Erica sighs heavily and sets her fork down. “I’m afraid that all this stress is going to take a toll on his health,” she says somberly. “He’s so passionate about his job that it’s hard for him to slow down. He really should get out more. It’ll be a pleasant break from work.”
Before I can take another bite, the sound of my phone ringing interrupts the moment.
“It’s the owner of the studio I put an offer in at,” I tell her.
Erica gives me a knowing smile and motions that she doesn’t mind me taking the call while we eat.
“Hello?” I say, my voice filled with anticipation.
“Miss Turner,” the owner says, her voice already solemn. “I wanted to let you know that I’m going to accept someone else’s offer on the studio.”
My heart sinks, and a wave of disappointment washes over me.
“What do you mean, another offer? I thought you said I was the only one.”
The owner clears her throat before explaining. “Well, there was another offer that came in late last night. We went with them.”
“Do you mind telling me who they are?” I ask, my voice laced with curiosity.
“We rarely disclose that information,” she says hesitantly. “He’s an investor who owns a great deal of buildings that rent out photography studios. Perhaps you’ll be able to rent the studio after all, if he’s willing.”
“What?” I gasp.
Erica, who has been silently listening to my end of the conversation, looks at me with a worried expression. I quickly motion to her that I’ll explain later and move my attention back to the owner.
“Are you sure I can’t counter whatever he offered?” I ask, my mind racing with questions.
The owner gives me a sympathetic sigh. “I’m sorry, Miss Turner, but I can’t do anything about it. We’ve already accepted his offer. It was out of your original price range.”
“Okay,” I reply. “Thanks anyway.”
I end the call and lean back in my chair, still baffled by this sudden turn of events.
“What happened?” Erica asks cautiously.
“Some investor outbid me for the studio,” I tell her. “Apparently, they put in an offer way bigger than mine.”
“Do you know who it is?” she asks eagerly, her voice filled with concern.
“Not yet,” I say. “But I plan to find out. Wait… an investor who owns several photography studios?” My eyes widen in shock as the realization hits me like a freight train. “I should have known. It’s Jason.”
Erica looks at me curiously as I piece together all the facts I have discovered so far.
“Of course he would do this,” I breathe. “How much money does he plan to waste in order to ruin my life?”
“That jerk.” Erica takes my hand and squeezes it tight, her eyes filled with sympathy. “Is he still trying to get ahold of you?”
I nod. “The calls and text messages begging me to take him back have been relentless.”
A look of understanding passes over Erica’s face, and she nods her head slowly. “He won’t stop until he gets what he wants,” she mumbles. “Do you even still have feelings for him?”
I shake my head. “What’s there to love? He’s an inconsiderate asshole who doesn’t care about anyone but himself. You know, I thought the night at the gala was enough for him to back off, but I’m going to need to do something much bigger in order to get rid of him.”
Erica’s eyes light up as an idea pop into her head. “Actually, I might know of a way…” she says with a mischievous grin.
I look at her curiously, unsure of what she has in mind, but desperate to hear her suggestion.
“You just have to trust me,” she says with certainty, and resumes eating.
