3. CARTER

I can’t tell her. For the first time, I meet someone who’s good to me without asking for favours and this happens. What kind of sick joke fate is playing with me?

“I-uh-work in a small firm. You wouldn’t know it,” I lied. 

She nods but it’s not with understanding. I’m wearing a Brioni and Rolex watch. People who work in small firms don’t wear them.

I’m sorry Rosie. I have to lie to you.

Just when I started to like someone…

But now I'll have to let her go.

“What happened?” she asks, noting the change in my demeanour. 

“Nothing,” I try to be assuring. What I am and who I am is outside of this flight. Inside, I am only Carter West. I refuse to let this revelation take away my fun.

“Tell me more about yourself,” I urged.

“I grew up in Chicago. I was in London meeting a friend when I got the interview. Now I’m going to New York and if things don’t work out, then I’m in grave trouble.”

“How?”

“My money is gone. Freelancing gave me side income for a while but it's not enough to survive in a city like New York or London or Chicago for that matter.”

“Why only SweetHarvest Treats?” I ask abruptly.

“Because they are the best. I am a graphic designer. For me, the quality of food is not the deciding standard, though I love their chocolates.”

“It’s the types of images they use while advertising and the graphics on the packets of the packed food. I can give them what they want.” 

I look at her dumbfounded for a few seconds. She is serious about this job and even if I haven't seen her work, I can tell from her confidence that she’s good at it.

“What’s the problem then? They’ll hire you. You’ll be an asset.”

“I wish,” she sighs. She looks older than her age like she has the burden of the world on her shoulders. She’s probably hiding a huge chunk of the story. And why would she tell me? I’m only a fling, right? Plus I’m lying to her. 

“Best of luck.” That’s all I can say.

The 8 hours flight goes by in a blur. We tease each other and constantly pull each other’s leg. I haven't enjoyed myself this much in a long while. Rosie is chirpy and outgoing but she keeps space for my opinion too.

She does not force me to agree with her conclusions, unlike other women. Unless, it’s animals we’re talking about. I found out that Rosie loves animals. 

Now don’t get me wrong, I do too. But if I see a dog walking in a street, which would be a miracle in NYC, I won't walk up to it and pat its head.

Rosie, on the other hand, will. She never got to keep pets growing up because of her mother’s phobia. However, she plans on getting one after getting stable in New York.

Before I know it, it’s time to say goodbye.

“So I guess that’s it,” I say with a tight lipped smile. We’re standing at the exit of the airport. Rosie looks tired and dishevelled after the flight. I want to hug her but I don’t want her face to be printed in the New York Times paper tomorrow.

“That’s it,” she affirms. We linger longer. She’s waiting for me to ask her for her number or any contact information. I can’t. If she’s able to make it, then she’ll find out about me eventually and we’ll meet again.

Though, I know for a fact that Rosie is not the type to use me for my position. Yet, if she’s unable to make it, then a relationship between us will always be questionable. 

“I gotta go. See you around.” She gives me a sad smile and nods. There won’t be any seeing each other around.

We part ways and my driver- Ray, picks me up in my Mercedes. Tall buildings pass by and I watch them through the window. 

“Where to sir?” Ray asks.

“Office.”

The car comes to a halt in front of SweetHarvest Treats headquarters. I ascend the steps. The security guard at the front door greets me. It’s past office hours so most employees have gone home.

Though, there is someone who I know will be in the office at this hour. I knock at the door of Luke’s cabin. He has the largest office in the building, after me.

“Come in,” he calls from inside.

I open the frosted glass doors. Upon seeing me Luke gets up and side hugs me, patting me on my back.

“You were supposed to be at home,” he remarks.

“If I didn't know better, I'd say you’re trying to rob my company by keeping me away.”

He barks out a laugh and pours a drink for both of us. 

“I already robbed millions. You’re late in figuring out my intentions,” he says, handing me a glass.

Luke is one of my closest friends. This company wouldn’t have been possible without him. 

“How’d your London trip go?” He asks, getting to business.

“Better than good. I convinced them to work with us and they’ll also be purchasing a few of our shares.”

“Right right.”

“I heard we’re recruiting graphic designers,” I ask as nonchalantly as possible.

“We are,” he agrees. “The interviews were supposed to be today but due to bad weather, many flights got delayed. So we decided to postpone it.”

“Can I see the portfolios of the selected candidates?”

“Here,” he hands me four files. 

As I go through the first two, I note that the work is very good and the designs are creative.

“Which one do you like the most?”  I ask.

“The one in your hand,” he says and I flip the file to look at the name.

Rosalyn Shay

A small smile creeps on my lips and I'm grateful that Luke is not looking at me right now.

I open the file and similar to others, the designs are perfect and creative. But there’s something more. There’s a certain depth to the tagline and work.

Unlike the other designs, the tagline does not say “Sweeter Than Sugar” or “Unwrap Pure Bliss”.

This says- “Enjoy With Family”

My heart twists. Any intelligent man knows that this tagline is an amazing idea to grow business. Our goods are already popular among couples. We’ll be adding families to the chain if we use this.

However, now that I know Rosie, I can tell that this tagline did not come from a business mindset. It came from a beautiful soul and a diligent heart that is willing to work hard for this job.

“Gonna hire her?” I ask with the previous monotone.

“Most probably, if nothing goes wrong in the interview.”

I nod and leave this cabin. I have heard enough. The interview will go well. Of course, Rosie will charm Luke. Their personalities are so similar that they might actually become friends. 

Something twists in my gut at the prospect of Luke being friends with Rosie. I have to stop thinking too much.