Liam was busy with the files on his table, finally able to concentrate after pushing Emily to the back of his mind. They hadn’t spoken that morning and he was trying not to be bothered by it.

A knock sounded on his door. For a while, he said nothing, it could be her, he thought.

“Come in.”

He leaned back to see who it was, but it was Daniel.

“Sup man,” his friend said as he got in.

“I’m good. What’s up?” Liam asked, suspending his work.

“So, how was the date?”

“What date?”

Daniel winked at him. “With Charlotte, of course.”

Liam scoffed. “It wasn’t a date. It was just a friendly outing,” he replied.

“Friendly outing? Really?”

Liam nodded, getting tired of the conversation already. “Look, Charlotte and I are decent adults. She knows that I’m in a relationship and we’re good friends.”

“I know you are good friends but didn’t you notice that the girl is super interested in you?”

Liam scoffed. “Seriously?”

“Yes man! She likes you and she’s really a beautiful woman.”

“How many times do I need to remind you that I have a woman in my life, Daniel?” Liam demanded.

Daniel inhaled and leaned back. “Well, I know, but at least you know she’s interested in you right?”

“Look, Daniel,” he started. “Charlotte and I are decent adults and we are quite comfortable as friends so please can you mind your business?”

Daniel shrugged. “Well, if that’s your wish, I’ll stop talking about it but, on a more serious note, how was the outing?” he asked, grinning and winking simultaneously. “The friendly outing, I mean,” he added, clearly on purpose.

“It was okay,” Liam blurted.

“So, what about Emily? Have you guys talked?”

Liam shook his head, “We haven’t seen each other since last night.”

Daniel gasped. “Wow! I saw her just now entering Joe’s office.”

“Well, I’ve not seen her, she only sent a message last night.”

“A message?”

“Yea. Check it out,” he brought out his phone and passed it to his friend who began to go through it.

Meanwhile, Emily was in Joe’s office.

“I had so much fun, Joe. I was so encouraged and I just got more determined. Conferences like that are really good.”

“Yea, they are. The company spends tons of money on them and like all of their staff to attend once in a while. You have been to the Ball of Fame and The Women’s conference, you’re really lucky. Most of the top counsel here have not even attended the Ball of fame.”

Emily smiled. “Well, I should be grateful to you because I know that I was only able to go because of you.”

Joe smiled, “well, I am happy that you enjoined yourself but, I hope you know that could be the last time you will have such an opportunity.”

The smile vanished from Emily’s lips.

“Why? Did I do something wrong?”

Joe shrugged. “No. You didn’t do anything wrong but your boyfriend came to see me.”

Emily thought she’d heard wrong. “What? My boyfriend? You mean Liam?”

Joe shrugged. “Unless you have a new boyfriend in the company who I don’t know.”

“What did he say?”

“Well, he made it clear that I am affecting his relationship and made me realize that you are not the only one who should have these opportunities.”

Emily gasped. How could Liam say all these things behind her back? “I can’t believe this.”

“Really? He didn’t tell you?”

“Well... we have actually not spoken since I got back last night. But please Joe, I am so sorry for whatever Liam must have said. He really went out of line and I appreciate everything you are doing for me.”

“Well, I thought you didn’t.”

“I do, Joe. Really. I know you are preparing me for the future and this is exactly what I need. Please don’t stop. I will do anything you need me to do to prove myself.”

“Well, I will think about it because I just sent Kate on a trip. I think you should tell your boyfriend to back off. If he can’t support your dreams and ambitions, then maybe you are not supposed to be together,” he said frankly.

Emily nodded. He was right but, Liam had always supported her dreams and she just couldn’t understand what was happening now.

“Liam has always had my back, Joe.”

“Well, maybe he doesn’t have your back anymore. I mean, not every man would be happy that his woman is more successful than he is at the same workplace.”

Emily was confused. “I don’t know Joe but...” Her voice trailed off. She didn’t even know what to think.

“Look. You met Tom didn’t you?”

She nodded.

“You like him don’t you?”

At first, she was reluctant but later nodded. “As a friend.” She added emphatically.

“Tom is a pacesetter for most of the men in this company. He is intelligent, rich, cute and very successful. That is the kind of man that you should be with. This is the kind of man that will love to see their women at the top. Liam-not so much. Look, he might be feeling insecure or jealous or envious. Whichever it is, I think you two need to face it and deal with it. You don’t need a man that will be pulling you back. You need a man who will bring out the best in you and push you to go for the front because he is at the front himself.”

Emily took a deep sharp breath. Liam had always been such a man. Could Joe be right? Was he feeling threatened by her success? Maybe they actually needed to talk-heart to heart.

“Thank you very much, Joe. Please excuse me,” she said before taking her leave. She needed to meet with Liam.