A Thin Line Between Love and Hate Teaser

“Edward, my boy,” sang Aro, my boss. I was back in the office, but only for a half day. “How’s the back injury?”

“Better, sir,” I said. “It gave me a lot of time to finish the musical score for the latest commercial for Hyped Up Clubs. I also did some editing work, too.”

“Let me see,” Aro said, sitting down. I spun my computer and showed him the nearly finished commercial. “That’s amazing, Edward. You have a real gift. This will help commerce in the city tremendously.” He blinked, pushing the computer back. “Which brings me to my news …”

“Is everything okay?” I asked.

“Everything’s fine, or it will be. I have a proposal for you, Edward,” Aro said. “I’m getting older and I want to spend time with my wife, my children, my grandchildren … I’m planning on retiring at the end of the year.”

“Congratulations, Aro,” I smiled. “I’m certain you’ll enjoy the life of leisure.”

“I intend to, but I want to speak with you about your position here,” Aro continued. My stomach fell. My look of fear must have registered on my face because Aro back pedaled. “Breathe, Edward. Nothing bad! In fact, quite the opposite.” He stood up, pacing the length of my office. “I want you to take over for me. It won’t be Volturi Interactive Advertising. It will be Volturi and Cullen Interactive Advertising. You’re the my most valuable employee and senior advertising executive on my team. You’re the best and brightest. The only other who is as amazing as you is your girlfriend, Bella. I know that Marcus, when he is ready to step down, will be speaking to her.”

“Aro, wow,” I said. “I don’t know what to say. What would the change in position entail?”

“Say yes,” he smiled. “And you’d be doing more work, delegating and supervising. I can send you a job description.”

“I can’t do that. Not yet. I need to think about it,” I replied. “This is a huge deal and I want to discuss it with Bella. I’m planning things for us …”

“An engagement?” he asked, waggling his brows.

“Soon and I don’t want her to feel like I’m her boss,” I blushed. “You know?”

“I do and I understand,” Aro nodded. “Please, consider this opportunity. I know that your priorities have changed and I respect that, but I don’t want you to completely close the door on this promotion. And only discuss this with Bella. This news is not public.”

“Of course, Aro. I promise my complete discretion,” I said, shaking his hand. He left and I collapsed on my chair. Partner? This was huge. But, how would it impact my relationship with Bella? I love her and I don’t our jobs to impact our personal relationship.

That is a given. I won’t budge on that.

What should I do?