I love my job.  Really I do. I run a shelter for abandoned children.  It’s actually very sad.  Most of the children are sick and don’t even make it to seven or eight.  I know this is not the job you dream of when you’re a kid, but it’s the most fulfilling job in the whole world. 

It was a week after the party and a few days since my lunch with Landon.  And still no call from him. Six days and no call.  The pig. Cowardly pig.  I never wanted to see him again.  I’ll call you, Babes. Gmf! I call you my a…

“Laken” my assistant interrupted my depressing thoughts. “I need that signature for the delivery of the tracksuits.  The sponsors are harassing me.” Tamsin was tall, loud and very bossy.  She reminded me of Hadley and I was bloody scared of her.  I have to remind myself now and then who the boss is.

“What’s up with you?” she asked and sat down. Did I mention se was very curious?

“Nothing much.  I just had a rough week.” I said trying to take the heat of me. No way was I going to tell my invasive assistant about Landon.  She’d write a letter about it and send it to the Jerry Springer Show!

“Here’s the letter” I said handing her a piece of paper.

“Uhm no it isn’t.  This is a flyer for carpet cleaning” she said looking at the paper. “Are you okay?”

“It is? Oh my! I’m sorry. I’m a bit absent minded today.” I scratched around my desk and found the letter. “Now go paint your nails or something. I’ve got work to do.” I said pretending to type on my computer.  Tamsin left mumbling something about “working for a psycho boss”

I just couldn’t focus on anything.  Landon filled my head everyday.  I couldn’t concentrate on anything except WHY HASN”T HE CALLED ME!

Was I ugly? Boring in the scratcher? Was he married? 

I flew up and put my face against the cool window.  I was going mad.  I was being stupid.  It was a one night stand and therefore required of the Stander to tell the Standee I’LL CALL YOU. Even though it was a complete lie.  I’m not in the dating game and there are certain rules to follow:

1. It is not required of the Stander to actually call.
2. The Standee must always allow the Stander in for a “cup of coffee”
3. The Stander does not have to specify if he/she has a girlfriend/boyfriend/wife/husband/both.
4. The Standee must never flirt with other people while on date. Only the Stander is allowed to do that.
5. The Standee should not expect any flowers or chocolates.
6. Neither the Stander nor the Standee may say “I love you” while doing the nasty.
7. Last but not least: When walking down the street and the Standee spots the Stander with another Standee, walk away.  Do not make eye contact and DO NOT say hi.

It was exhausting.  No wonder I prefer to be alone.  It’s too much hassle to not make a complete idiot of yourself.

I walked around in my office and tried to get Landon out of my head.  After a few minutes, I picked up the phone and called Hadley.

“Hi” she said breathless.

“What are you doing?  Are you with Carson again?” I giggled.  She can deny it as long as she lives, but we all know she’s got the hots for Carson.  She turns to jelly every time she’s around him.

“Mind your own business, Saint. NOT!” she yelled into the phone. “And if you must know, I’m not with Carson-Fartson. I’m at the gym on the treadmill.” She said huffing and puffing.

“Whatever, Tart.  How about going to Jaded tonight.  I need wine.  And lots of it.”

“Sure.  I’ll tell the Transformer and we’ll pick you up.”