***
Sawyer's POV:
I had a heavy lump in my throat. I was so angry with Heather. How dared she? Because of that Shirley! She had no fucking right to leave.
I sat on my bed that morning, thinking. Heather could be really annoying at times. I thought and thought of something that could get my mind off Heather.
Ace.
Oh yes, Ace! I had dinner with him that night at his apartment. Yes. I smiled to myself. I needed to buy a sexy and beautiful dress. I had all day to do that.
I picked my phone and called Ace.
Ace's POV:
My phone's ringing tone woke me up at nine in the morning. I got up with heavy eyes. I'd been so drunk the last night that if my phone hadn't rang, I would sleep till noon and more.
Without seeing who was calling me, I picked the call.
"H– hello?" I said tired.
"Hey, handsome. Did I wake you up?"
Sawyer?
"Yeah..."
"Sorry, cutie. I just wanted to tell you that, well, I'm kinda excited about our dinner tonight."
My eyes were completely open in a second. I'd completely forgotten about the promised dinner.
Shit.
"Oh, um–"
"Can't wait to see you this night."
"Um, can't wait to see you too."
"Bye."
"Bye."
I hung up and was about to sleep again when I suddenly received an SMS. Christina. I opened to read.
-Good morning, Handsome. I have a feeling you've been avoiding me. Is there a problem?-
I sighed and rolled my eyes. Mother and daughter could be sticky at times. I was still too tired to start a conversation.
-I'll call you later and we'll talk Christina. Okay?- I texted.
A few minutes later, she replied.
-Okay. Please, I'll be waiting.-
I put my phone away and continued to sleep.
At eleven I was up. I got undressed and went straight to shower.

Under the water, I thought and thought of how I would handle Sawyer and her mother. I had to be very careful.
***
Later in the day, at around two in the afternoon, I called Christina. I had no choice. I had to make her believe that I liked her so much that whatever she'd done wrong could not make me stop talking to her. They had to believe in me.
I called.
"Hello, Christina?"
"Hello, Ace. How are you?"
"I'm fine, Christina. You don't sound well."
"Oh the thing is, I'm a little uncomfortable cuz I think you're avoiding me?"
"Avoiding you? Why would you think that?"
She had all reasons to think that. Her flirting had a very dirty side. Even more dirty than Sawyer's. Christina was the kind of woman that if I'd been a little weak, she would've made out with me from day one. But I was strong and added to that, I hated her guts. No matter what could happen, I would never end up in one bed with such a disgusting and heartless woman. If gaining my company back meant sleeping with her? I would find another solution or way.
"The office incident."
"What incident, Christina?"
"When I poured water on your trousers. You clearly knew it was intentional. Right?"
"Of course I knew, Christina. I'm not stupid."
"Well, now I'm sort of embarrassed. You're an employee and I was wrong to think that I could do that. You're a good person and I should stop tryi–"
No.
"I liked it." I forced myself to say.
I couldn't believe I'd just said that. But it was worth it. If I made her think she had angered me, she would forever be uncomfortable around me and might avoid me in turn. I was never going to get close enough to win her trust if that had to happen.
"What??"
"I liked it. That little touch you gave me."
I heard her sigh, relieved. Clearly happy with my answer.
"Really?"
"Of course."
"Hm, I like that."
"You do?" I asked in a low voice.
"I love when you use that voice."
"I know."
I heard the witch giggle.
"Good. Since you seemed to appreciate that little touch, I'd be keeping a surprise for you."
Hum!
"What?"
"I said a surprise and so I'll just surprise you. You'll love
It."
I don't think so.
"Well, okay."
"Thanks for reassuring me. Bye."
"Bye."
I hung up. I hoped I would finish what I'd started with both women. I then left my apartment to go negotiate with Keith about something. I was gonna need his help for the dinner date that night.