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"Well, you might as well, because everyone else is studying up on just how single he is."
"It's no big deal, Annette," I say, trying to downplay it.
"Sure it isn't," she mocks. "So, are we going to go through this thing or what? I've got all morning, and I can save you some time, seeing as I've already read it."
I exhale deeply, mulling it over.
"Come on, you know you want to," Annette says.
"I've got so many other things I could be doing…"
"Like what?" she challenges. "Jaime's back at school, and you told me you were going to sit on your balcony and sip coffee today. That's what you're doing, right?"
"Yeah," I admit reluctantly.
"Well, you need some 'you' time," Annette adds.
"You meanyouneed some 'you' time," I clarify.
"Exactly! And this kills two birds with one stone," she jokes.
"Why are you so interested in this?" I question, already suspecting her answer.
"If something happens to you, your billionaire will need someone to pick up the pieces," she says, laughing heartily.
I can't help but laugh too.
"Ugh," I groan. "You're so bad for me. Fine, let's do it."
Annette wastes no time jumping right in.
"Okay, so you really should check out the third paragraph first—that's where things get interesting," Annette says.
I begin reading through the article as I sip my coffee, with Annette narrating to me over the phone. It's the kind of article I've read a million times before, the type I'd usually skim through without a second thought. But today, I'm analyzing every word. The writer lists his likes and dislikes; while they get a few things right, most of the information is misinformed assumptions. The dating section is detailed, mentioning a few famous names, including one I actually recognize. I find myself more intrigued than jealous, and seconds after reading, I'm probing Annette and the internet for information about his exes, shamefully comparing myself to them.
"This feels weird, Annette. Is this too much?" I ask, feeling a pang of guilt.
"Please. It's weird if youdon'tdo it these days. It's what everyone would do. Besides, he's your boss—do you think he hasn't dug into your life and the people around you?"
Her words strike a chord. The thought of Shane finding out about my past, about the people I've dealt with, the things I've seen and stayed silent about, and the things I've done to get here—it terrifies me. How would he and Jaime look at me then?
We spend about an hour going through the article and discussing the relationships described within when Annette decides she is ready to deliver her verdict.
"You're definitely not his usual type. These girls are mostly wildcards, the kinds that grew up way too fast from seeing way too much when they were young. A far stretch from our sweet little Italian farm girl," Annette jokes.
Oh, Annette, if only you knew the truth, I think to myself.
"I think you're different; that's why he likes you."
"Who said he likes me?" I ask.
"I do," Annette responds. "And you like him too. It was the most obvious thing from the time I first met him."
"What? So he's tired of wild, cool, celebrity girls and looking for a farm girl now?"
"Yeah, either he sees something in you that's special enough to change his type, or he's just looking to try his hand at something new for a while. Either way, enjoy it. Even if it's just a fling. Just wait to start getting your hopes up for a future until you're surewhich one it is. I hate to say it, but he does have options, and this article just gave him a lot more."
"Wow, that really helps me, Annette," I say, my tone playfully sarcastic.