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Huffing and puffing, he continues his count and I head for the door, ht and tensed, not in the least bit relieved fro

"Don’t be pissed," he calls toit elsewhere"

I shove er up in the air as I enter the locker rooym on Plan B’s floor His comment cuts deep It’s been a feeeks since I found out she’d be working with Roht him up a couple of ti planning is going I know hih school and I have no doubt he still is The thought of hi crazy Then there’s that assle boss of hers calling her night and day Maybe she was all about the fun ere having and when I said no to anyin public places--she just wasn’t interested in et rid ofinto a clean shirt,to believe this Xander’s going to propose to Ivy the night of her release party I’m so excited but have to add some special touches to the event now One week! I can’t wait

My fingers hover over the keyboard, but I don’t respond I’ve seen S’belle alht this week We’ve texted and talked on the phone more than I’ve ever done with anyone, in fact, more than I’ve probably done in hter at others She hasn’t laxed on her friendship guidelines, yet rown The quirky, funny things she says get s tois growing tireso to know her and having soht I respond with a quick note

Great news Hey, I’ came up at work

Her response is iht Call rab my shit, and head back to my office Once I’m there I drop it all on my desk and pace to thePlan B headquarters is located in the Jamboree Business Center in Irvine, a quick hop on the freeway frouna It’s also a fast drive to LA

I can see the caleand long to be out there, but I have work to do I think about all I have to accomplish before the announceration to this building is finally happening this week, and I ahtmare Their offices will occupy the floor below me, whereas Sound Music occupies the one above Both publications should be ready to upload their online issues early next week And I just need to hire a fewthe y with a boom

In order to concentrate on work, I have to avert my eyes from the California view Just as I head toward ain, there’s a knock at my door

"Come in," I call

The door opens and Kale stands there "Just checking on you I didn’t mean to piss you off"

As soon as I sit down er and answer it "Yeah, Beck?"

"I need to go over this budget with you Is now okay?"

"Sure"

"On lance back over to Kale "I’ I irlfriend’ as hard as that is for ht?"

"Yeah, sure, why not?"

Before I can finish asking where, Beck is standing behind hi today?"

"Better than yesterday," Beck responds

Kale grins "Always good Catch you both later I’ll stop by before I leave"

"You’re not going out tonight, are you?" Beck asks o out for a beer on a Friday night I’m not an alcoholic"

"Ben, ould you do that now? What’s going on with you?"

"Nothing"

"Is it that girl you’re into? The one you like?"

"I never said I like her I’m not fifteen"

"You don’t have to say you like someone for it to be apparent that you’re interested"

"You knohat, Beck, no offense, but I don’t want to talk about it"

He raises his hands "Look,out for you"

Sighing, I slouch over, resting hs "Yeah, I know I appreciate it How about you shohat you’ve got?"

He hands reat, man," I say after a quick perusal

He nods "I’ll leave the out for the day"

"Thanks And see ya"

I swivel in et Aerie gave me yesterday Ti it