Chapter 14 : Deal Everything had been weird , I don't know ... kind of tense . But my day to day life continued and I had no time for regrets or doubts . Now that we had the green light to go on to bigger and more complex projects . The next one was in Seattle , a massive office , and it was a bigger challenge . They wanted us to organize everything remotely , and that was another logistical challenge . " Priscilla ... this one's for you again ... don't disappoint me my boss told me . Clark was excited , and because Ethan's boss liked my work so much , he suggested ... that I run it as well . It was supposed to be for that and because I think .... Ethan had asked for it . I thought that after his strange attitude with me he was going to leave me aside , maybe he even hated me , but he didn't . And you will think that all this is good , new project , more responsibilities , but also a chance to prove that I really could do it , with all the challenges . But the problem had a pretty face and a name . And this time it wasn't Ethan ... but Kate . By now she was kind of my enemy , but really one of the worst . She treated me like a slave and made nasty comments that ruined my day . " Priscilla ! Where are you ? " " Where has this devilish girl gone ? " " I'm telling you she's fat and slow ... if she'd lose weight everything would be easier . " " What a woman to know nothing ! You have to do it all over again " These were common words to hear , as well as her trashing my proposals , answering emails rudely , asking me for a thousand repetitions of even the easiest things . He would change everything , and then go back to proposal number 1. And even tearing my drafts into little pieces , which were flying around the office like a piece of paper . I didn't know what to do anymore . I was never very good at confronting others ... and the situation was getting out of hand because she was somehow the favorite of this small design area , and because , in theory , she had a more advanced professional status than mine . I felt imprisoned , my hands tied , when I really wanted to yell at her . " Priscilla ... we have to put more effort into this , alright ? I'll dedicate some extra hours , but honestly , this is a significant responsibility ... I'm not sure if you're up for it , " Kate whispered during another meeting . I felt my palms sweating and my hands turning cold . And to make matters worse , Ethan was there , hearing every word , like any other colleague . Good Lord ... This situation felt almost as uncomfortable as him witnessing me trying on a tiny dress that shows all my imperfections . ' I'm pretty sure Priscilla can handle this , Kate ... but she needs everyone's support . Okay ? Let's go to work ! " My boss said , and I was speechless . I didn't even know what to say . I looked at him and gave him a grateful smile , but the rest of the meeting was silent . What had I done to this woman ? Ethan didn't say anything and still didn't look at me , and I sank deeper into my seat . Sometimes , I noticed Kate chatting happily with Ethan . It seemed clear to me that she was flirting with him . She approached him , flashed a smile , and ran her fingers through his long reddish hair . At times I saw her even touching him , very casually , putting her long hands in his chest ... like is nothing . Like they are more than colleagues , client and designer ... maybe even much more than that . I can't say I was happy . Quite the contrary . I felt ... something that ... I couldn't even say . He responded courteously , letting himself be touched , maybe a little too much . I didn't like it . But Ethan was nice to everyone , without being too close to anyone . Of course , everyone but me ... because I had asked him for distance . Let's not forget that . 1/3 3:19 Π Chapter 14 Deal I observed them from afar , focusing on my tasks , burdened with a heavy workload and receiving minimal assistance once again . I went out with Rob a few more times and we finally kissed . It was ... a somewhat warm , sweet , and affectionate kiss ... but nothing more . I was ruined ; Ethan's kisses had ruined me . Sometimes I think he knew it ... the effect he has on me ... how my body responds to him . A few days later , Clark informed us that we would be visiting another office we were going to remodel . He gave us more details ; it was from a tourism company , so the design they were expecting was quite cozy and new . It also meant that we would have to travel a few times . It seemed like something different and nice , out of the routine . " Priscilla ... I really don't know what you were thinking . Are you deaf ? S.O.S. Priscilla ! Can't you just do one design , just one like I said ? " She told me as she leaned on my desk in a deep but firm voice . " Kate this is what the customer asked for ... he's happy with this and ... " " Look ... you're not even a designer ... you're lucky that our beautiful client .... Ethan helped you the other time . But next time , don't embarrass me ... again ! " You can't work with inept people ... you have to do everything eventually ... stupid fatty ... " I heard her say when she was leaving . Sometimes fulfilling our dreams was more painful than we thought . I know I need to set some boundaries , but it is so hard ... I feel so insecure and I hate it ! I wanted to go to the bathroom to cry , but just as I went in I saw more people , and I was embarrassed . " Damn ... " so I just had to go to the only moderately safe place left ... and mine . My car . So like in the movies I imagined going to sit in front of the steering wheel to cry a little , I couldn't help it , I really needed it . Nothing was going my way . And when I was going straight to the parking lot ... I met someone I didn't want to . Another pretty face , but with another name . " Priscilla ... " " Ethan ... " He looked a little better than before , he seemed to have regained a little sleep and maybe even a little of his weight . Of course , a moderately tired Ethan was better looking than most men . Some people really are born lucky . " How are you ? " " I'm fine ... tired maybe ... a lot of work " I answered . My trip to my car had been hindered , I would soon have to return to the office to face all my demons . " Clark told me a few things about the project and the trip , " he said in a more friendly tone . I just wanted to finish what I had to do today and go home . He took a few steps towards me , hesitating a bit . " You ... really work hard . Like ... really hard . And I know it's not always easy ... rather you have a lot of challenges , and not everybody appreciate your good effort he tells me , and it seems he is referring to Kate , to how she treats me . Has he noticed that ? " Well , I do my part , I reply , uncertain of what else to say . " I'm sorry if my demands have caused you undue stress ... I truly am . Please know that it was never my intention to burden you . Believe me when I tell you that ... I see you . That I see your great work ... Priscilla " he towers over me , bending slightly to meet my eye level . It's evident that he's aware of my tears and the struggles I face in seeking recognition here . Perhaps that's why he offered those words of apology . " Thank you , Ethan . It means a lot to me , " I say with a smile , and I feel that the atmosphere between us improves . He keeps looking at me worriedly , as if he doesn't know what to do with me . " I'm sure everything will work out and the next project will be a success . Don't worry , " he tells me , encouraging me with a small , sad smile . 2/3 p p . Chapter 14 Deal He's still there , very close to me . I feel as if the molecules in our bodies are calling out to each other , as if they are asking us to be closer . Will he be aware of this madness ? Will he feel it too ? It's not unusual that we have already ended up kissing or at least touching each other on several occasions . Yes , yes ... I touched him . I avoided him for a long time , but I touched him . I don't know if I regret it . I guess that because he was nice ... I should be nice . I mean ... he helped me . He did more than that . * I want to apologize . I think I was ... a little arrogant . I'm just an apprentice ! I shouldn't have behaved like that with you . Refusing your help ... you don't deserve it . I think we should all accept the help that others can offer us * I say , and his expression softens even more . He seems to be the nice Ethan again , the one who shows up from time to time . I really like this Ethan . He looks relaxed , confident ; his face lights up and there is a hint of a smile on his face . That sideways smile I love . He looks ... gorgeous . * Thank you . But you are not aprentice . You are a designer ... " " Really ? " * 100 % sure he says and makes me smile . " If you say so ... " I mean ... a bit flirtatious . Look at me ! me flirting ... I thought I sucked at it ... but he smiles even more and his eyes sparkle . " I know we've had a strange ... interaction since I've been back , but for the sake of Lily's wedding and this job , I promise to try to be better . To get along better . I wasn't lying when I said you were very important to me , " he says , and I'm very surprised . This is the approach I need from him . Right now . Boundaries , kindness and some space . No other intentions . " Let's be friends who get along well ... or at least the best we can ? " I ask him , offering my hand , and he looks surprised . He has a strange expression on his face . It is as if he does not like the word , as if it is not what he expected . Friends . Why not ? Perhaps I am asking too much ? We have been friends for many years . Finally , he takes my hand and shakes it . " Deal " he says , sighing . Chapter Comments Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!