Page 30 of Faking it with My Boss' Son

‘‘I remember her, why?’’ I replied, wondering how Dad remembered Eliza all of a sudden.

‘‘I think she is perfect for you, and you guys look wonderful together. You remember at Steve’s birthday party how the guests thought that you were a couple. In fact, Rhett expressed his interest in you dating his daughter sometime back.’’

I felt my stomach tie itself in knots when I thought of dating someone other than Michelle. ‘‘Dad, I’ve just had a terrible breakup. I need some time,’’ my voice choked as I said it.

We finished dinner, and I headed home.

When I got to the apartment, it was quiet. Michelle was in her room already for the night. I went to my room and laid down, hoping I could turn my brain off long enough to fall asleep.

***

I missed my morning run. I woke up much later than usual and felt incredibly distracted. I didn’t have private lessons until later that evening, so I had time to think about my personal life. I went into the living room to see if Michelle was around or if she had already left for the office. I was under the impression that she must have left for the office, but to my surprise, she was there typing something on the laptop, still in her sleepwear. She looked beautiful in her blue cotton T-shirt and blue drop wide-leg sweatpants. She was completely unaware that I was there.

‘‘Uh-uh, uh-uh,’’ I coughed.

She looked up and smiled, ‘‘You didn’t go on your morning run? Or are you already back?” she asked while continuing to type.

I yawned even though I’d slept for more than nine hours. I shook my head no, then realized that Michelle couldn’t see me as she was busy typing. ‘‘No, I didn’t go today.’’

‘‘Why? You okay?" She asked because I rarely missed my morning run.

‘‘Yes, it's just that I overslept. What about you? Why didn’t you go to work?’’

‘‘I’m taking the day off to find an apartment.’’ She said while staring at her computer.

It felt like she dropped a bomb on my heart. Although I knew that Michelle was moving out, I didn’t know it was going to be this soon.

I mustered the courage to speak.‘‘Good luck finding one. Let me know if there is anything I can do.’’ I said, trying to be happy for her.

Michelle closed her laptop and turned to me, “There’s some scrambled eggs in the frying pan; feel free to help yourself.”

We sat quietly at the breakfast table. It was the first time I noticed that the scrambled eggs lacked salt, and the toast was almost burnt. Michelle, however, ate absentmindedly without paying attention to the taste. I watched her closely as she mechanically chewed her food, lost in deep thought.

She had no idea when I quietly left the breakfast table and went to my room.

Chapter fifteen

Michelle

Thursday afternoon I went and looked at a couple of apartments. I found one I really liked, and it was close to my work. I made an appointment to sign the lease tomorrow. I called Leah to tell her about it.

“Hey, Leah.”

“Hey Michelle, how are things going with Ryan? Did you tell him how you felt?” She asked me.

“No. I decided that telling Ryan how I felt wasn’t worth losing our friendship over if he didn’t feel the same way.” I paused, waiting for her response.

“Well, if that's what you felt was best, then I support you. So, what did you tell him?” She asked curiously.

“I told him that I couldn't keep being his fake girlfriend and that I was going to find another place to live.”

“Good for you Michelle. Any luck on finding a new place yet?” She asked.

“Yes, I looked at a place today and will be signing the lease on it tomorrow. They said I could move in as early as next week. I am so excited to go out and meet new people and possibly start dating to get my mind off Ryan.” I said as I pulled up to Ryan's apartment.

When I walked in, it was silent. Ryan was nowhere to be seen. I lightly tapped on his bedroom door. There was no answer. I tapped again and this time Ryan answered in a soft voice, “Come in.”

When I walked into his room, he was lying on his bed.

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