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Ryan laughed hysterically and responded, "Again, you use that word. Anyways, that's not where my interest lies right now, tell me you already asked her out!"
The word ‘shenanigans’ is one that our English teacher used a lot back when we were in school. We always found it funny, especially with the way the teacher said it with rage and fury. The word triggered a lot of memories for Ryan and I.
"Asked who out? My employee?" I look at him like he was going nuts. He adjusted on his seat and sit up, staring at me sternly.
"Is that what this is about now? Come on Ian, aren't you tired of giving yourself excuses? Why not give yourself a chance to love? Why are you so hard on yourself?"
His questions hit me hard. I knew that no one would want me to be happy more than Ryan would. I knew that he was a true friend who cared about me.
"I'm just stating facts. It just doesn't work for me! It's a whole new level of awkward! I saw her this morning and I couldn't even look her in the face. She expected a smile from me, but what will the others say when they see me treating her differently than others. It won’t be fair to her, either. Her success will be the results of nepotism and not because of her real talent and hard work.”
I continued, “Let's look at it this way. What if it doesn't work out? She's going to resign, and I end up losing a great asset to my company. I can't afford that especially after we just landed the biggest opportunity in the history of our company. I believe everything was just good and perfect the way it was. I would rather keep things that way".
"So it doesn't matter that she makes you happy? Ryan persists, not wanting to give in too easily.
"I'll find happiness in something else or Someone else. It's too big of a risk to take."
While discussing other matters regarding the company with Ryan, a knock comes on my door.
"Come in!" I answered hoping it is just my assistant.
Leslie walked in, bearing a good number of files that she had collected from Ashley as I had instructed.
"Are these all of them?" I asked while looking through the files.
"These are all the documents she handed to me.” Leslie responded.
"The documents are complete. You can go now, thank you.” Leslie walked out. Ryan waited until she's gone out before continuing to scold me.
"I can't believe you would go this far. Why didn't you let Ashley deliver the documents herself? Are you trying to avoid her here in the office also? How's that even going to work?" Ryan threw both of his hands up in the air.
"I'll make it work, whatever it takes." I put on a defiant look. Ryan knew better not to continue with his conversations whenever he saw that expression from me. He knew he would be wasting his time.
"Suit yourself. I hope you won’t regret this because I'll be here to remind you that I tried to save you from your own self. At least consider the poor girl's feelings. You really stirred up something in her, and now you're backing off". I gave him the look again. He raised his hands again in submission.
"You could help me make sure she's okay. I see you and Ashley are friendly. Just work your magic and make her smile,” I pleaded with him. He rolled his eyes at me and looked away.
"I won't let you keep dragging me into this. I have done the best I can. I'm not getting involved anymore." Ryan looked defiant. He was obviously not going to oblige me this time. He had every right not to, but I wouldn't oblige him either.
"Okay, fair enough. She's got Justin. He can cheer her up," I said trying to make myself feel better.
"And who will do the same for you?" Ryan asked, rolling his eyes.
"Aren't you here to do that? I thought you were here to take me to lunch."
"What lunch? What time is it? Do you usually go to lunch this early?"
"Oh…" I checked the time and It's not lunch even 11am yet.
"And frankly, I'll require more than a dozen lunches to fix you this time."
"We could still try," I said almost absentmindedly.
"Are you playing with me right now?" Ryan is getting frustrated.
I looked at him, then shrugged.
"Why are you acting so weird and more importantly, how do I stay friends with you? You know, Ashley asked me the questions about you before, but now I'm asking the questions directly to you".
