Chapter 9 of "Soulmates"

“Jana, can I see you in my office?” Mr. Greene asked over the speaker phone.

“I’ll be right there.” Jana replied heading towards the door wondering what it was about.

“Sit down Jana, there’s something I would like to talk to you about.” Mr. Greene said as Jana entered his office. “I just want you to know that we value you as a member of our team. I want you to know, that what I am about to offer you, you don’t have to accept”

“Ok sir.” She replied wondering what this was all about.

“Well as you know I am opening an office in San Fransisco. I want to send one of our lawyers from each branch there to start things off. I would like to send you. If you decide to go your salary will increase, and you will receive a promotion.” Mr. Greene continued.

“I don’t know what to say sir. Thank you for the offer. May I have some time to think this over?” Jana asked shocked that she was being offered this opportunity.

“Yes of course you can have some time. Take a day or two to think this over. If you decide to go, you would have to leave in a week.” He answered.

“Thank you sir, I will give you my answer in a couple days. Thank you again.” Jana said and then left his office. What was she going to do? Her life was here. Did she really want to move to the other side of the country. She walked back to her office in a daze. Both Brian and JC noticed this.

“Something wrong Jana?” JC asked concerned.

“What? Oh nothing’s wrong, I am just, well I am just thinking.” She said sighing infrustration.“If its okay with you, I am going to leave now, I have some things I need to think over.”She said and left not waiting for her answer.

‘Something’s up with her, maybe I will stop by her apartment and talk to her.’Jc thought.

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“Michelle what am I going to do? Should I take this job? I mean am I ready to leave my life and all my friends to start a new life on the other side of the country?” Jana asked clearly confused and frustrated. At this point in time Jana was pacing around their livingroom. She had just told Michelle about the job offer.

“First off, stop pacing. You are giving me a headache. Second, this is a decision that you need to make. You have to sit down and figure this out for yourself. And thirdly, don’t stay just because of JC.” Michelle said the last part softly.

Jana immediately stopped pacing and looked at her friend.“What are you talking about? Why would I stay because of JC?” Jana asked trying to sound convincing.

“Jana, its been nine years. Maybe its time to let go. I mean just because Lance and I are back together, doesn’t mean you and JC will. I am not trying to be mean just trying to be realistic. Maybe this job offer is a way for you to move on and let go of that part of your life.” Michelle advised her friend trying to be objective.

“You’re right. I think that I am going go think this over. Thanks for the advice.” Jana responded. Then walked to her room deep in thought. But before she entered her room she added one more thing: “Oh and Michelle don’t tell anyone about this yet. I don’t want the “gang” to know till I make a decision.”

“I understand.” Michelle smiled.

After Jana had gone into her room, the phone rang. It was Gina, she had just gotten back from Paris.“I had a great time, in Paris, but I’m glad that I’m back. Hey, I have an idea?” Gina said into the phone.

“Thats a first. Sorry, what is it?” Michelle asked after teasing her friend.

“Well since I just got back, and I have missed you guys. Why don’t we all go out tomorrow night! We can go to Vertigo and just have fun. What do you think?” Gina said proud of her idea.

“Um..”Michelle started. “Sure, why not! I mean, it sounds fun.”

“Oh would you mind if I bring someone I met in Europe. Her name is Erica, she’s a designer. She worked on one of the shows I was in. You guys would love her! She’s just like us. So what do you say?” Gina ask ‘please be okay with this. Erica would be perfect for Joey’ Gina thought. Even though Gina wasn’t as close to the guys as Michelle and Jana were, she spent a lot of time with them. Especially since she was dating Justin. And she knew that Erica would be perfect for Joey.

“It’s fine with me. I don’t think anyone would mine. She sounds like a great person, I can’t wait to meet her! But tell me the truth, what’s the real reason you want her to come?” Michelle wondered. ‘what does she have up her sleeve’

“Fine, you caught me. I decided to play matchmaker. The more I got to know Erica the more I realized that she would be perfect for Joey.” Gina admitted.

“I knew you had something up your sleeve! But if it doesn’t work, then don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Michelle added. They talked for a little bit more and made plans.

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