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about our mutual commitment to the arts, don’t you think?” She has me right where she wants me and she knows it. She’s systematically removing Ivy from the equation and inserting herself in her place. I resent being manhandled like this and I refuse to let her ace Ivy out of the picture either.
    “But Ivy’s still going to be doing the story, right? I built up a rapport with her and I think she’ll capture exactly what I’m hoping to get across in the interview.” I’m taking a chance that this approach might backfire in Ivy’s face but I’m determined to secure her involvement going forward. There’s no way in hell I’m letting Lauren interview me.
    “Of course, Eric. If you believe she’s capable of doing an adequate job, then I’m more than happy to keep her on board.” The insipidness of her tone could shatter glass but I don’t care. I got what I wanted. I can put up with Lauren for a night as long as I still have the opportunity to see Ivy. I don’t even have her cell phone number, and if Lauren does something drastic like fire her, then I’ll have no way of contacting her.
    “Excellent. I’m glad everything worked out. I’ll talk to you soon, Lauren.” I’m trying to maintain my polite demeanor with her but it’s taxing.
    “I’m counting on it, Eric. Just so you know, I’m wearing a navy blue dress to the gala in case you want to match your tie. Our picture together is going to be everywhere and it’s always good to color coordinate.” She’s way too excited about this. It’s not like we’re getting married or something. Wherever she believes this is headed, it is not a date. It’s nothing more than a professional courtesy between colleagues.
    Before I can dampen her enthusiasm, she plows ahead. “I’ll email you all of the particulars and we’ll arrange our schedules. I have a deadline looming or else I’d gladly stay on the phone with you all day.” Oh please don’t. Man, what did I get myself into?
    “Bye, Eric.”
    “Bye, Lauren.”
    I hang up and feel totally drained. That woman stole every last ounce of energy I had in me. She’s exhausting to have to deal with. And worst of all, what’s Ivy going to think when she rubs it in her face that I’m escorting her as her date? It couldn’t be more contrived but Ivy doesn’t know that. I have to talk to her one on one and explain everything. She might think I’m losing my mind by confessing what’s really going on between me and her boss, but I’m willing to put it all out there in the hope of salvaging what we have between us…if it’s anything at all. I haven’t felt drawn toward any woman since Cassidy died and I’m not going to give up on what’s drawing me to Ivy. She’s too special to let go of without a fight.

Chapter Five Ivy
    Will said he was too busy to sit down at a computer and type his answers to my questions. So he suggested that we meet in person at the only restaurant for miles that’s not a McDonald’s or a Dairy Queen. He’s already ten minutes late and the lunch crowd is starting to pour in. I don’t know how long I’ll be able to hold this table if he doesn’t show soon. A text would be nice. At least then I’d be sure he didn’t forget about me.
    But when am I ever in the forefront of Will’s thoughts? Probably never. Meanwhile, he’s been the center of my romantic universe since we were kids. There’s never been anyone for me but him. No matter how much he fails to see it, I’m in love with him, plain and simple. I don’t fantasize about any other guy. He’s it for me…even if he’s not good for me. I’m not blind to his faults. He’s a self-centered, arrogant jerk most of the time, but when no one else is around and I’m the center of his world, it’s like I’m flying. Nothing feels better than the way he looks at me in those moments, like he knows we’re meant to be together but he’s just not ready to settle down yet. And I get that. He’s a hot guy who wants to