Harry left soon after because I really really didn't want Laine to see him getting all cuddly with me. I couldn't imagine his reaction to that, so I'm trying to put it off for as long as possible. Knowing Laine, it's for the best.

And now I'm at work, smiling like an idiot.

That is, until I remember I'm in deep shit with Medusa. Like, super deep shit. At least six feet's worth. I haven't even stepped into our office space and I'm already having a mini panic attack.

I can't blame her for being upset. Yesterday, I walked out of the mansion like I wasn't getting paid. I embarrassed her by falling into the pool and then abandoned her on the clock. She wasn't going to take this well. At all.

I take a deep breath and walk in. Silence greets me.

Weird.

"Umm, okay," I mutter under my breath. Usually, Daniel's sitting at his desk, editing his videos with his headphones in.

Where is he?

I step over to my desk and gently place my bag on the floor. Something catches my eye as soon as I stop looking for Daniel.

Roses. Not red, but white. A whole bouquet of them.

I pick up the card attached with it and read the handwritten note.

'White roses for our clean slate

I'm picking you up after work (that means 5 o'clock) for a date

Just bring your pretty smile.

-H xx.

P.S I better not see these flowers in Daffodil's office this time.'

My heart bursts at the note. I also giggle at the last part. The last time he sent me flowers, I shredded the note and gave the flowers to Daff. I didn't realize he'd notice that though. I stuff the card in my purse and keep the flowers on my desk.

The sound of heels against the wooden floor breaks me out of my giddy phase. My smile straightens out as a ball of anxiety forms in the pit of my stomach.

Medusa.

"Elizabeth, come into my office," she says in an expressionless tone. Before I can even reply, she whirls around and heads over to her office.

I take a deep breath and stare at the bouquet, trying to hang on to that ounce of happiness before I'm fired.

When I enter the white office, I stall for time by walking slowly to the chairs. Daffodil doesn't lift her eyes from her screen. I guess that's good. I'd probably trip if she stared at me. 

Once I'm seated, I stare at the white wood in front of me. I don't dare make a noise and she types away at her computer, not acknowledging me. It's a good system. It helps me calm my nerves for a second.

When I think she isn't aware of my presence, she lifts her head up and stares at me with thin lips. My eyes scan her face in a desperate attempt to find out what she's thinking. For the first time, I can't figure it out. She's tense but her eyes are so guarded, I can't tell if she's upset or disappointed.

I hope it's the former.

"Ellie," she says calmly. Her eyes have an invisible hold on me, one which I can't seem to break from no matter how badly I want to. "About yesterday."

I open my mouth to apologize but she lifts her hand, silencing me.

"Did Harry misbehave with you? Because I don't tolerate sexual assault. I don't care how much money he brings in–"

My eyes widen both from panic and shock. "No!" I rush out, desperately trying to convince her she's wrong. It's a knee-jerk reaction at this point. "No, not at all!"

Her shoulders sag from relief. Wow. Was she upset because she thought Harry molested me or something? I know it's basic human decency but it touches my heart that she'd side with me over her clients – A.K.A the money makers.

"Good." Her tone is considerably lighter, although she still looks expressionless, minus her relaxed posture. "I just thought..."

I vigorously shake my head. "No, he was a gentleman." Except for the fact that he kissed me, but I was more than willing. "I thought Danny told you that I caught a cold."

"Daniel will say anything you tell him to," she points out. "That's who he is."

I hum in agreement, feeling slightly better. She seems to prioritize my safety over firing me, but I know damn well I'm not in the clear yet.

As the realization hits me, I straighten up, my spine rigid and blood cold. "Wait, you didn't fire him, did you? Oh my God! I didn't see him which I thought was weird but... Holy shit!" I look up at my boss. "Daffodil, please. Don't fire him. I'm the one who completely embarrassed you yesterday! He doesn't deserve it! He was just covering for me! Fire me instead!" I'm patherically begging at this point.

"Ellie!" she snaps, cutting off my rambling. "Relax. I didn't fire him. He's downstairs delivering something to the mailroom."

Thank the heavens above!

My body relaxes as I take a calming breath. For a moment, I really thought I got Daniel fired. I wouldn't be able to live with myself knowing I did that to him.

But, it's all chill. I'm chilling. He's chilling. We're chilling.

Thank God.

"But," she says, breaking me out of my mini grateful moment. "Yesterday was a complete mess. It's not okay to run out like that–"

"You were worried." I can't help but cheesily grin.

She shoots me a dirty look and continues. "–and I won't tolerate it next time. Even if you did catch a cold, which I'm somehow doubting, you could've taken two seconds to find and tell me."

Ah, you see, the problem is that I didn't have a cold. If she saw me, she would be able to tell in an instant. Plus I was having my dramatic moment! I was lost and confused. Very confused. I wasn't thinking when I bolted out of there.

"Yes ma'am." She still has the ability to fire me so I should watch my mouth. "I'm sorry."

"Because of that, I want you to pick me up a kale smoothie and call The Pop Show to schedule an interview."

To anyone else, that might sound normal, but all I feel is dread. The kale smoothie I can handle considering I'm wearing my sneakers and the walk across town won't be so bad. But The Pop Show? I hate calling them with a passion. The girl who handles interviews is very talkative. It usually takes hours just to schedule a date.

Daff knows I hate calling. She's doing this on purpose.

It's better than being fired.

"You got it," I reply through gritted teeth, trying to control my annoyance. She can tell. She smiles, satisfied at my misery. After all, I deserve it. It's the least I can do. "Anything else?" I force out.

Her perfectly-done brows quirk in amusement. "I can't think of anything off the top of my head but I'll let you know."

Great.

She waves a hand toward the door, dismissing me without a second glance. I internally roll my eyes as I leave her office.

But then I think about all the good she's done. I mean, she let me take my sister out to dinner with her money, she made sure I wasn't sexually assaulted, and she actually gives good advice on how to be a successful woman in a man's world.

She's not that bad.

Before I cross the threshold, I grip the doorframe and turn toward her. "Daff, regardless of what I say, I think you're a great boss."

Her eyes flicker up at me in surprise. Her lips remain the same but her gaze softens. Somehow, I know that when I close the door, she's going to smile.

Soon after that whole confrontation, Danny comes back into the office. I can't help but throw my arms around him. He tenses under my touch but awkwardly pats my back after he comes to terms that I'm hugging him.

"Oh, Danny! I thought I lost you," I cry into his shirt. Dramatic for sure, but I'm flooded with relief.

When he doesn't answer, I pull away to see his red face. Mentally smacking myself, I let go of him.

"Sorry." I smooth out the wrinkles in his shirt with my palms. "And sorry about yesterday."

Remembrance flashes in his eyes and a thin frown sets on his lips. "Ellie, what happened? Why did you run out like that? Did Harry...?"

"Oh my god," I groan, taking another step back. "Why does everyone think he molested me or something? He isn't a bad person!"

"You just looked so upset."

"Danny, you've met me! I go through emotions like clothes!" I snap, irritated that everyone sees this awful image of Harry. "And even then, it's so unfair to assume that out of all things."

His brows furrow thoughtfully. "I'm... I'm sorry. I just know–"

"Know what?" I challenge him to continue his sentence. I'm not sure where this strong urge to defend Harry has come from but I don't dare to stop.

He sheepishly rubs the back of his head and looks away. "He's a womanizer."

I can't deny that. "Oh, come on, Danny! Just because he's more... active than others doesn't mean those girls don't consent. They know damn well what they're getting into."

He tilts his head in an assessing manner. "Why are you defending him?"

Because he's my damn soulmate!

"Because I hate when people make assumptions!" I throw up my hands in exasperation. "Jeez, Danny, I never thought you'd be that shallow to stereotype people. Especially those types of stereotypes." The idea of assuming Harry would perform non-consensual acts makes me sick to my stomach. He isn't a bad guy and it kills me that people would see him like that. Sure, he probably didn't treat those girls as he should've, but assuming that? It's disgusting.

The thought makes my blood boil.

Your emotions sure are running wild for someone who didn't even like him until recently.

Annoyed, I grab my purse and give Danny a glare before storming out of the office to complete my tasks for the day.

On the walk to the juice bar, I feel a little bad for going off on Danny like that. After all, he doesn't know Harry's my soulmate. But then again, it's wrong for him to make assumptions. Especially ones that are gross like that.

Aren't you having double standards? You admire Daffodil but hate when Danny assumes the same.

I sigh and realize I may have gone overboard with the whole yelling thing. He just saw what he saw, which wasn't much. I could've explained it better.

Damn me. My emotions really do switch in the blink of an eye.

Maybe I'm just riled up because he brought up the womanizer part. It's not something I like to be reminded of.

Ugh, I don't know. I don't even know if I'm the one in the wrong here.

When I get back to the office with the smoothie, my annoyance hasn't really gone down with Danny. I decide it's best to keep some distance until I cool down or else I might blow up again. I slip past him to my own desk and put my stuff down.

I hand Daffodil the smoothie and she doesn't complain as she sips it so I take it as my cue to leave.

Now I just have to call that stupid gossip show and schedule an interview. This might take me the whole day. Ugh.

As I dial the number, I twirl the cord on the phone with my index finger. It feels as if the line is ringing forever.

The door to the office opens and I instinctively look up. My heart rate spikes when I see Harry trailing Tom, his manager. I'm assuming since it's the both of him, he's definitely not here for me. 

Since I'm busy, Danny's the one to tell Daffodil about her visitors. I don't miss the way he gives Harry a distasteful look.

Ugh.

Harry eyes the flowers on my desk and flashes me a slick wink as he walks past me. My cheeks heat up. I bite back my smile and look away before I explode.

A single wink has me reacting like this. I'm so lame.

When Daff's office door closes behind them, I continue fiddling with the wire as the phone rings. Finally, a cheery voice picks up.

"You've reached The Pop Show! How can I help you today?"

"Hi," I put on my 'customer service' voice even though I'm technically the customer. "I'm calling from Daffodil's office for a follow-up. We need to schedule an interview time."

"One sec." I can hear the sound of a keyboard. She's probably verifying I'm not some crazy phony who's calling. You'd be surprised at how many times it's happened. "Okay, sounds good. I'm just going to transfer you to our scheduling department."

I mentally groan. "Thank you."

Now for the hard part.

After five minutes of a very tacky hold song, a voice answers. A very surprising voice. It isn't the usual talkative girl.

"Hello, are you calling from Daffodil's office?" a male voice asks. A male!

Hallelujah!

After gaping like an idiot, I finally find my voice again. "Yes!" I answer a little too eagerly. Clearing my throat, I shake my head and answer again in a more composed voice. "Yes, I'm Ellie Marsh, her assistant."

"I see. So when would you like to schedule it?"

Oh wow. Straight to the point, are we?

"Sometime in December. She'd like to debut her newest project," I tell him.

There's a pause, followed by some typing. "Alright, we can pencil her in for December 13th. Will that work?"

"Hold on." I flip through my planner and fast forward a few months. My eyes skim the week of December and find us free that day. "Yes, it'll be perfect."

"Alright, I'll be sending over the confirmation email right–" my computer dings with an email "–now. Our team will be in contact with you soon to discuss the details."

I already know all this because it isn't the first time she's been on this show. "Thank you."

"Have a nice day." And then he hangs up.

He hangs up! It didn't take me a million years to schedule an appointment! He did it within minutes!

My lips curve knowing Daffodil's "punishment" wasn't actually bad this time. Someone above was really looking out for me today. I didn't get fired and I wasn't brutally tortured by Chatty Cathy on The Pop Show.

And I have a date tonight.

Life cannot get any better.

Skype:

<< Danny: are you still mad at me?

I sigh and type up a reply.

>> Ellie (who's NOT getting fired today): a little

Instead of chatting back, I hear the sound of a chair being rolled over. When I look up, Danny's seated in his office chair behind my desk.

"I'm sorry, Ellie. I didn't mean to offend you," he says sincerely.

I know I should just forgive him and move on but a small part of me is still a little annoyed at his behavior. "I know you mean well but you can't make assumptions like that, Daniel. It's not fair–"

"Have you seen the girls he's hung out with? Ellie, even his girlfriend was annoyed with him. There has to be a reason for that."

So much for being a little annoyed.

My anger levels are rising at an alarming rate. It just so happens to be that I'm one of the girls he hangs out with. The way Danny says it sets something off in me.

"There are a million girls who fight with their boyfriends," I bitterly point out. "Wait... this isn't about guys in general, is it? This is specifically about Harry."

He shamefully bows his head.

"Why, Daniel? What has he done to you?" I narrow my eyes. Unless he has a good reason for his opinions, I refuse to let this go.

"He just–" He frustratedly throws his hands up before sighing. The gears in his mind shift and before I know it, he's narrowing his eyes back. "Ellie... don't tell me you like him?"

My silence is an answer for him.

"Oh my god," he mutters before sharply looking up at him. "Why? You've seen how he is! He plays women like a fiddle!"

Because he's my soulmate.

I don't tell him that though. I'm not ready to tell the world just yet.

Daniel frowns, continuing on even though I wish he'd just shut up. "Oh, don't tell me this has to do with when you were his assistant years ago. Or was it because he was nice to you at the mansion? Ellie, if anything, he wants to get in your pants–"

I stand up, burning in fury. "Shut up!"

He looks up at me in shock.

"Just shut up, Danny. You know nothing okay? Nothing," I snap. "If you really think I'd waste my time with someone like that then you have no fucking clue who I am."

He stares at me, lips parted. Guilt swims in his eyes but he remains speechless.

Then his gaze flickers behind me and my blood runs cold.

Please don't be Medusa. Please do not be Medusa.

I slowly turn around, praying I didn't fuck up once again. A breath of relief slips through my lips when I just see it's Harry.

Thank the lords, I'm not getting fired today.

"Is everything okay?" Harry asks, his eyes flickering between me and Danny. 

"Just peachy," I say bitterly. What's the point of hiding it? He can read me like an open book anyway. I face Danny again and scowl. "Don't you have a video to edit or something?"

God, I'm being so mean.

"Ellie, I–" Danny starts but I can't handle him right now.

The fact that he indirectly called me a slut doesn't sit right with me. I thought Danny, out of all people, would understand me. He'd know I was smart enough to make my own decisions. Guess not.

At this point, I'm not even angry. I'm just hurt.

When he continues to look at me with those puppy dog eyes, I groan and walk past him out of the office and into the hallway. Not many people linger out here so I have free space to pace.

And I do.

I need to get all this energy out somehow. Daff's busy in her meeting and I technically don't have anything to do. We both thought my phone call would last hours.

When I spin on my heel after reaching the end of the hall, I practically bump into Harry's lean frame. His hands instantly go at my waist as he steadies me.

"Woah there," he frowns. "Are you okay?"

"Yes." I take a deep breath. "No."

He leans in and places a lingering kiss on my forehead. Such a simple gesture, yet my skin tingles where his lips were.

Then he pulls me in for a hug. I melt in his arms. He provides me an indescribable comfort. I can't even figure out why.

No words need to be said. My anger slowly dissipates into a mere spark – still there, but barely burning. It's replaced by a warmth only Harry can provide.

"Thank you," I mumble into his chest.

"For what?"

"For this," I say vaguely, not wanting to explain it out loud. As dumb as it is, I'm a little embarrassed by my feelings for him. I mean, I spent months saying I didn't have them and now I'm a total hypocrite. I need some dignity.

Thankfully he doesn't make me elaborate. When we pull away, he flashes me a dimpled smile.

Ah, how I've missed his dimples.

"I should probably..." I trail, sheepishly pointing to the office door. I'm flustered, alright?

He chuckles and nods, letting me go back inside without him. When I do, Danny's sitting at his desk. I think he's figured out that I'm not in the best mood to chat.

I mean, I did say I needed space or else I'd blow up.

And man, did I explode.

I've never been mean to Danny before. Not like that. I didn't even know I was capable of showing that level of rage toward him.

This soulmate stuff has me fucked up.

Harry doesn't come back in. I think he sensed what our fight was about. Or he's heard it. I don't know, but he doesn't come back in. Tom leaves Daff's office shortly afterward. He spares me a smile before leaving.

The rest of the day passes in a blur. Since I'm giving Daniel the silent treatment and he's giving me space, it's a boring day. Not to mention Daff barely has work for me today.

Today's been so draining I almost forgot about my date tonight.

I don't even look at the time until Harry calls me on the office phone. Not even my cell phone because he knows I won't pick up. Smart man.

"You're late," he says. I gasp. He chuckles. "I'm assuming you forgot and you're not second-guessing your feelings."

"You'd be correct." I balance the phone between my ear and shoulder as I pack up my things. "I'm sorry, I'll be out soon."

"Good. I'm waiting outside."

"Are you creepily hanging in the alley or are you in your car?" I tease, eyeing the roses. After a minute of deliberation, I decide to take them home with me. They deserve a nice vase, no matter how much Laine's going to tease me.

"Car," he answers. "You can't miss it."

I quickly finish up. "Alright, I'm heading down now. See you in a sec."

After hanging up, I let Daff know I'm leaving. She seems surprised by the fact that I'm leaving at a reasonable time but doesn't dare question it.

As I'm walking toward the main office door, Daniel calls out my name. "Ellie, wait."

I turn to him with pursed lips. "Danny, I think we should both cool down before we talk." Without waiting for him to respond, I leave the office, hoping we can bounce back from this soon.