CHAPTER FIFTY–TWO – The Time for Truth Has Come
“Great,” Ryan smiles. “I’ll come back later this evening if that’s alright, Laura? I thought we could grab dinner, discuss your start at
Sivarra Tech ”
Laura nodded, trying to keep her excitement in check. “That sounds great. Thanks again, Ryan.”
After Ryan left, Laura and Jessie stood in the middle of the living room, looking at each other in disbelief.
“Can you believe this is our home now?” Jessie squealed, unable to contain her excitement any longer.
Laura laughed, the sound echoing in the spacious room. “It’s surreal. I keep thinking I’m going to wake up and find out this was all a dream.”
it
“Well, if it is a dream, I don’t want to wake up.” Jessie declared. She clapped her hands together. “Okay, roomie. Where do we start?”
They spent the next few hours unpacking their belongings, deciding where everything should go. They debated over which bedroom each of them should take, eventually deciding to flip a coin for the slightly larger one with the best view (Jessie won, much to her delight)
“We need to personalize this place a bit,” Laura mused, looking around at the stylish but somewhat impersonal decor. “Make it feel more like home.”
Jessie’s eyes lit up. “Ooh, shopping trip?”
They found a nearby home goods store and spent a happy hour picking out throw pillows, plants, and artwork to add some personality to their new space. Back at the penthouse, they set about arranging their new purchases.
“What do you think about this painting over here? Laura asked, holding up a colorful abstract piece.
Jessie tilted her head, considering. “I like it. It adds a nice pop of color to the room
As they worked, they chatted about their hopes for this new chapter in their lives.
“I still can’t believe you’re working for Ryan,” Jessie said as she arranged some throw pillows on the couch. “That must be…. Interesting.”
Laura paused in the act of watering a new potted plant. “What do you mean?”
Jessie raised an eyebrow. “Come on, Laura. Gorgeous, successful guy who you have history with? And now he’s your boss? That’s got to be complicated.”
Laura sighed, setting down the watering can. “It’s not like that, Jess. Ryan and I… what happened in New York was a one–time thing. He’s my boss now, that’s all.”
“Uh–huh,” Jessie said, clearly unconvinced. “And the fact that he’s arranged this amazing apartment for you and is taking you to dinner tonight is just… what? Standard new employee treatment?”
Laura felt a blush creeping up her cheeks. “It’s not… I mean, he’s just being nice. Professional”
Jessie held up her hands in surrender. “Okay, okay. If you say so. Just… be careful, alright? I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
Laura nodded, grateful for her friend’s concern. “I will. Promise.”
By late afternoon, they had transformed the penthouse into a space that felt uniquely theirs. Colorful artwork adorned the walls, plants added life to corners and windowsills, and soft throws and pillows made the modern furniture teel cozy and inviting.
Exhausted but satisfied, they collapsed onto the plush sofa, admiring their handiwork
“We did good,” Jessie declared, high–fiving Laura.
Laura nodded, a contented smile on her face. “We really did. It feels like home now.”
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in vibrant hues of orange and pink, Laura reluctantly got up. “I should start getting ready for dinner with Hyan
Jessie waggled her eyebrows suggestively. “Ooh, big date?”
Laura rolled her eyes. “It’s not a date, Jess. It’s a business dinner.”
“Right, right,” Jessie laughed. “That’s why you’re going to wear that killer black dress I saw you pack, right?”
Laura threw a throw pillow at her friend, laughing despite herself “Shut up.
She retreated to her room to get ready, butterflies fluttering in her stomach despite her insistence to Jessie that this was just a business dinner. She chose a chic but understated navy blue dress, paired with simple silver jewelry and low heels.
r room.
When Ryan arrived to pick her up, Jessie answered the door, giving Laura an exaggerated wink before disappearing into her Laura shook her head, smiling at her friend’s antics.
“You look lovely,” Ryan said as Laura joined him at the door.
“Thanks,” Laura replied, trying to ignore the way her heart sped up at his compliment. “You clean up pretty well yourself.”
Ryan chuckled, leading her to the elevator. “I know a great seafood place not far from here. I think you’ll like it.”
The restaurant was indeed beautiful, with large windows offering a stunning view of the ocean. As they were seated at a table near the window, Laura couldn’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu, remembering their time in New York.
“So,” Ryan said once they had ordered, “are you settling in okay?”
Laura nodded, taking a sip of her wine. “The apartment is amazing, Ryan. I can’t thank you enough.”
He waved off her thanks. “I’m just glad you like it. And Jessie? She’s comfortable too?”
“Oh, she’s in heaven,” Laura laughed. “I think she’s already planning our first party.”
Ryan grinned “Well, you’ll have to invite me when that happens.”
As they ate, the conversation flowed easily between them. Ryan asked about her previous work experiences, and Laura found herself relaxing as she talked about her passion for graphic design.
“I’m really excited to see what you’ll bring to the R&D team,” Ryan said, his eyes warm. “Your portfolio was impressive.”
Laura felt a flush of pleasure at his praise. “I can’t wait to get started. Can you tell me a bit more about what I’ll be working on?
Ryan launched into an explanation of some of the projects the R&D department was currently tackling. Laura listened intently, asking questions and offering her thoughts. She couldn’t help but notice how animated Ryan became when talking about his work, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm.
As the evening wore on, Laura found herself increasingly drawn to Ryan’s charm and wit. Their conversation flowed easily, punctuated by laughter and moments of shared understanding. She couldn’t help but be reminded of their brief encounter in New York, the easy camaraderie they had shared then
Despite the obvious chemistry between them, Ryan maintained a strictly professional demeanor throughout the meal. Laura, driven by a mix of attraction and a desire to recapture their previous intimacy, made a few subtle attempts to steer the conversation towards more personal topics.
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