he is hurting inside.”

When I came out, I found Josie waiting for me.

“I think I will go home too,” she said.

She saw me looking at Marianne who was walking away.

She came closer.

“I remember when he dated her,” she said. “She would come in there, demand to see him. Nothing worked. She wouldn’t leave him alone. He went to the LA offices and worked from there for a bit. Just to get rid of her.”

I could see it on her face, the feelings she had for him.

This was not good news at all.

I told her what Marianne had told me about going to the media and said I had made up a story to keep her from talking. I didn’t go into the details of the story I had made up.

“That was good thinking,” she said. “I have to tell you, if you want a permanent position at Pyramide, it is yours. You have proven yourself over and over again. I think Michael agrees now too.”

I felt a warm flush of happiness. Everything was working out, well, almost. I couldn’t stop thinking of the fact that Josie had feelings for Michael. This was a far bigger threat to our relationship and to me, than a crazy ex-girlfriend. I had no doubt that Josie would not back me for a permanent job if details of our relationship were known.

I looked over the room, which was beginning to break up as proceedings were over and most people had made their speeches, networked their networks and made whatever pitches and deals they wanted to make.

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