As Nick approached Andrea after talking to Liz, he could tell she was upset about something. “Hey, baby. What’s the matter?” he asked, wrapping his arms around her shoulders.
She didn’t want to come off like a total bitch at that exact moment, so she just shrugged his arms off her and shook her head. She would make him coax it out of her. “Nothing. I’m fine.”
“Something’s the matter.”
“No.”
“Are you sure?”
Irritated, she couldn’t help but explode. So much for not coming off as a bitch right then. “Fine, Nick. Yes, something is the matter. You wanna know what’s wrong? I’m not exactly too thrilled with the idea of you hanging all over another girl while I’m sitting right here watching.” From the blank look on his face, she realized he didn’t have a clue as to what she was talking about. “Don’t play dumb with me, buddy. I’m talking about that reporter girl. What’s her name? Liz?”
“What? Liz? No way! There’s nothing going on there, Andrea. I promise you that.”
“That’s not the point. You certainly act like there is, and that makes me feel just great about myself.”
He shot her a confused glance. “What do you mean, makes you feel great about yourself? How could me talking to another girl make you feel that bad?” he demanded.
“I mean that I feel completely inferior to her.” She almost laughed. Yeah, right. “You’re never so friendly and flirty around me. How did you think I would feel when you’re hanging all over some gorgeous reporter?”
After thinking for a moment, he replied honestly. “I’m sorry, Andrea. I never thought about it that way.”
“Yeah, it really isn’t a pleasant feeling,” she grumbled.
“What do you want me to do? Whatever you want, I’ll do it.”
“You really want to know?”
“Yes. What you REALLY want me to do.”
“I want you to stop hanging around her. I don’t want to see you guys together unless it’s absolutely necessary and absolutely professional,” she stated, barely able to hold back her smile.
He took a deep breath and debated for a moment before coming to a decision. “Fine, if that’s what you want. I’m sorry, Andrea. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I won’t be around Liz unless I absolutely have to.”
“Promise?”
“I promise,” he said firmly.
She had to hold back a victorious smile. She had succeeded, of course, and hopefully, it would be smooth sailing from here.