The Billionaire's Games

Closing my laptop screen I suppressed the urge to throw it out the window. For one I lived on the eleventh floor and I'd hurt someone who was walking down the street, I didn't want to have that on my conscious. And the second reason was that I needed to pull myself together, finish my article and send it to the editor. She counted on me and I seriously needed that paycheck to keep living the way I did. I wasn't living large but I did love my apartment, clothes, make-up, and outings with friends. I couldn't imagine losing it all. If that made me one hell of a shallow person than so be it.

Putting my laptop on the coffee table I got off the couch and stretched a bit. Yawning, my eyes landed on my phone vibrating against the coffee table. I figured it was the editor asking me what the hell I was doing. Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines! Reaching for my phone I nearly dropped it seeing Nick's picture staring right back at me.

It had been a while since I last saw him. Nick was always busy, moving around town, going from meeting to meeting. Jumping on planes to fly to lively cities in the world to check on his properties. He made time for his friends, but I wasn't part of his inner circle. That didn't mean I didn't like spending time with him, I did. He was just too busy most of the time.

"Hey, Nick!"

"Zoey, it's been a while."

It definitely had been a while, I knew Nick was busy most of the time, but I could have reached out. I didn't because like him life got in the way. Moving into a new apartment, getting new writing jobs and of course spending time with my best friends. It wouldn't have been too much of an effort to pick up the phone and send a lousy text, but I didn't do it.

"It has, I'm sorry I should have contacted you sooner."

"Never mind that. We've been busy, that doesn't mean our friendship is suddenly over."

"I still feel bad though. I know you've been through a lot."

"I'm fine, my girl is fine so don't worry about it, okay?" He sounded happy so I assumed he wasn't lying about it, "Besides it works both ways, doesn't it?"

It does and I was glad Nick was intelligent enough to figure that out. He handled the situation calmly and always searched for a way to end it on a good note. I loved him for it.

"So how is your girl doing?" I asked, wondering about the girl I had seen pictures of online, they had been the talk of the city for quite some time, "She looked lovely in her silver dress."

Nick chuckled, "I'll tell her you said that-"

"She doesn't even know me, she'll be confused."

"Emily is cool." I could tell by the tone of his voice how much he cherished her, "We should definitely meet up soon so I can introduce you to her."

I couldn't help but smirk as I realized where Nick was going with this. I was working for a fashion magazine and gossip was nothing new to me. I knew his girl, Emily, was surrounded by guys. Hot guys. Nick wasn't someone who doubted himself, but as a confident alpha billionaire, he'd feel better if Emily had at least one female friend in her life.

"Sounds good to me." I took a seat on my comfy worn out grey couch again, putting my feet up upon my coffee table, "So why the sudden call?"

He was silent for a minute, I heard some movement in the background so I figured Mr. billionaire was on the move once again. Smiling I listened closely, having to suppress a giggle when I heard him curse one of his friends and close business partners Chris. Then I heard a door close, probably a car door and it was completely silent again.

"Sorry, I was getting in my car." He apologized, "So yeah there is a reason I called you, but I prefer to discuss it in person. Do you have time today?"

"I actually don't have time right now." I glared at my laptop sitting peacefully on my coffee table, "I'm working on an article."

"Okay, how about tomorrow? Lunch?"

"Sounds good to me." I pulled my feet down and reached for my laptop, holding it carefully in one hand as I moved to my home office, "Where do you want to meet?"

Moving into my home office which was decorated in white, blue and silver I took a seat behind my desk and placed my laptop on the desktop.

"My office, eleven-thirty?"

Glancing at my opened planner on my desk I quickly scanned the date, "Yeah, I can do that." I had nothing scheduled then so it worked out perfectly, "I'll be there."

"Great. I have a few things to take care of so I'll see you tomorrow and we'll catch up."

"Right."

"Later."

I smiled, "Later Nick."

Ending the call I placed my cell phone on my desk and stared at my laptop for a minute. It was great talking to Nick again. Him wanting to meet me at his office meant business though and I was intrigued. Doing business with Nick meant you were more or less set for life. Nick had things figured out and only a bit of publicity with him made sure people knew who you were. Reaching for my pen I quickly scribbled down the meeting time and place in my planner. I was a planner girl and I loved looking back at it. It was more like my diary, great memories were scribbled down in it, along with brightly colored stickers. Putting the pen down I opened my laptop again and went back to work. I had to finish that article so I didn't have anything to stress about when I was meeting Nick tomorrow.

***

Running my fingers through my hair I made the curls loose and wavy. I had done a smoky grey look on my eyes with a nude pink lip. Pulling down my sweater, grey dress I straightened it. Doing a swirl I nodded at myself, liking the way my look turned out. Slipping into my black flats I grabbed my bag and phone and walked out of my bedroom, leaving the door ajar. I texted Nick as I left my apartment letting him know I was leaving the house. He didn't reply back to me, but I knew he appreciated it so he could wrap up whatever he was doing. I didn't want to waste his time even though he'd tell me I was an idiot for even thinking that.

Getting in my cab I told the driver the directions for the office and checked all my messages and emails while we passed the busy streets. It always amazed me to see how lively it was, the city was gorgeous and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Arriving at the office I headed straight up, being impressed by how polite the staff was. Reaching Nick's office I was greeted by a male assistant which surprised me. I didn't comment on it in front of the nervous looking blonde guy, but when I entered Nick's office and the door was closed behind me I pointed behind me with my thumb, confused by this change.

"Where is the bitch on heels?"

"Language." Nick warned me as he got out of his chair, walked around the desk and pulled me in for a hug, "I had to let Giselle go for being inappropriate toward my girl and being way too nosy about me. My personal life has nothing to do with her." He let me go and gestured to the chair in front of his big, wooden desk.

I took a seat like he suggested not being able to stop smirking, putting my bag on the empty chair beside me I met Nick's icy cold gaze. He was famous for it, it didn't scare me away though. I knew a lot of people did find his look too intimidating, I was just one of those people who dared to cross him and not give a shit about it. He liked that about me so he kept me in his life.

"Glad you got rid of her, never liked her, to begin with."

Nick smirked, "She was a bitch."

"Total bitch!"

He threw his head back and chuckled. Man, Emily was the luckiest girl alive since she managed to melt his icy heart and make him commit. He wasn't like that, not when I met him. He was different than the people he hung out with, but that didn't mean he didn't play as hard as them. A different girl on his arm every week. That reminded me of his close friend Mr. Evan Black.

"How is Evan doing?"

Nick's eyes sparkled amusingly, "Don't sound so excited when you talk about him." He leaned back against his chair, "You can ask him when he gets here."

That's when my mood dropped, "You invited him as well?"

It wasn't that I disliked Evan, I just didn't like his lifestyle. He was fun to hang out with, but there was something about him that didn't sit right with me. I never told him that or tried to show it, but somehow Nick still got it.

"What I want to discuss with you also affects him, so I'd like him to be here as well."

"Nick."

"Just hear me out, Zoey, and if you still don't like the idea we'll try and find another solution."

Taking a deep breath I crossed my legs and got comfortable in my chair, "Fine."

We talked about my new job at the magazine and the way Nick listened and questioned me about it told me what the offer entailed. I was smart enough to put one and one together, especially since he made it clear it was business why he approached me in the first place. I didn't hold back, being honest about everything is the way I had always been with him and he didn't seem to mind. He listened, actually listened to me.

"I get that." Nick nodded, "Competition is hard these days. Especially in fashion magazines. Do you still enjoy it?"

"Honestly? Not so much anymore. It's just that the women in the office are mostly like Giselle. Only a few really have your back. Most of them are nice in your face but stab you in the back the minute you turn around. I don't love it, but it pays for my lifestyle, you know."

"Yeah, I know." He reached for his phone when it vibrated, tapped a few times and then looked back at me, "So you should really think about what I'm going to ask of you. I know you won't like collaborating with Evan, but he'll always have your back no matter what. It will pay well and I think you're going to love your job again and isn't that what matters the most?"

It was. I always had this conversation with friends and family. They couldn't understand what I was doing since a job as a writer for a fashion magazine wasn't a traditional job. They didn't even acknowledge it as a real job. They assumed I was hopping from runway show to another, always partying and having a good time when in reality my life wasn't that glamorous at all. If I did attend a party it was only to write a good story about it, exaggerating things to get the most out of it. Most of the article being fake to either sell products or praise companies to strengthen their image. In the end, it was all about money and good relationships with sponsors. I hated the game.

"It matters the most." I agreed, "I'll be open to it." I promised Nick, "Despite the company."

Nick smiled, "Evan isn't that bad."

I narrowed my eyes on him, "There was a time those words would have made you want to stab yourself for daring to say it out loud."

"Emily made me realize Evan had my back no matter what."

"I need to meet this Emily, " I told him straight out.

"You'll meet her." He promised me.

We discussed movies, TV-shows and the clubs Nick was running. It was fun and we were having a great time reconnecting when suddenly the door burst open and Evan loudly announced his presence to us.

"Nick!" Evan closed the door behind him and closed in on us, I quickly took my bag off the chair and placed it on my lap, "What the hell man? You texted me ten minutes ago to get my ass at your office or else? You can't text me shit like that because you know I'll worry. I blew off a meeting for you and you're here sweet talking this girl." He pointed at me.

"Excuse me?"

Nick sighed, "Evan take a seat."

Evan did take a seat, his eyes lingering on me. Then it hit him who I was and his coldness faded away like snow before the sun. I, however, wasn't that pleased to see him. Not after his entrance. The way he said 'this' girl made me feel like a two dollar stripper who was trying to lure Nick away from a good girl. Like hell, I'd warm up to him after that.

"Zoey?"

"Evan." I greeted not even bothering to look at him.

I felt his eyes taking me in, scanning me as if he couldn't quite understand I was the same girl he met a few years ago, "You've changed a lot. I mean I didn't even recognize you when I walked in."

"More like barged in." I corrected him, "And I figured since you so nicely referred to me as 'this' girl."

He didn't seem affected by my words though, probably because he was still in shock after realizing I was 'Zoey' the girl he had met a few years ago.

"You look great, Zoey."

I finally looked at him, taking him in as well, "You haven't changed Evan." I told him.

"That wasn't a compliment." Evan's surprise quickly faded and he caught onto my mood, "But I'll take it seeing I did barge in and said things in a rude manner."

I narrowed my eyes on him, "Glad you at least recognized that."

"It is very nice to see you again, Zo."

I didn't say it back and he also caught onto that. It was very nice to see Nick again, I was undecided about Evan mainly because of his behavior. He wasn't rude, he never was. He just wasn't serious about life when I was. We always collided, at least in my mind we did.

"So there is a reason why I asked both of you to meet me here." Nick started, "I'm sure you both know Chris and I partnered up for a club in Tokyo and things are going well. However, I promised Chris I'd do what I can on my end to improve sales and that's where you two come in."

"Nick." I started but he quickly cut me off.

"I know you hate being dishonest and that's not what I'm asking of you. What I want is for you two to be seen together at the club a few times hanging out with friends. I know Evan can easily arrange that. After the parties, I'd like you to write about it, but never being dishonest about it. I want you to share your story the way you want."

"What if it's not in your favor, Nick?"

"I don't care about that. Evan being seen there will do a lot already, but it always helps to have some word out. Even bad publicity-"

"Is still publicity."

"It will affect your current job, mainly because you have to move to Tokyo for a few months. So that's why I questioned you."

I realized that I called it the minute Nick started to be very curious about my thoughts about the magazine. I knew he cared as a friend, but the way he asked told me he didn't just ask as a friend.

"I probably have to quit my job."

Nick nodded, "I won't let you take that risk without a good offer, Zoey." He pushed a contract toward me which had bonuses written down along with a generous amount which would be paid if I completed the job, "You're a friend first and I know what I'm asking of you is huge."

"Life changing, " I whispered.

"Yeah, so sleep on it and let me know your answer by the end of the week."

I grabbed the contract, my eyes lingering on the amount which was insane for a stupid publicity stunt, "Nick. This is way too much. My blog doesn't have that many followers."

"Trust me when you're on Evan's arm going to parties at the club night after night it will affect your blog. I'm being generous because like you said when you take this offer it will change your life as you know it."

I raised my eyebrow at him, "So it's more or less payment to ease your mind because you're pimping me out to Evan?'

Evan beside me burst out in laughter, boyish laughter which resonated through my whole body. He might be the kind of man who played too much he was still cute. I could understand why women would take the risk with him knowing it would always end badly. They didn't care when they could be on this handsome guy's arm and in his bed. I'm sure he knew what he was doing when he did take you to his bed. I hated myself for going there, but I was definitely going there with my thoughts and when I looked up to meet Evan's gaze I knew he noticed.

"I forgot how freely you spoke your mind." Nick sighed, "You'd think I'd be used it seeing Emily has no filter at all. But you still surprise me, Zoey."

Evan smirked at me, "It's because she has a filthy mouth. Unlike Emily, she swears a lot."

I got defensive when he said that, but he was right. I did swear a lot, probably a lot more than Nick's girlfriend, but I wouldn't apologize for that. I couldn't help it but calling women like Giselle bitches.

"Is that a problem to you?" I waved the contract in front of his face, "Because if I accept this we'll be spending an awful lot of time together. You think you can handle words like 'fuck' and 'bitch' oh and 'asshole'? The last one I might not say out loud but I assure you that I will be thinking it."

He laughed again while Nick's eyes glittered amusingly, I was sure the side of his lips twitched as well, but he wasn't going to encourage me. Folding the paper up in half I stuffed it in my bag and got up.

"I'm going to think about it, we'll reschedule lunch. Maybe you can introduce Emily to me when we meet again?"

Nick got up and rounded his desk, placing his hand on my lower back as he led me to the door, "I'll be right back, Evan. I'll lead Zoey out. Don't try anything, I'll kick your ass and then tell Emily about it and she'll kick your ass too."

Evan held up his hands, "I wouldn't dare, Nick."

Nick opened the door and led me to the elevator bank. Nick turned to me when I pushed the button and waited for the elevator to arrive.

"Really think this through, okay?"

"I will, " I promised him.

"If you do accept a lot has to be dealt with, it will go full speed. Be prepared, Zoey."

"I know." I turned when the elevator ding echoed through the hallway, "I'm taking this seriously, Nick." Stepping inside the elevator I gave him a small wave, "Talk to you soon."

Taking a cab back home I ordered Pizza, settled on my couch and went through all the magazines I had an article published in. If I was going to think this through I'd really think about the pros and cons, making sure I didn't make a decision half-heartedly. It took me all night to make a decision, but when I made my mind I knew I did it because I knew what I wanted. At six AM I texted Nick to let him know I accepted his offer. What surprised me was that he actually texted me back. I had till the end of the week, but I figured things out before the time limit, he appreciated that. Things were going to change full speed, but I had no regrets.

Tomorrow I was leaving my life in New York to stay for three months in Japan. It was odd leaving the life I loved so much to start an adventure together with a man I didn't like that much. I was still doing it though. I must have lost my mind when I made that decision, but I told myself I didn't regret anything, and I honestly still didn't. It would be a step forward in my career, making me like my job again.

I was leaving the cab, entering the restaurant where I was meeting Nick and his girlfriend Emily. The famous Emily who melted his heart and made Evan and Nick rekindle their brothery love. Smiling I reached their table and held my hand out to the dark-haired girl looking very pregnant.

"Hi Emily, I'm Zoey." I told her when she shook my hand, "Nice to finally meet you."

"Nice to meet you, Zoey."

We both took a seat, I felt Emily take me in as she pretended to go over the menu Nick handed her. I didn't mind it though, I knew I'd do the same if I was dating a guy like Nick. A girl needed to make sure the women in her man's life weren't a threat like Anna had been. So I let her do her scan of me while I also went through my menu.

"So when is the baby due?" I asked, curious to know when Nick would become a dad and his free time would be completely gone.

Nick smiled as he glanced at his girl, "In four months." He answered without hesitation, "Evan has to be here since he said he wouldn't miss the birth of his namesake. So I think we planned things right."

I nearly dropped my menu when he said that so cheerfully, "You're naming your baby after Evan?" I asked him as if he lost his mind, "You serious about that?"

Emily laughed closing her menu, her eyes warming up to me, "We're together because of Evan." She told me, "We owe a lot to him."

"Yeah?" I wasn't convinced though, "Isn't it confusing to have two Evans around?" I also closed my menu since made my decision for lunch, "Besides one is clearly enough." I muttered, yet Emily and Nick still heard me, both grinning at me.

"Evan made a bad impression, " Nick informed his girl.

She met his gaze, "I can tell." She whispered back.

Nick glanced back at me, "Our boy will be called Matthew Evan Woods, so it's not that confusing."

Emily wasn't letting my dislike toward Evan go, "So what happened between you and Evan?" She asked curiously.

We paused our conversation when the waiter approached our table to take our order. After we placed our order and the waiter left the table we continued our conversation. Emily's eyes sparkling, letting me know she wouldn't drop the conversation until I told her everything.

"Nothing much."

Emily narrowed her eyes on me, "I'm sure you wouldn't dislike Evan for no reason. Something must have happened."

Nick reached for his water, "One night at the club Zoey witnessed something she wasn't supposed to, I assume it cut her deep." He sipped from his water, pretending he didn't say anything at all.

Emily's face lit up as she leaned forward, "What did you witness?"

My cheeks heat up as I remembered the scene from two years ago.

The music was loud, people having a good time on the dance floor and me sitting in a booth together with Nick and a few other friends in the VIP section. I got up with my clutch in hand to head to the bathroom. Walking through the dark hallway I reached the ladies room and entered, the room was completely empty at least I thought it was. As I stood by the sink to freshen up I dropped my lipstick when erotic sounds echoed through the room. Turning around I glanced down to see black leather shoes which obviously didn't belong to a woman. Then I heard a woman moaning Evan's name, but she wasn't alone. Not being able to grasp how three people could fit into a stall so small I spun around, washed my hands, the sounds alarming the people in the stall. I heard female giggles and Evan's chuckle. I would have let it go if he left it at that, but cheeky Evan left the stall, his hands fumbling with his belt as his gaze met mine. His eyes were clouded, lipstick smeared across his lips. It made my heart drop to my stomach seeing him disheveled like that by women who had no self-respect at all.

"It's just Zoey." He told the girls in the stall behind him.

He was about to approach me, the intent clear in his eyes which made me hold up my hands in defense, "Don't you dare Evan."

"Don't be such a prude, Zo." He chuckled.

His words stung, I didn't know why it got to me, but it did. I glared at the man who was clearly still high from the orgasms the girls probably gave him.

"You're disgusting, Evan, " I told him, grabbing my clutch and leaving the bathroom in a rush.

How could I forget about that scene? I still wondered how they fit into a stall with three people. I always thought a stall was not even big enough for one.

"Evan being disgusting, " I mumbled, also reaching for my water to use it as a shield so I didn't have to keep talking.

Nick's lips curled up, "Evan was having a good time in a bathroom stall."

"With two girls in one stall, Nick." I reminded him in a hiss.

Emily looked as surprised as I was when I witnessed Evan at his best, "How?"

"I still wonder about that one."

"I get that you were surprised at the time, but you can't hold it against him forever." Nick told me, "It wasn't like he was in a relationship. If he wants to have threesomes in bathroom stalls it's his right. Who are we to judge?"

Emily gave him an 'oh really' look which made me wonder what that was all about. They didn't elaborate though, so I figured that was something personal.

"I would have let it go if he didn't try to pull me into his messy bathroom affair." Emily looked disgusted, her expressions all the same as mine two years ago, "And why am I always 'just' Zoey and 'this' girl. It's plain rude."

Nick sighed, "He was drunk, Zoey, he didn't mean it."

I glared at Nick trying to talk things right, "Then he should have apologized, but he didn't." I turned to look at Emily, "So that's why Evan's on my 'I only tolerate your presence because we have mutual friends' list."

"I get it." Emily told me, "He should have apologized."

"Emily, " Nick warned her.

She wasn't having it though, "You know I love Evan, but it is rude. He shouldn't have done that."

Emily was cool, just like Nick told me the other day. I wouldn't mind spending more time with her. She was reasonable and even though she was close with people like Evan she could also listen to people like me who had bad experiences with her inner circle. Nick met a great girl and I was glad he knew that.

***

I was on the phone with my father as I packed my suitcase for Tokyo. I had made a list a few days ago and I was now going over it to make sure I had everything I needed. I couldn't focus with my father screaming in my ear though. He didn't like the fact that he wasn't making his point so now he was raising his voice thinking his message would come across that way. It wasn't changing my mind like he thought it would, it only annoyed me and made me want to end the call.

"It's my life so it's my decision to make."

He didn't like that one, "You're not thinking, Zoey. You never think things through. Taking a job at some teen magazine and moving across the country. You had a life here and the job Mr. Powers offered you-"

Yes, the amazing Mr. Powers who was dad's partner at the office. I couldn't care less for the man, but my parents worshipped the ground the man walked on. I didn't understand it and I would never understand it.

"I didn't want a job at his office." I told my father once again, I think that's something I would keep telling him my whole life because he wasn't letting it go, "I'm doing fine, dad. I'm doing better than I would have done at Powers' office."

"Zoey!"

"You're not listening to me, you are listening but only to argue with me. I'm tired and I need to finish up a few things. We'll talk soon."

He didn't sound happy when he let me go, but I wasn't going to stop doing what I loved only to fit into the box my father wanted me to fit into. It hurt knowing my parents didn't understand what I liked to do, but it wouldn't make me stop living either. The offer Nick made was great and Tokyo was a new adventure I'd take on proudly.

I was going through the list one more time when my doorbell suddenly rang, startling me. I wasn't expecting anyone but it could be one of my girlfriends, Laurel and Sasha, maybe even both. Smiling I went to the door to open it, dropping my phone when it was Evan's large frame standing right in front of me. Cursing I picked up my phone to check if it was still alive. Thank god it was! Evan raised an eyebrow at me when I glared at him.

"You can't blame me for that." He told me as he walked past me.

"I can." I told him as I closed the door behind me and spun around to look at him, "You are the last person I expected to visit me this late at night. Nick told you my address?"

Evan nodded, his hands stuffed in his pants pockets, "Yeah." He didn't elaborate on it, "Emily told me about your lunch date and she more or less scolded me. I feel like we should discuss things before we move to Tokyo together."

"We're not actually moving together, " I told him, not wanting to have another huge discussion since my father's voice was still echoing through my mind.

He rolled his eyes at me, "You know what I mean. We shouldn't have this between us. I want us to move past it so we can actually do good things for Nick."

I folded my arms across my chest, "You really care about them, don't you?"

He didn't hesitate when he responded, "They're my family."

I hated it to admit it, but I really liked that about him. He might not give a fuck about his messy affairs, he always gave in to his lust without thinking about the consequences but when it came to his friends he really had their back.

"What?" He asked me, probably catching onto the change in me.

"I'll let things go." I told him, "Just know that if you ever pull a stunt like that again we won't be able to go back. I won't let it go, ever."

He sighed in relief, "You're cool, Zo."

My lips curled up at hearing that, "You sure you don't want to call me 'this' girl or 'just' Zoey?" I asked teasingly, giggling when he rolled his eyes at me.

I stepped back when he suddenly stepped into my space, towering over me with his height, "You do mean something to me, Zo, and I apologize if I ever made you feel less." He sounded so serious which made me regret teasing him after he tried to be mature and talk things over, "That was never my intention. I assure you that."

I couldn't do anything but stare at him as he hovered over me. He wasn't having that though.

"Tell me you get me, Zo."

I nodded, but that wasn't good enough for him either. He raised an eyebrow at me, an expectant look in his eyes as he awaited my response.

"I get you, " I whispered.

His lips curled up to a smile, his face lightening up as he pulled away from me, "So what were you up to?"

He changed moods so fast I had no idea what just hit me, "Going through my list." I shrugged, "I want to make sure I have everything for tomorrow, you know."

He smirked at me, "I forgot you're little Miss control freak." He sounded amused by it, but it certainly didn't humor me, "Let me help you, I'm sure it will go a lot faster."

Without my permission, he strolled right through the hallway going straight for my bedroom. It wasn't hard to find considering I had music playing there along with the light shining through. Following after him I smiled seeing him shrug his jacket off, kicking off his shoes and getting comfortable while he grabbed my list and scanned it.

"Thanks."

He looked up from the list and grinned at me, "No need to thank me. I have nothing better to do anyway. Emily and Nick need their privacy so I'm just bothering you now."

I still appreciated it though. Taking a seat on the edge of my messy bed filled with clothes and other things I smiled up at him.

"Still appreciate it."

Together we went through my stuff and Evan helped me prioritize things. I actually had a fun laidback night with him which I never would have imagined. If Nick always had this side of Evan I could understand why he hung out with him.

Not once in my life did I fly first class, I always thought it was ridiculous. Why waste money on such a luxury? Today I had no choice though, Nick was the one who prepared my flight and it was first class. Beige leather seats in their own cubicle with a nice HD screen across it to watch movies. My cubicle was right next to Evan's, but there was a small white screen between us, not hiding much but giving us enough privacy to feel like you were alone. Taking a seat in my cubicle I glanced aside, meeting Evan's huge grin.

He was wearing fitted charcoal gray slacks with a lighter gray dress shirt, no tie, and no jacket. The first buttons of his shirt were undone, showing off his skin. I couldn't help but stare and he noticed. Thankfully he didn't comment on it, I suppose he was used to it. Instead, his grin got bigger while he took a seat in his cubicle, getting comfortable. Unlike me, he was used to this.

"I advise you to get comfortable, it's a long fight."

I kicked off my flats, untied my hair making it fall down to my back. Running my fingers through my hair I made sure all the knots were out of it and shook it a few times. Like Evan, I also ditched my jacket and reached for my bag to get my laptop out.

Evan laughed at that, "So you getting comfortable is letting your hair down, kicking off your shoes and get back to work?"

I glanced aside, responding with a grin of my own, "I love to write and I do need to let my followers know that I'm off to Tokyo for three months." I put my laptop beside me, making sure it was safe on the small table and got on my knees on my seat to look over the small white screen, holding onto it as I peeked inside Evan's cubicle, "Want to take a picture with me?"

"Sure."

Putting my flats back on I walked around and got a seat on Evan's lap. He wasn't uncomfortable with it so I assumed I wasn't crossing any lines here. I was about to take a picture of us when he stopped a flight attendant and asked her to take the picture for us instead. She smiled brightly, something in her eyes making me feel embarrassed. When I glanced over my shoulder I noticed that Evan returned her look. I was the minute the picture was taken those two would disappear for the rest of the flight. I was well aware Evan could make things work in small spaces. Trying to brush it off I looked back at the woman and smiled as she took our picture. She handed me back my phone, throwing another flirty look over her shoulder as she disappeared to the hall which led to the bathrooms. Quickly getting off Evan's lap I pretended not to see anything. Taking a seat in my cubicle I focused on getting the picture online even though the WIFI was crap. Glancing up from my phone I noticed Evan following into the direction of the flight attendant. I wouldn't see him in a while. I hated that knowing Evan was fucking a random flight attendant in a bathroom stall made my heart squeeze painfully. It shouldn't matter to me, he was single like Nick mentioned before. Evan could do whatever he wanted. Turning my phone off I put it in my bag and reached for my laptop to finish up writing my first blog post about Tokyo. What surprised me was when I was about to finish up the third sentence, Evan walked back to his seat and got comfortable again.

"No fun in a small stall?" I asked him, not being able to shut down my curiosity.

Evan chuckled, "Didn't feel like leaving you alone." He admitted to me, "I got her number though, maybe we can work things out when we land."

I rolled my eyes at him, "I'll be fine on my own, Evan. It's not me you should worry about." I glanced around.

He smirked, "It's fine, so how is your blog post coming along?"

"I've only finished a few sentences." I glanced back at my screen, "It's fine though."

While I finished up my post-Evan talked about his friendship with Emily and Nick. I loved hearing him talk about it because he was actually happy, his eyes warming up every time he mentioned either one of them. He was excited about the baby, his namesake.

"You and Emily get along?"

"Didn't she tell you?" He asked me, not waiting for my response though, "I was the one who pushed them to be together. I'm also her partner in crime. If she wants to do something Nick disapproves of, she gives me a call."

"So you're basically causing trouble for Nick all the time?"

He laughed at that, "Yeah, basically."

The flight didn't feel that long with Evan beside me. He entertained me, telling me about the people he cared about. He also informed me about Chris, the guy who stayed in Tokyo for the time being to get the club off the ground. He was doing a great job so far. I knew the guy though, I'm sure everyone who kept up with the latest gossip knew about his crazy wife. She was engaged to an up and coming actor and was all over the tabloids. I didn't know Chris personally, but I felt sorry for him. First, he had to deal with a wife who threw him aside without notice, appearing everywhere stating she wanted to get back together with Nicolas Woods. When that didn't work out she went after Chase Patterson and got exactly what she wanted. I didn't know them personally so I didn't think too much about it. It was probably a good thing Chris wasn't married to a woman like that anymore. He was better off now, he would find someone who actually did care about him.

***

Entering the apartment building which was located right in Tokyo central I nearly slipped and fell seeing how fancy the place was. Black marble tiles, a big front desk with two attendants. The women both bowed in greeting as we entered. Evan told me to stay put as he headed to the front desk. He came with two keys, handing me my key. We took the elevator to the fifteenth floor, our apartments at the end of the hall located right across each other. When I opened the door to mine Evan barged right in which startled me.

"Go ahead, make yourself at home."

"Chris said he got things ready. I'm just making sure." He told me as he turned on the TV, "That works." He around the coffee table and held up a card, "And the password to your WIFI, you're good to go." He walked past me, heading toward the door, "Get some rest, we'll meet tomorrow morning to have breakfast together with Chris."

As he closed the door behind him I let out a relieved sigh, it was good to have a place of my own for the next three months. Nick was generous and I wouldn't let him down. I told him I'd be honest about my experience here, but that didn't mean I would try hard to get as much material online as possible. Pictures and blog posts, everything I could do on my end, maybe even a vlog for the website. Going over the list of things I could do for Nick I turned my phone back on, startled by how many messages I had. A few from my girlfriends, but most of my parents asking me about the guy I had a picture with. Sighing I called my dad even though it was around eight in the morning. I'm sure he was already up and at work, but I didn't care. I needed to set some things straight, not liking the messages he left me.

"Dad." I said once he answered his phone, "I do not appreciate the things you messaged me."

"Then it's not true? You didn't drop everything just to hook up with some guy in Tokyo?"

Hearing him speak that way to me made the tears well up, but I refused to cry. I was allowed to live my life the way I wanted to. They had no right to make me feel inferior.

"I'm doing my job, I didn't drop everything to hook up with some random guy. But even if I did, it would still be my life, you have no right to judge me for it."

Again he wasn't actually listening to me. Just ready to pick a fight with me because I didn't choose the path he wanted me to take. Now he was hating on everything I did. I didn't even understand how he saw that picture. Probably my mother showed him. She had no opinion of her own, always siding with him. I didn't understand why I even tried to stay in touch with them. All we ever did was fight and end the conversation on a bad note.

"Then who is the guy?"

"A friend."

"You're that friendly with all your male friends?"

"Dad, I'm hanging up now. This isn't going anywhere. I'm here in Tokyo together with my friend and we're going to attend a party and a whole lot of pictures are going to show up. Just to let you know. Now I'm going to catch some sleep. Bye."

Hanging up I silenced my phone, put it on the bedside table and put my suitcase on top of my bed. Opening it I searched for some comfy clothes, clean underwear, and my make-up bag. I had two, one filled with make-up and the other filled with hair and face products. I laid the clothes out on my bed, grabbed a towel and headed into the bathroom to freshen up. I would deal with everything tomorrow. I was in a bad mood and wanted to watch a movie in bed. I wouldn't understand it, but I didn't care. It would help me forget about the horrible messages and awful conversation with my dad. I would drift away and pretend that never happened.