The offer
Anne hesitated, weighing her options. She had always been a practical person, and the prospect of securing her financial future was tempting. However, she could not shake the perception that she would be selling herself out.
"I need some time to consider it," she said at last, making a sincere effort at remaining calm.
Julian's face fell, but he quickly concided his disappointment. "Sure" he agreed. "I know. Let me just say one thing, though, this is time-sensitive. If you don't comply and give me a feedback soon enough, I will have to go looking for someone else. I hope you understand"
Anne felt pressured when she heard this but tried not to let things throw her. "I know," she explained. "And shortly, I shall let you know."
Julian nodded, his eyes widening in enthusiasm. "I'm really looking forward to it," he said.
As Anne exited Julian's office, she couldn't help but wonder if she had bitten off more than she could chew. She had believed she was independent, but Julian proposing to her had taken some confidence out of her and shook things for sure.
Anne boarded a cab and headed for Rachel's apartment, shaken after events in the day. As she stepped out of the cab and onto the sidewalk, relief came flooding back in. The apartment at Rachel's felt like home, somewhere she could be herself and let down her guard.
As she took the elevator to Rachel's floor, Anne couldn't help but be mildly excited. She had always believed in Rachel and had no reason to suppose she wouldn't be able to offer some much-longed advice.
When the entrance opened, Anne went to Rachel's and knocked on the door. The latter opened it just about immediately, having a humongous smile.
"Anne!" Rachel embraced her friend warmly. "Welcome home. It is good to have you back. How was the interview? Were you hired?"
Anne laughed, relief at finally being able to relate about her day, finally able to tell someone what happened. "It was....interesting" she said trying to summarize the whole experience.
Rachel's eyes opened in surprise. "Hmm, interesting, spill the beans girl, Tell me all about it"
Anne took a deep breath and retold the proposal story of Julian, holding back no detail. Rachel listened attentively, eyes opening wider and wider as she listened to the story unfold.
When Anne finished, she let out a soft whistle. "Wow, Anne, that's crazy!" she yelled. "But for real, though, is Julian Saint Clair really hot like in real life?"
Anne rolled her eyes and smiled. "Come on, Rach, come on!"
Rachel grinned. "I'm concentrating, I'm concentrating. Seriously though, Anne, what are you going to do? Are you going to marry him?"
Anne sighed, and irritation flooded back in. "I don't know, Rach," she responded. "Part of me is thinking it would be crazy for me not to do it, but another is thinking if I do do it, then I'd be selling out."
Rachel's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh my god, Anne, this is amazing!" she blurted out. "You have had a thing for Julian Saint Clair forever"!! she could still remember when she and Anne would read those corporate mags in class and salivate at his photo.
Anne blushed, being slightly self-conscious about it. "Stop it, Rach," she responded, chuckling.
Rachel grinned. "Seriously though, Anne, this is once in a lifetime. You're going to be set for good. You're going to be able to retire and live in style. Traveling on yachts and parties and things like that. you're going to be livin' the dream!"
Anne couldn't but laugh at Rach's enthusiasm. "You're not being much of a friend, Rach," she shook head.
Rachel's expression shifted to stern. "Anne, I'm just saying, this is a way for you to provide financially for your future. And who knows, You may fall in love."
Anne raised an eyebrow. "You seriously want me to fall in love with him?" she asked.
Rachel shrugged. "Well, stranger things have happened, right?"
Anne rolled her eyes and laughed. "You're impossible, Rach," she said.
Rachel grinned. "Well, someone is sure to keep things in line in this place," she clarified. "Now, in real, Anne, what are you going to do?"
Anne sighed, and doubts flooded in. "I don't know," she admitted. One part of me is thinking just go and take the cash and split, as it is just for a couple of years right, but another is thinking like, I'd be selling out.
Rachel nodded reflectively. "I know," she explained. "But let us consider the practical implications. You are going to be rich for ever, girlfriend. You will have no need ever to have to earn enough for a living."
Anne nodded, a flash of lust rising in her. "I know," she clarified. "But look at my self-respect. I don't want to be some trophy bride or some thing."
Rachel's expression turned stern. "Anne, you're not going to be some trophy bride." "You're going to be a partner." "Who knows, who knows, possibly you may fall in love and that witch of a step mom and her daughter, will be envious and be pleading for forgiveness."
Anne raised an eyebrow in skepticism. "You really do think so?" she asked.
Rachel nodded. "Yes, I do." "But if you don't fall in love," she continued, "you can still live in wealth. You can travel, follow your dreams. there are no limits."
Anne couldn't help but wonder at the possibility. Maybe, possibly, this would be the once in a lifetime experience. Would she take the leap and marry Julian Saint Clair? Only time would tell and she didn't have that.