Try something new
James’s POV
I was lucky enough to end the call quickly before I accidentally dialed Stephanie’s number. How did Juliana know my conversation with my mum had finished? It was strange. The moment I heard the door open, I ended the call in a hurry. I’m not sure why, but every time I see Juliana, I get this strong urge to be close to her. She’s a woman who’s clearly had her fair share of intimate experiences. I can’t stop imagining how she’d respond passionately if I were to take her from behind. Or perhaps she’d have a preferred position of her own.
Little did I know, Stephanie had already received my missed call. As I was about to get up from Juliana’s chair, Stephanie started calling me back. Why did Stephanie have to spoil my chance with her beautiful friend? As soon as I hung up, Juliana asked me,
“Who’s calling you?”
“My mum. I’m not sure why. I should probably check on her,” I replied, trying to avoid Stephanie calling back while I was still in Juliana’s office.
“I see. I hope she’s okay?”
“She is, just a minor health issue.”
“Please take good care of her. And don’t forget to look after yourself as well,” Juliana said kindly as I hurried out.
I was so flustered, I forgot to take Juliana’s business card. It wasn’t until I was in the lift that Stephanie called again. Frustrated, I picked up the call,
“I told you I’d call you!” I snapped at her. Stephanie stayed silent and then hung up.
Once I left the AZ Corporation building, I rushed to my car and drove off. My mind was spinning with decisions – should I go home, visit my mum, or drop by Stephanie’s place? Eventually, I decided to head home to calm down. While driving, I called Stephanie.
“Hi, darling…” I greeted her with my usual tone, but she didn’t reply.
“Hello? Are you there?” I asked.
“Yes,” she answered, her tone clearly upset.
“What’s the matter? Why are you angry?”
“You said you’d call me. When I saw your missed call, I thought I should call back, but you shouted at me.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to; I was still in the office…”
“Did they give you the job?” she cut in, and a part of me felt like lying.
“Yes, but I’m on probation.”
“That’s fantastic! As long as you work hard, you’ll be promoted. By the way, are you coming home? Where are you? I can hear you’re driving.”
“Yes, I’m on my way to get a document from home.”
“Okay. So when should I expect you home?”
“I’m not sure yet.”
“Can’t we celebrate your new job? We worked so hard all night. I’d love to hear how it went. I’ve been anxious all day. Please come over.”
“Alright. I’ll give you a call later today. I miss you. Bye!”
“Goodbye, love,” she said, and I ended the call.
Why do I always end up telling lies? It’s one of my worst habits. I’ve only known Stephanie for a few weeks, but she acts as if we’ve been together for years. I care about her, but deep down, I hate feeling tied down.
After driving for about half an hour, I finally arrived at my house and parked the car. I turned off the engine, adjusted my seat, and lay back, staring up at the ceiling.
I spent around ten minutes thinking about what had happened in Juliana’s office. Then, suddenly, I burst into laughter, realizing how ridiculous I was for worrying about future problems that hadn’t even happened yet.
“Gabriel!” I shouted out loud, stepping out of the car, laughing to myself. I’d changed my name because if Juliana ever mentioned me to Stephanie and used “James,” it would be game over for me.
As I entered my three-bedroom house, Juliana’s image lingered in my mind. I wondered how I could get close to her. I wasn’t sure if she wanted it, but I was keen to experience being with a woman who had likely abstained from intimacy for a while.
Author’s POV
At around 3:30 pm, Juliana was about to leave her office when she called Stephanie.
“Hi Stephanie, how are you?” Juliana couldn’t stop laughing.
“What’s so funny?” Stephanie asked.
“Something unbelievable happened. Can you come to mine? I’m just leaving the office now.”
“I’m already home, and my boyfriend will be here soon.”
“How soon? Can’t you come by first and leave when he calls to say he’s on his way?”
“Promise me you won’t make me stay the night at yours?”
“I promise. Please come; I need to talk to you about something. I really need your advice on whether I’m doing the right thing or not.”
“In that case, let me freshen up…”
“Just come straight here. Aren’t you going back home soon anyway?” Juliana asked.
“Fine, but I won’t stay more than thirty minutes.”
“Deal,” Juliana agreed and ended the call. She closed her laptop, grabbed her black bag, and was about to leave. But then she remembered the letter James had given her. She rushed back, picked it up, and slipped it into her bag along with the rose.
As she stepped out of her office, her secretary was still typing away.
“Miss Doris, I won’t be coming in tomorrow. Please reschedule any meetings for the day after.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Juliana entered the lift and made her way downstairs. When she reached her car, she dialled Stephanie’s number again.
“Are you still coming?”
“Yes, I’m leaving now.”
“Alright, see you soon.” Juliana ended the call. As she sat in her car, a different thought crossed her mind. She called Stephanie again before starting the engine.
“Hello, Stephanie, I’ve got a different idea.”
“What idea?”
“Shall we stop at Drew Bar and celebrate?”
“Celebrate what?” Stephanie asked.
“You’ll see when we get there.”
“Okay, and Drew Bar’s close to my place.”
“That’s why I chose it.”
“Alright, hurry up then.”
Juliana smiled and ended the call, feeling excited. She started her car and drove off, humming to her favourite tunes to pass the time.
Stephanie reached the bar in eighteen minutes but stayed in her car, waiting for Juliana to arrive. There was a ten-minute gap before Juliana’s sleek SUV pulled up.
Juliana got out of her car, immediately grabbing her phone to call Stephanie.
“Hi, where are you?”
“I’m stepping out of my car; I can see you,” Stephanie replied. Juliana turned and saw Stephanie waving. They walked towards each other and hugged warmly.
“You look so happy. What happened?” Stephanie asked as they entered the bar and took a seat.
“Nothing,” Juliana said, signalling the bartender. “Bring us a bottle of champagne.” Then she turned back to Stephanie.
“You haven’t told me anything yet. What’s going on?”
Juliana laughed, “Why are you so impatient? You’ll find out soon.”
“Don’t keep me in suspense! I hope it’s not what I think.”
“And what do you think it is?” Juliana teased.
“I know you well enough to tell when something exciting has happened to you.”
“You’re right. I’ve just taken over as the CEO of a new insurance company, and that calls for a celebration.”
“Wow, congrats! Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
“I wanted to be sure it was official first. I start next week.”
The bartender returned with the champagne and two glasses. Stephanie asked him to open the bottle. Juliana remained quiet until he finished and left. Stephanie poured the wine, but Juliana kept smiling.
“There’s something else, Stephanie.”
“What is it?”
“Read this.” Juliana handed her the letter James had given her. She waited as Stephanie read it.
“Wow, this is romantic. Who gave you this?”
“One of our employees, just after we let him go. A few hours later, he gave me this letter.”
“That’s amazing! What are you going to do next?”
“Well… that’s why I brought you here. Should I pursue something with him? He’s younger than me, but very handsome. You’re my friend, and I never hide anything from you. Both times I saw him, my heart raced. I don’t know if I want something serious or just physical. What do you think?”
“I…” Stephanie began, but Juliana cut her off.
“My decision could change everything.”
“Is Justin coming back?” Stephanie asked.
“Why do you say that?”
“Has he called you since you moved out?”
“No, but my daughter says he still talks about me at home.” Juliana leaned in and whispered, “I feel like having a one-night stand with this guy. What do you think?”
“It’s tempting, but have you checked if he’s married or in a relationship?” Stephanie asked.
“No, I haven’t.”
“If he is, then it’s not fair to get involved with him.”
“I’ve got his number, but he doesn’t have mine…”
“I’ve got an idea,” Stephanie said.
“What is it?” Juliana asked.
“Do you think he wrote you this letter because you didn’t offer him the job? This letter isn’t proof of his feelings or care for you. He should prove it. Did he ask for your number?"
“I just said no.”
“That’s a red flag. Someone who truly loves you would want to have your number to call you. He would have asked for it. In my opinion, if he doesn’t prove his love, then forget about it.”
“But he hurried out of my office when his mum was calling him.”
“That doesn’t stop him from collecting your number.”
Those last words hit Juliana hard as she struggled to come to a conclusion.
“I’m feeling frustrated and unsure of what to do,” Juliana confessed.
“You should have told me all this earlier. How will your weekend be? Will you try something new?” Stephanie asked, giggling as she kept staring at Juliana.
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