Page 3 of Faking it with My Boss' Son

But this morning was different. I had to go to the airport to pick up Michelle.

It was already 8 am, and she was landing at 11 am. I made sure to arrive a few hours early because she was new here, and I didn’t want her to have to wait for me when she landed. Even if I were the reason she was coming to LA to apply for the vacant position as a management consultant in my father’s company, I still would have been here to pick her up otherwise because, even after all these years, she’s one of my best friends.

The hours passed in the blink of an eye as I waited at LAX for Michelle. I was thrilled to see her after all these years. We had been in touch since high school but seeing her in person was altogether a different feeling. We’d tried to connect in person, but timing never worked in our favor. Telling her about the job wasn’t completely selfless on my end. Having her closer to me would bring me so much joy.

Waiting outside Terminal 1, I saw her approaching me with a suitcase in hand; she was my same old, shy, and wholesome friend, Michelle Harvey. She looked gorgeous in her floral cotton dress and black belle shoes. Her brown hair was longer than it used to be, and her bangs framed her face.

“Hey Michelle, I can’t believe you’re finally here,’’ I hugged her tight against me.

‘‘Hey Ryan, I know! Had you not convinced me that it was worth a shot, I would have never come. I’m excited for the opportunity.” She said as we turned to walk to the car.

‘‘Good to see that you’re obeying the orders of your potential boss’s son.’’ I grinned like a Cheshire cat.

Michelle gave me a fake smile. ‘‘I hope I get this job. And I hope that you remember your promise. No recommendations from your side. It has to be entirely on my merit.’’ She gave me a stern look.

‘‘Of course, I remember. Dad wouldn’t have even taken your interview, let alone hired you if it were my recommendation. He couldn’t care less about my opinion,’’ I laughed.

‘‘I guess he hasn’t changed. He still wants you to quit soccer and join his company, doesn’t he?’’ She said, rolling her eyes as we neared my car.

I nodded my head yes.

‘‘And that is something you would never do?’’ She asked, even though she knew me well enough to know I’d never want to.

‘‘Of course not, well, not anytime soon. I actually feel sorry for my dad.’’ I sighed.

‘‘Why?’’ Michelle looked at me quizzically as we walked into the parking garage.

“He has no idea how great of an athlete was born in his home. He should be so proud of me.’’ I burst into laughter.

Michelle smiled and shook her head. ‘‘Your sense of humor hasn’t changed one bit, Ryan.’’

‘‘I know. It’s wonderful. Isn’t it?’’ I grinned.

“Life is full of wonderful surprises.” Michelle smiled back at me. “One being… I finally get to see you after all these years. I wish I could have come to visit sooner. I can’t believe it’s already been 13 years.” She said, shaking her head, “It feels like just yesterday we were saying goodbye to high school and each other.”

“Time flies, doesn’t it.” I agreed.

Michelle took her phone out of her bag to let her family know that she landed. My driver loaded her luggage into my black Lamborghini while she dialled.

I waited to open the door for her until she was finished talking. I observed Michelle keenly as she spoke to her mother on the phone. Not much had changed about her after all these years. Her simplicity, her wholesome demeanor, and her pleasant disposition were still the same. Taking small pauses while talking, speaking so softly that the listener might consider visiting their otolaryngologist for fear they might have a problem with their ears. But she’s older now, full of life experiences and an underlying confidence that hadn’t existed when she was 18. There’s a beauty that surrounds her and it’s utterly captivating.

She got off the phone and I opened the car door while gesturing for her to get in.

‘‘Thank you, Ryan. That is so sweet of you.’’ Michelle said as she got into the car. I closed the door and moved towards the other side of the car.

‘‘So, you still tell your mom everything, huh?’’ I said, getting into the car.

‘‘I do, old habits die hard, you know that better than anyone.” She laughed.

“How are your mom and dad doing lately?” I asked while we drove towards Beverly Hills.

“Mom is doing good but dad was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He isn't doing too well and is getting worse. It was definitely hard for me to leave them during such a difficult time but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I couldn't turn down.” Michelle said sadly.

“Oh I am so sorry to hear that Michelle. Let me know if I can help in any way.” I said, surprised she came to LA with all the changes happening in her life.

“I will Ryan, Thanks.” She said and turned the conversation to me. “How have things been with you? You still liking LA?”

‘‘This big city has its charm, Michelle. I’d be lying if I said that I regret coming here. But you were always missed. I’ve made a lot of new friends here, but my day wouldn’t have been the same if I wasn’t telling you everything that took place.’’ I said smiling.

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