Maya
"Maya, are you sure you don't want to just come as my plus one?" Conrad says softly.
"No, you know I can't, Conrad. I would lose my job." I sigh.
There is a charity event tonight. Conrad and his family are attending. I am also attending but as nothing more than Meredith's assistant since she is one of the people who organised. It is the last thing I need. I don't want to work it out, but I know better than to tell her no. I hate that Conrad and I are going to have to act like we only know one another briefly through work.
He sighs and runs his fingers through his hair, "Would that be such a bad thing? She treats you like crap, and you could do better. I don't want to keep hiding our relationship, angel."
"I need the job. I need the money if I want to finish school. I can't afford to lose my job. And you knew how this would need to be when we started this, Conrad."
I sound annoyed at him. I don't mean to, but I am stressed out. I think he sometimes forgets we don't all have his kind of money.
He comes over to me, reaches in and grabs my hip, pulling me to him, "I can pay for the rest of your school. I can help you find another job, one where you will be respected and appreciated. Yes, I knew how it needed to be, but that doesn't mean I don't want everyone to know you are mine. We can't keep it a secret forever." He says softly.
"No. You have done more than enough for me. You are not paying for my school. I will be fine. I know we can't keep it a secret forever, but it is what we need to do for now. Don't press me on it, Conrad, because I am not ready for everyone to know." I whimper.
Maybe once everything is sorted with Callum, we can discuss not keeping us a secret. God knows when that will be. We went to the police about two weeks ago now with the photos of my bruises. Joshua also gave a statement, but they can't seem to find him anywhere. We haven't seen him around, either, but my gut tells me it isn't something that will continue. He will show up again.
Conrad draws in a breath, "Okay. I won't bring it up again."
I can hear the disappointment in his voice and see it in his eyes.
"I am sorry, but it is what is best for now," I whisper.
I don't want him upset with me over this, but everything I am saying is true.
Conrad pulls me to his chest, hugging me, "I know it is." He says, kissing the top of my head.
I glance up at him, "I should go. The last thing I need is to be late and make Meredith mad."
"Yes. I will see you there. I hate I need to act like we don't really know one another."
"I hate it too. I will see you later." I reply.
I kiss him softly and head out. The event doesn't start for another seven hours, but I need to be there to help set up and get Meredith whatever she needs. It is going to be a long-assed day.
I was walking to the hotel where it was being held because it wasn't far. Conrad was not happy with my choice in case Callum was around, but I managed to calm him down and convince him I would be fine. I will keep an eye on my surroundings anyway to ensure he doesn't appear out of nowhere. I am trying my best not to let him continue to make life harder. I need to focus on my work today.
****
The last seven hours have been hell on earth! I am so stressed out. Luckily, everything is organised for the event which starts soon. Meredith has been an asshole towards me since I arrived. It has taken everything I have in me not to tell her to fuck off. Instead, I have decided to take a breather and calm myself down before the guests begin to arrive.
I grab a bottle of water and head out back. I don't want to be seen by any of the guests. I rest against a wall, taking a few deep breaths and a drink of water. I take my cell out because I haven't had a chance to look at it since arriving.
I have a couple of texts from Conrad. One has a photo. I opened the text and smiled when I saw him looking all handsome in his blue tux. God, it is unfair how beautiful he is.
Hey, beautiful. I just wanted to see how your day was going. I know Meredith will be keeping you busy xx
How do I look? Xx
I don't know if he will read when I text him back; it depends if he is with his family or on his way here.
Hey, I am stressed out. I was very close to telling her to go to hell, but I came outside for some air instead. You look very handsome. You always look damn handsome. It is not fair how you have everything lol xx
I hit send. I sigh and close my eyes. I need to head back inside in a minute. I am surprised when a reply comes through.
I am sorry you are so stressed, angel. Maybe it is time to start looking for something else because you have enough going on and don't need her to make things worse. Aww, thanks, angel. I still wish I had you by my side tonight xx
I will push through. I always do. I wish I were with you too xx
The truth is, I don't know if I will ever be ready to attend events like these with him. I don't think I could handle them. It would be too much for me. Of course, I don't want to keep our relationship a secret forever, but when we do finally go public, I will still need to set limits. The life he lives, the events, the people, and all of it will be too much pressure for me, and I am worried I will end up breaking. I will not tell Conrad this, not right now, because he worries enough about me as it is.
I find the courage to head back inside. I need to change before the event. Meredith insisted I needed to dress to match the occasion. I brought a dress with me because I didn't want to work in it all day. I wish she would just let me go home! But, nope, I need to stay until the event is over. I am eager to get home tonight, well, to Conrad's place, which is practically home these days and snuggle up in bed with him. I am going to be exhausted after such a long day and night.
But for now, I need to focus. The hardest part of tonight is going to be when I need to pretend Conrad isn't my boyfriend.