[Beth Kuhlmann]

I've never thought of this, but Bella's dismissal is good news. Not just for Kara Hollister, but also for me. Bella was wasted at the stupid agency, where no-one ever took her seriously. Everyone apart from Jenny and I thought she was in only because she's attractive and she did Mr. Hames some favors I won't elaborate on.

I, on the other hand, have to resist. I have to come up with a plan to get out of that toxic place. The earlier I leave, the better, though this is no easy task. I have to find a reason that's good enough for me to get booted.

Maybe I should start sabotaging some projects... No, that's not something I'd do by my own decision. This is something Bella would do. Shit. I miss her. This place is Hell on Earth without her.

I take a seat at the desk next to Jenny, unbeknownst to everyone else. If Dale catches me, he'll surely report it to Hames and Hollister and I'll be booted. Now that I'm thinking of it, that's smart. I just need to do something more that gets me in trouble.

Jenny turns to me and asks, "Is your project still troubling you? Don't worry, I can help you." She winks at me, after which I accept her help. We go through a document that has a lot of potential, but is hampered by poor form. There are some run down sentences here and there, and the word choice could be better.

But there's something else that's missing, in my opinion. As a literary agent, I learn that no two projects can be the same. There's always that unique feature that sets one apart from the rest. As much as I'd love to add some spark to the work, I can't, at least until I show it to its author.

"Do you think it will be approved?" Jenny is unsure whether it'll pass. If it were for me, I'd just have to fix the grammar and sentence structure mistakes, and then have a briefing with the author to add tweaks to the work before finally preparing it for publishing. However, it doesn't just work like that. I have to get approval from Hames and Hollister.

They're very hard to please. For instance, out of three hundred projects that were sent over the last year, only ten were approved. If these are the premises, then I don't know if I'll ever be able to get a manuscript of mine approved.

My passion for writing is actually a secret. No-one else knows that I spend my free time crafting new stories of my own. Not even my parents have read them, let alone any of my colleagues. There's always something that keeps me from showing my projects to Jenny or Bella. They're my best friends, but I'm not sure they're ready for this yet.

Anyway, Jenny and I go through the current project when Dale passes through desks. He immediately notices I'm not at my usual seat. He clears the throat, giving me goosebumps. I almost fall off the chair I'm sitting on due to the scare.

Instead of reprimanding me, Dale makes an offer that's too tempting to refuse. "Now, Beth... What should I do with you? You know, Brian and Kara insist you work on your projects on your own, so... But I don't like gloating over other people's struggles." He mumbles, to which I raise my guard. "Here's a deal. I'll close an eye, but at one condition."

If it involves me going on a date with him, there's no chance I'll refuse. I mean, who doesn't want to take this opportunity to get to know his strengths and weaknesses by a closer perspective?

What he actually offers shocks me, though. "You have to cover my back for when I go to Bella's." Just that? Am I supposed to join them for their date? Why hasn't Bella told me yet, by the way?

Jenny intervenes. "It's an exchange of favors, Beth. He covers your ass, and you're supposed to do the same." Her explanation makes sense. He knows I'm extremely loyal to my friends whatever happens, and this situation makes no exception.

"Okay. When do you plan to go to this... uhm... date?" I ask in a low tone, not wanting to earn myself any unwanted attention. "It's that... I need a few minutes to revise this project. If this is okay for you, of course." My hesitation is tangible. My embarrassment is so obvious that I want to hide somewhere and not come out at least until tomorrow.

"Okay. Ten minutes. Then we go." He turns to another desk, when Jenny nudges me. If I want to meet the deadline and, at the same time, repay the favor I asked Dale, I need to hurry up. Fortunately, I can count on Jenny. She has a good eye for details and can catch mistakes more easily than I do.

In approximately eight minutes, we're done with the project, so all I have to do is prepare an e-mail for Hames and Hollister with the document, and then hit send. But it looks like Dale is already done with his inspection. He surprises me by being back to me so early.

I rush through the e-mailing process when he puts a hand on my left shoulder. "Time to go, Beth. Let Jenny handle it. Remember, everything is covered, as long as you do your part." I nod coyly and leave Jenny behind. I quickly collect my stuff and then reach Dale outside the office.

He usually has a fast pace, but, this time, he walks more slowly. This means that I can catch up with him without pantsing through the halls to the elevator. As soon as he's in, I follow him inside and press the "0" button without thinking twice. He protests jokingly. "I was pushing that first!"

But I chuckle, happy to have outsmarted him for the first time. After what seems to be an eternity, we get out of the elevator. I have to be honest, I feel a little awkward around Dale. He's the most brilliant, as well as charming, manager at the agency. He has women drooling over him. Most notably, he caught the attention of none other than Kara Hollister.

Yet, he's a lot more attracted by Bella. I couldn't agree more; they seem to be perfect for each other. The way he makes sure to cover for her whenever she messes up proves that, along with his protective behavior toward her. Now that she's no longer at Hames Hollister, they can try and give their feelings a chance the way they want, free from any restrictions.

I'm glad I'm here to offer support. They'll need it, especially considering they can make a huge leap forward if they play their cards right.

***

Bella is stunning as her usual self. Not the jumbled mess she was until a few hours ago. A good skin care routine and a comb do miracles, after all. I should start taking care of myself more, too.

"Beth! What a surprise!" she exclaims, wrapping me in a huge hug along with Dale. Then, she wrinkles her nose. "You look worn out, darling!" She also notices the sweat dripping on my face. "Oh, love, they made you sweat more as compensation for firing me, huh?"

Dale looks down. After all, he won't admit he tends to please our bosses simply to avoid trouble, not in front of Bella. I reply, "You're right. I guess I'll go home and take a shower. Enjoy your date, okay?"

As they wave me goodbye, I smile softly. I'd do anything to be in Bella's shoes. She's so luck. I've barely had a man court me, ask me out and shower me with love. I've always only acted as a third wheel in dates, often at Jenny's or Bella's request. I'd comply because they're my friends, and I'd be an asshole if I refused.

But, I have to admit it, that made me uncomfortable. Apart from the two of them, everyone else sees me as the midget who doesn't know her way around men. I'm much more than that.

My number one resolution, at this point, is to score my own date. No more third wheeling.