She's Out of Control Read Online Free PDF Page B

You’re lying now? I’ve known you to do a lot of things, but never to be dishonest. If anything, you’re too honest. Brutally so. What’s your boss going to say when you show up alone?”
    â€œHopefully, I won’t have to. Seth is my boyfriend, Brea. It probably won’t ever come up that we’re getting married. It might remind Sophia that Hans won’t marry her, and he’s not going to have that. Besides, I ought to be able to ask Seth this favor without feeling fear.” But of course, I do have fear and a lot of it.
    â€œAre we talking about the same Seth?”
    Now all my fears overflow at once. “You don’t think he’s ever going to marry me, either. Do you?” She doesn’t answer and I continue. “Kay wants me to buy half her house, Brea. I looked for six months to find this job. I can’t let Hands run me off in the first month. Maybe Kay will pretend she’s my fiancée.” The idea grosses me out completely, of course, but it’s not that uncommon here in California these days. Besides, I’m desperate.
    â€œYou can’t spend your life running from Hans, either, Ash. You’ve got to stand firm. Don’t let fear control your actions. Don’t you always say that to me?”
    â€œUm, no. That must have been your other best friend.” Call waiting beeps. “My phone’s ringing. Listen, I’m sorry for waking you all up. I forget you’re on Murder She Wrote time over there.”
    Brea clicks her tongue. “You didn’t wake us up. I just fell asleep on the couch watching a movie.”
    â€œLove you, kiss that baby, and pray for me. I need it!” I press the button. “Ashley here.”
    â€œAshley, it’s Seth. Are you done with dinner?”
    My heart is pounding, I feel so guilty. Do I tell Seth what I did? Or let him live under the illusion that I am a high-powered patent attorney, not a bimbo hired by the German George Clooney who coats his silken words with honey, and has the unique ability to force me to fly across the ocean with him.
    â€œI’m done,” I answer, hoping I’m not being prophetic here.
    â€œI have something for you. I’m going to pick it up on Tuesday and I want us to celebrate. Are you up for it?”
    My princess-cut ring! I exhale deeply. My princess-cut ring is finally here! Let the heavens rejoice. I am not going to be an old maid! “Of course I’m up to it, Seth. You name the place and time. I’ll be there with bells on.” And a very naked ring finger. Then guilt takes over. “I need to tell you something I did.”
    â€œYou can tell me tomorrow. In the meantime, my place, Friday night, at seven.” He actually sounds giddy, and I begin to remember all I saw in him in the first place. His straightforward way of looking at life. His nature to get things done. I inhale deeply while falling for him all over again.
    â€œShould I wear anything special?” I answer happily, my smile plastered for the world to see. How on earth will I wait until Friday? Of course, I’ll need at least three days to practice my surprised look in the mirror. And I’ll have to get a facial. And I’ll have to get a new dress. Something slinky, that isn’t too showy, but lets him know he’s not going to regret marrying me. Not for one moment!
    â€œYou always look great, Ashley. I’ll love whatever you pick.” He makes a kissing sound into the phone, and I bite my lip like an eighth grader with new lip gloss.
    â€œI can’t wait, Seth.”
    â€œMe either. I’ve waited a long time for this. The thought process has almost been agonizing, but the time has come.”
    Now mentally, I’m thinking about how to tell him about our “engagement” dinner at my boss’s house. Technically, I’m not supposed to know about the ring. “Seth, if you aren’t busy, my boss wants to