The Proposal Series

Chapter 11: Speaking in Code

Sara's interviews seemed to go extremely well. She wasn't offered either job on the spot, but she knew she would hear back from at least one of the employers. Neither job was better than the other. The first job at ER Publishing would have her working as a Manuscript Proofreader, and the second job at R.S. Publishing would have her working as a Copy Editor. Essentially, the job titles amounted to the same thing, the same amount of pay and the same status. She was qualified for both positions, as her English degree with a specialization in Writing, had adequately prepared her for any job related to writing. Sara wanted to be an author. She loved to write. Being able to write her own manuscript was her ultimate dream, but she didn't feel right about sitting down to write something without first knowing what would constitute a good piece of work. That was why she had applied to these jobs. She wanted to learn. But she also needed the income. She knew her mother's money wouldn't last forever.

Derek had taken her to the second interview, and he was quiet for most of the way there, which was a blessing from heaven if Sara ever knew one.

After her interviews were over, he made his way to her house silent once again, but he did manage to say one last thing before dropping her off.

“Please think about the proposal. Don't toss it out. Do this courtesy to me, and the courtesy

I do for you will be life long."

He said those words while staring into her eyes. He had beautiful grey eyes.

Before she could get out of the car, he opened his door and walked around to her side of the car, opening her door for her. In shock at his gentlemanly behavior, she went to step out, and he gave her his hand. As she took it, she felt a shock of electricity flow from his touch into her body. It sent shivers down her arms. As she felt the electricity flowing between them, they both stared into one another's eyes, baring themselves to one another on the street.

“I can feel your heartbeat through your wrist," he said. “Maybe that's because you make me angry," she said.

“You don't seem angry right now. You seem intrigued."

“Because I'm wondering when you are going to let go of my wrist." “I can't let go of you," he said.

He can't let go? Let go of what? She thought.

“Is there something here… something I am missing?" she asked.

“That is completely up to you, now, isn't it?"

They were speaking in code. He stood close to her, leaned his head into hers. He was going to kiss her. Was he going to kiss her? Wait – why would he kiss her? Did she want him to kiss her?

He was going for it. He gave her a smile, his teeth shining in the light, his eyes turning a dark shade of grey. He made his way towards her face, missed her lips, and landed a kiss on her cheek.

“Goodnight, Ms. Hopewell, be careful tonight," he said.

Of course, no kiss. Why would she have expected one? And yes, the stalker knew about her plans for tonight. It seemed as if she wouldn't be able to go anywhere or do anything without him knowing. At least not until she gave him a firm answer about his stupid proposal. She must have told him no a hundred times, but he didn't believe her—and she was beginning to not believe herself either.

Sara sent Bonnie a text, letting her know she was on her way upstairs. She carefully looked both ways, before heading up.

As she stepped into her apartment, she was hit with streamers and balloons.

Bonnie screamed, “Congratulations!"

Sara laughed, a gut-wrenching laugh, falling on the floor chuckling. Bonnie ran to her sitting on the floor and gave her a big hug.

“It's time to celebrate our graduation! I know we're going for drinks later, but first; you and I need to sit down and eat this cake I bought. We need girl time," Bonnie said.

Sara couldn't agree more. After receiving a personal chauffeur service from Derek tonight, she could really use cake. Lots of cake. And wine. And gin. Lots of gin. Bonnie brought the cake over to the kitchen counter and Sara had her eyes plastered to its container.

“How did the exam and the interviews go today?" Bonnie asked.

“The exam was fine. I had some issues concentrating. The interviews were great. The driver who took me to the interviews… psycho."

“Wait. Driver? Since when do you have a driver?"

“Oh, I don't. I called a cab and Derek showed up instead."

Bonnie burst out laughing “Is this man in love with you or something?" “Or something," Sara said.

“You have to tell me everything, but first, take a look at this spectacular cake," Bonnie said, grinning.

Bonnie opened the cake box. Chocolate upon chocolate – Sara's absolute favorite. Bonnie sat eyeing her, as Sara stared at the cake in confusion. A look of utter upset sprawled across her face. She stared at the decorative lettering on the cake. It read 'Congratulations Angel'.

“Where did you get this cake, Bonnie?"

“The bakery... what's wrong? I thought you loved chocolate?" Bonnie asked.

“No, which bakery did you get this cake from?"

“I drove up to the bakery in Scarborough. You know, the one we went to a few times? You said you were in love with their cake batter. Is something wrong?" Bonnie sounded genuinely concerned.

“It's the message. Did you tell them to write 'Angel' on it?" Sara asked.

“I just asked them to write congratulations," Bonnie said.

Bonnie stared at the cake – then she realized why the message had upset her friend.

“You don't think… You don't think… this is him, do you?" Sara said.

“No, Sara. It's obviously a coincidence. I was going on and on about how my best friend and I were done with school and we wanted to celebrate."

Bonnie said the words, but Sara could tell she wasn't all that sure it was a coincidence.

Sara slumped onto the barstool and let out a sigh.

“I'm sorry, Sara. I wanted to do something nice for you. I know the last few years have been nearly unbearable. Have you had a chance to read over whatever it was the lawyer gave you?

Did you guys talk about that while he was driving you around the city?"

Bonnie leaned over the counter to grab a knife from the kitchen drawer. She began to carve out the word Angel from the cake. Sara watched her and began to laugh as Bonnie made a horrible mess. Bonnie ignored her laughter, waiting for Sara to tell her about the documents, and about her personal drive with Mr. Walberg.

“Yes, I read them, and yes, we spoke about them tonight, and no, I can't sign them," Sara said. She looked down at her feet, waiting for Bonnie to start asking questions.

“Can I read them?" Bonnie said lightly

Sara rolled her eyes, knowing that Bonnie's reaction to Derek's proposal would most likely be even worse than hers.

“I've signed a non-disclosure which means I can't show or discuss anything with anyone."

“I don't look like anyone though, do I? He didn't specifically mention not showing me in the document, surely?"

“No, of course not. The purpose of a non-disclosure document is it applies to all outside parties."

“Wow. Fine. Can you at least tell me about what happened this evening?"

Sara sighed. “He showed up after my exams. He knew where I was because his assistant put a tracker in my purse. He said I needed to be safe. He took me to the interviews, tried to convince me why his proposal was awesome, and he nearly kissed me goodnight," Sara finished sheepishly.