Page 18 of Faking it with My Boss' Son

I was so exhausted from the day that when I laid down, I immediately fell asleep.

Chapter seven

Ryan

I returned late last night and had to get up early the next day for my morning run and private lessons with one of my clients. With very little sleep, I was worn out. My eyes were heavy as I lay down on the shiny, black leather armchair after coming home from my run. I had no idea if I was asleep or not. Perhaps I was between two blissful states: partially awake and partially asleep.

I could smell fresh bagels, freshly brewed coffee, and scrambled eggs coming from the kitchen. It made my mouth water. I saw Michelle before me, fresh out of the shower, her hair towel dried, smelling of water lily and rose, in her light-blue gown with her innocent, honey-colored eyes, smiling.

‘‘The breakfast smells delicious!’’ I smiled as I held out my hand for a coffee, wondering why she wasn’t passing me the mug. ‘‘Give it to me…’’

‘‘Ryan… Ryan. Who are you talking to?’’ Michelle looked at me quizzically as I was startled from my dream state. She was dressed in formal clothes, a grey and white dress, black stockings, and black stilettos. She had combed her hair neatly and tied it with a mini hair clip on top of her head. Even in her simplicity, she looked stunning.

‘‘How did you change so quickly, and what about the cup of coffee?’’ I rubbed my eyes.

‘‘What? That was an hour ago. I put stuff in the fridge for you. You should get more rest; you look tired.” She frowned at me. “Anyway, I’m going to be late for work. Bye.’’ She walked out the door.

***

I have planned a party for my dad’s 60th birthday next weekend. And like always, I left gift shopping until the last minute. Thankfully, I didn’t have any lessons, so I had all day to go gift shopping. I decided to see if my friend Amy would go shopping with me to get him a gift.

I picked up the phone to call Amy; she plays on the women's soccer team in LA, so we’ve bonded over our love of sports and soccer the past few years. The last few days, we have been talking a lot on the phone and getting to know each other better.

"Hey, Amy, I've got a little dilemma. Would you be interested in helping me pick out a birthday gift for my dad today?"

"Of course, Ryan! I'd love to help. It sounds like a fun adventure. And lucky for you, I am free today." Amy said with excitement.

“Perfect. I will meet you at the square in an hour.” I said and hung up the phone.

So there we were, on a Thursday morning, strolling down the streets, our mission clear – find the perfect birthday present for my dad. Amy's presence was comforting. She had this uncanny ability to make even the most mundane tasks feel like an enjoyable adventure.

We ducked into a charming antique store, the jingle of the doorbell announcing our arrival. As we browsed through a sea of vintage trinkets, our laughter filled the air. Amy's eyes sparkled as she held up an old record player, joking about how it could add a touch of nostalgia to my dad's life. We moved from aisle to aisle, sharing anecdotes and bonding over our shared love for quirky finds.

In the bookstore next door, we stumbled upon a section of classic novels. As Amy held up a dog-eared copy of my dad's favorite novel, I couldn't help but smile. Her thoughtfulness was heartwarming, and in that moment, I realized how easily we connected, like pieces of a puzzle clicking into place.

As we continued our quest, picking out a leather-bound journal and a set of artisanal chocolates, I couldn't ignore the nagging thought at the back of my mind. Michelle occupied a significant space in my thoughts. I was enjoying my time with Amy, but a huge part of me wished that I was shopping with Michelle instead.

As we left the last shop, bags in hand, I found myself lost in contemplation. I hoped no one had seen us together. If word gets back to my dad that I was seen with another girl, he will further question Michelle and I’s relationship.

"Ryan, you seem lost in thought," Amy said, her voice pulling me back to the present.

I chuckled, offering her a sheepish smile. "Just pondering the mysteries of gift-giving, I guess."

She laughed, a musical sound that warmed my heart. "Well, we did pretty well today, if I do say so myself."

She was right. The day had been unexpectedly wonderful, a blend of laughter and shared connections.

As we parted ways, I found myself hoping that my little adventure with Amy wouldn't complicate things with Michelle. I wanted to savor both connections without one affecting the other. With that thought in mind, I headed home, gift bags in hand.

When I got home, I started to send out invites and spoke with the butlers and cooks at the house to have everything just perfect. I invited quite a few people so that Dad felt how much he was loved by his friends and family. I wish I would have just kept it as a private affair with just me, dad, and Michelle, but my dad always enjoyed a good party.

Michelle came home after work, and I couldn't wait to tell her about my day and Dad's birthday party.

“Hey, Michelle. How was your day at work?” I greeted her from the couch when she walked in.

“It was good, busy as usual. What did you do today?” She asked as she set her stuff down and joined me in the living room.

“Well, this morning, I remembered that my dad's birthday is coming up. I called Amy, and we went shopping to get him a gift.”

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