Model Soldier Read Online Free PDF Page B

working? Or are you going to keep up the long distance thing?”
    Katie shook her head. “With the baby, a long distance relationship would be ridiculous. But I can’t expect him to give up his career for me.”
    “And he would never ask you to give up your career for him,” Emily added.
    “Exactly.” Katie nodded.
    Knowing her boss the workaholic would probably shrivel up and die if she wasn’t able to work anymore, Emily could appreciate Katie’s difficult decision. Of course, motherhood could change things.
    “So what then?” Emily asked.
    “Well, I kind of have a plan for that. It seems like we’ve picked up a lot of business in the south, especially with the latest military recruitment ad campaigns. I’m thinking about suggesting opening a southeast branch. I could still fly to New York whenever necessary, but home base would be down there near BB.”
    Emily hesitated before nodding. “Okay. I can do the south. My hair will frizz but otherwise, I won’t miss the New York ice and snow, or the outrageously expensive rent and super-sized cockroaches.”
    Katie smiled. “Thanks, Emily, but don’t start packing yet. If I’m able to go full term with the baby, if the bosses agree to this and if I move—so many ifs—but if this all ends up happening, you don’t have to follow me, you know. You can stay here in New York and continue to work.”
    Surprise and hurt colored Emily’s voice. “You don’t want me to come with you?”
    “Of course I want you with me. I’d be lost without you. But you’re getting too experienced for the job of my assistant. You need to start taking on clients of your own. The day will come when you will be able to totally replace me in my job, I’m sure.”
    It was true that so far, Emily had been responsible mainly for organizing absolutely every minute of Katie’s daily life and holding down the fort at the office while she was away on her many business trips or visiting BB. Given that Katie was so focused on work she would probably forget to eat if BB or Emily didn’t remind her, Emily kept pretty busy.
    In addition, Emily was sometimes responsible for handling the talent also. She on occasion would have to fetch non-fat lattes or bottled sparkling imported water for the anorexic female models and gay male models they dealt with for their marketing firm. But that was about it.
    Thinking about all the clients, bosses, divas, bitches, queens and crap that Katie dealt with daily, Emily cringed at the thought of taking it all on herself. “I’m not sure I’m qualified to totally replace you quite yet.”
    “Oh, you’re qualified. You better be, because I’m about to give you your very first big solo assignment.”
    Big solo assignment?
    Emily peered at Katie to confirm she’d heard correctly. “You’re giving me a solo assignment?”
    Katie grinned and nodded. “Mmm, hmm. It was initially BB’s idea, actually. He’s worried about my working too hard when I travel. But I’m in total agreement with his suggestion on this one.”
    Travel? Yay!
    Fears of divas and queens forgotten, Emily sat up a little straighter now. “For real? You’d trust me with my own client?”
    Shaking her head while laughing aloud, Katie rolled her eyes. “Why in the world are you so surprised?”
    “Uh, because you’re a control freak, for one thing,” Emily challenged.
    Katie’s mouth screwed up into a scowl at the reality of that statement. “Maybe I was, a little bit, before...”
    Emily snorted. “You think?”
    “Hey! Do you want this assignment or not?” One perfectly shaped auburn brow flew up in warning.
    “Yes! And I’m sorry. You are the perfect boss, control issues and all,” Emily added as she pasted on an overly sweet grin.
    “Well, I am also a pregnant control freak and I’m thinking a trip to Germany, if not Afghanistan, isn’t the best idea right now.”
    “Germany or Afghanistan?”
    Katie nodded.
    What was this assignment?
    “Alright. That’s okay. I