“Bye, sweetie.” He said happily walking out of the room.

***

“Erin, I’m going out for a quick jog and then I’m going to head to the interview.”

“Wouldn’t you want to change? I’ll bring you a nice pair of clothes.”

“No it’s all right. Wouldn’t they want to see me in my natural life, all sweaty and stinky?” I smiled.

“Whatever you want to do, Miss Carlin, is fine with me.”

“Remember what I told you, call me Spencer.”

“Sorry.”

“Just get used to it.” I said. “Lock up for me, will you?”

I walked out of the office and stretched a little. After a few minutes I started off my 30 minute jog around the city.

–

I slowly walked in front of The Lane Café. I checked my watch, 3 o’clock on the dot, that’s good. I entered the Café as I smoothed out my hair trying to not look that messed up. I spotted a young woman drinking coffee with a notebook in hand and a tape recorder in the other.

“Miss Carlin, please sit down.”

“Sorry about my attire, I just took a quick jog.”

“No, it’s fine, it’s nice to see someone in their natural…what do you call it.”

“Habitat?” I smiled.

“Sure.” She giggled and took a sip of her coffee. “Would you like anything to drink?”

“Oh no, it’s okay I could get it.” I said waving to a waitress for a menu.

“No, please it’s on me.”

I laughed and leaned back in my chair stretching. “Whatever it’s your money.”

“It’s a nice gesture.”

“Cut the manner bullcrap, it’s to much.” I laughed.

“Oh, thank god. I was getting sick of being all Hello Miss Carlin.” She said mimicking her voice.

“Haha, me too.”

“So, all right, let’s get down to business.” She said as she pulled back her hair into a bun revealing her beautiful face features.

“You are a very beautiful woman. Why are you stuck doing magazines?”

“Thank you and because my boyfriend is the boss of Sporty Sports, you know…Shay Crawford, and he offered me a job.”

“Why’d you take the job if you hate doing this?”

“I don’t technically hate it…”

“I know you do.” I responded.

“Yeah, okay, you got me. I just need money for rent.”

“You don’t live with your boyfriend?”

“I do.” She said putting her head down.

“He makes you pay rent? What an ass.”

“That’s what I’ve been saying.”

“Why you still with him anyways?”

“My parents love him.” She said unhappily.

“Well, Ashley…it’s Ashley right?”

“Yeah.”

“You shouldn’t do anything you don’t want to.” I said truthfully placing my hand on hers. Her eyes looked at our two hands and back to my face. Our eyes locked as she lightly blushed and let go. She cleared her throat as she finished the rest of her coffee.

“Okay, how ‘bout that magazine….”