Free Make Believe: A Novella by Sharlay

watching it from the other side,” Crystal moaned, making us all laugh. I am sure she will soon have a very different opinion on that matter.
     
     
    AIDEN’S POINT OF VIEW
     
    I was still trying to wake up from last night when I walked into work this morning. I was set for my usual ritual —getting coffee, locking myself in my office, and savoring ten minutes of silence — before fully waking up and facing the work day. However, this morning, I was surprised to find a clean desk, organized paperwork, a filled calendar, a to-do list, and a steaming cup of coffee all waiting for me. I could seriously get used to this. Hiring Leah as a temporary assistant was turning out to be ten times better than I originally thought. It seem stupid when Anthony first suggested it, like most of his ideas, but this is turning out to be one of his best to date.
    “Hey, would it be OK for me to take my lunch break now?” Leah asked, popping her head around my office door.
    “Yeah, sure, in fact I’m pretty beat , and could do with a break myself. I know a nice deli store not far from here, interested?”
    “Sounds good to me,” she beamed.
    “OK, give me five, and I’ll meet you at my car.”
    Slipping my phone out of my pocket, I sent a message to April.
     
    Looks like the boss is in a good mood today, he is finally letting me have a break!
     
    I smiled to myself as I walked out my office and toward the entrance of the building.
    “Lisa, we’ll be back in about an hour, OK?”
    “No problem,” she replied with a smile on her face.
     
    He must be in a good mood. Enjoy the break! X
     
    As I looked down at the message, it put an instant smile on my face. I got the sudden feeling I was being watching and looked up from my phone to see Leah staring at me with a smile on her face.
    “Something’s put you in a good mood,” she said, gesturing toward my phone.
    “Yep,” I chuckled.
    “Girlfriend?”
    “Fiancée,” I replied proudly.
    “That’s really nice . Have you been together long?”
    “Eight years , but we’ve practically known each other our entire lives.”
    “That’s pretty romantic , you know. It gives the rest of us hope,” she giggled.
    “No boyfriend then? ”
    “Nope, never really met anyone who made me want to do the whole ‘forever’ thing,” she chuckled.
    “Well, I’m sure you will.”
    “Yeah, maybe.”
     
    * * *
     
    “When you said you knew a good deli, I didn’t know you meant this good!” Leah beamed from across the table.
    “I know my stuff,” I said , winking at her.
    “You sure do. What other secrets does this mall hide?”
    “Many, but if I tell you , I’ll have to kill you,” I whispered and we both began laughing.
    All of s udden, a stern voice interrupted us.
    “So , this is what you’re calling work these days?” Crystal said angrily as she and Jess stood with their arms folded, staring at Leah and me. It took me a minute to notice April standing behind them looking very hurt.
    “I’m on lunch . What are you guys doing here?” I asked feeling slightly interrogated.
    “We are dress shopping,” Crystal scowled.
    Ignoring Crystal’s bad attitude, I turned to Leah. “Leah, this is my sister, Crystal, her friend, Jess and this,” I said as I stood up and pulled April toward me, “is my beautiful fiancée,” I finished, kissing her gently on the side of her head.
    “It’s nice to meet you guys,” Leah said, standing up.
    Jess and Crystal just stared at her. They could be so frustrating sometimes.
    “It’s great to meet you , too. Aiden has told me some great things about you,” April answered. I knew for some reason she felt uncomfortable, but even in the worst situation, she could conduct herself.
    “That’s nice to hear,” Leah replied , politely. “I hear you two are getting married.
Are you shopping for wedding dresses?”
    “Yeah, well I’m being dragged from store to store if that’s the meaning of shopping,” April chuckled. I felt her