The Personal Assistant by Penny Ward Read Free Book Online Page B

wondered why the hell I didn't ask you sooner."
    The unison groan and scowl become a unison wide-eyed stare.
    "Each moment I grew more and more excited about showing you off to my friends and colleagues, and yeah, to Demi and any other women who I'd either dated before or who wanted to date me. Enjoying your easy, genuine company was always a breath of fresh air for me, and I couldn't wait to be with you. By the time I got home from work I could barely keep my hands off you and well, I don't know about you, but what happened between us then just…blew my mind."
    Oh. My.
    "It did?"
    My friends continue with their sound effects, adding a unison gasp to the proceedings.
    "Wow. That's some explanation, Em," says Betty, staring up at Caleb.
    The rest agree and all say, "Yeah!"
    James adds, "I couldn't think of a better explanation, and I've had to think up quite a few in the past."
    Betty scowls and elbows him. "We'll talk about that comment later."
    "See what I mean?" James says to Caleb.
    Caleb smiles politely at them both, in thanks for their support no doubt. Then he asks me, "So, will you?"
    "Will I what?"
    "What do you think, Emma?"
    "Now's not the time for being cryptic, Caleb."
    My body is shaking. I'm so glad to be seated.
    "Oh, for heaven’s sake, woman," he pleads. "I want you in my life. Now. Starting as soon as you step from around that damned table."
    My heart leaps up into my mouth as his words leave his mouth. Betty says, "Holy shit," and squeezes my hand so tight, no blood can reach my fingertips.
    The rest of my group is silent, as if even their breathing might ruin this moment between me and Caleb.
    Then, just as I dare to believe the pain of losing him can end for good, I remember why we can't be happy together.
    "Oh, Caleb. Incredible as all this sounds, you and I don't live in the same world. We found out to my cost that I don't fit in yours. How can we share a life together?"
    Betty pinches the back of my hand, and when I snatch it away in pain and glare at her, she grimaces at me.
    "Stop judging me." I tell her, "You don't understand."
    "I know when two people should be together and when my friend's being a stubborn dumbass."
    "What?"
    James and the rest of our pals gasp or giggle.
    Caleb says, "See? She gets it."
    "No, she doesn't and neither do you, unfortunately, Caleb."
    "So explain it to me, because to me it's simple."
    "To put it purely, you want everything money can buy, and I want everything it cannot."
    Betty and James are watching our conversation like you might watch a game of tennis, watching the point fly from one racket to the other.
    "A guy can change his mind, can't he?" Caleb insists. "Maybe this guy grew up? Maybe he gets what's important now?"
    Let’s see how much, "So you agree your world sucks?"
    He grins, "See, right there…" Excited, he points at my face. "That's what you are."
    I touch my face, everyone glaring at me, imagining a stray noodle hanging from my chin, "What?"
    "I miss it so badly—your honesty, which I admit can be brutal."
    "Ah."
    Okay, no noodle.
    "You can't help but be honest with me, with anyone. I never had much of it growing up, and I can count on one hand how many people are honest with me now. Most want to please me so badly they become diluted versions of themselves to fit into what they think I am. You never did that, which is why you hate my world."
    "So you see my problem? How can we—"
    "Because we have a real chance here, Em." He offers me his hand, reaching over the table, his arm stretching between Beth’s and Ellie’s heads, "And because I see we have a third choice…"
     

Chapter 19

 
    "What third choice?” There's your world or mine. And I don’t fit into your world, nor do I ever want to," I say, staring at his hand, wanting so much to take hold of it.
    "Let me take you on a date, and I'll show you. It's all planned. Say yes, and take my hand. Take a chance on me, Em."
    Tiny insect wings flutter in my chest. I turn to Betty frowning,