AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Why are you like that?”
I gave a sarcastic laugh. “You said it yourself. I’m a petite woman. Women in Hollywood need to try ten times harder than men. I have a reputation, one I’m sure you already checked out.”
He grinned. “I was curious. I looked up your name. I found nothing but positives in the articles I read.”
“That’s because as far as business is concerned, I do it well. Personal relationships are another story. I don’t do personal well. I didn’t grow up in a touchy-feely household. My parents are doctors who travel quite a bit doing charity work.”
Austin reached out to stroke my arm with his water-cooled fingers. “You can tell me all these things, but what I saw this evening makes me wonder if I saw the real you or it was an act.”
I looked at my hands in my lap, avoiding Austin’s eyes. “I was being real, and it’s a part of me that I don’t show often because I can’t. It will make me look weak. I have no idea why I’m even telling you this. Another week and a half, and we’ll go back to our lives like we never met.”
“Why?”
“Why what?”
“Why go back to that life without each other in it? It’s not like we live in different countries, and even if we did, we could still maintain a friendship.”
“Because I’m busy without time for a social life. I go to meetings and dinners. That’s about the extent of my leisure time.”
“That’s not leisure time. It’s still work. Don’t you want to go to a gallery or a museum with a friend? Maybe head up the Pacific Coast Highway for a long drive? Go to the beach for the day?”
“I’ve never done any of those things since I’ve been in California.”
“Have you dated since you’ve been in Los Angeles?”
I looked up at him. “It ended badly. I’m sure you found articles on that also because the internet is forever.”
He stroked his chin, “I did. I’m sorry.”
“Ivan was a jerk. He wanted the next best thing and not a vice president for a girlfriend. He said I emasculated him. Can you believe? So what was I supposed to do? Quit my job and stay home to make babies and cook and clean?”
“Don’t you eventually want those things?”
“Maybe, but I doubt it will happen for me. What man wants to date the Ice Queen?”
“Ice Queen?”
“That’s what they call me. It’s not an official term, but I hear it behind my back. It used to make me smile, but now it’s just irritating. You think I would get respect for turning a dysfunctional company into a major player. Let’s face it; successful women who have power over men are bitches.”
“I don’t think that. I never would.”
“It’s how society works.”
“Maybe in your circles. Not everyone feels that way.”
“I’m resigned to the fact that my career will be my life. I’ll never get married or have children, and I’m okay with that.”
“Are you? Can you be satisfied alone for the rest of your life?”
“Unless I move to some island where no one knows me then yes.”
“We’re on an island where no one knows you.”
“You know me. You know who I am.”
“And it doesn’t bother me. I couldn’t give a shit if you’re a CEO.”
“I’m not sure what you want me to say here.”
