When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

When Clyde dropped the bomb, Jade and I were stunned into silence. Landing a gig at Patterson Group's Design Department wasn't something one could waltz into. Jade had vented to me before about how she'd bombed the interview not once but twice.

But then, for the sake of Kayla, Clyde wasn't stepping back. He was pushing Jade to take charge of Design Department III. Design Department III wasn't top-notch, but parachuting someone into a department head position was unprecedented, especially since a department head at Patterson Group wasn't just any run-of-the-mill designer elsewhere!

Jade was excited, yet she looked at me, seeking my take. I got it. She got tempted.

Cool as a cucumber, Vinson eyed Clyde. "Mr. Patterson, you're quite the generous benefactor for your mistress, huh? Dropping principles just like that?"

Clyde cleared his throat, trying to look all high and mighty.

"Jade's designs have been recognized by Patterson Group. She's the best fit to oversee the projects in Design Department III. I'm considering the company's best interests here and her future." Clyde stressed the word "future" with such gravity, his gaze fixed on me. He knew what mattered to me most.

Jade was one of my few true friends. There was no way I'd leave her hanging. He was sure I'd bend this opportunity for Jade's sake. And after all, it was Jade's career on the line. Clyde had played his cards right. I bit my lip, torn.

Sensing my hesitation, Clyde seemed to relax. "I'm a man of my word. Join our company, and your best friend becomes your boss. No one will shortchange you. If Jade's unused designs got picked up, that speaks volumes of her talent. Design Department III has been lacking proper leadership. Jade, think it over."

His eyes were earnest, looking like he believed in Jade's prowess.

I looked down, unsure of what to say. For any designer, Patterson Group was a golden opportunity. After years of hard knocks and getting the short end of the stick at her last job, Jade was understandably bitter.

Starting over would be difficult, especially with her history quickly spreading through the grapevine. But landing a role at Patterson Group could turn her fortunes around, a slap in the face to those who doubted her. But when thinking of letting Kayla off the hook, my fists clenched at the thought. Kayla dared to mess with my friend, crossing a line for me.

Suddenly, Jade's hand covered mine, intertwining our fingers, and shook me gently.

She glanced toward the door, and I got her.

"Clyde, we need to mull this over. We'll get back to you," I said, pulling Jade with me as we left the police station, with Vinson trailing behind. Clyde followed a few steps before stopping. I closed my eyes briefly, knowing he wouldn't leave with his sweetheart still in a bind.

But with Kayla tangled in the investigation for possibly the next 24 hours, she was in for a tough time.

Vinson drove us back, offering Jade to join his company's budding Design Department. "We have many projects that could use your talent, though we're just starting."

He was just as sincere, but Jade politely declined after some hesitation.

Back at her place, Jade collapsed onto the couch, looking at me with puppy eyes. "Mel, what do I do?"

"Take the money, of course," I said without missing a beat.

No matter if she ended up working at Patterson Group or not, the compensation was set in stone.

Those were all small project

designs,ting only around two hundred thousand, not much in the grand scheme. But joining Patterson Group for just a few years would embellish her resume significantly, not to mention theworking opportunities.

Thinking about my likely divorce from Clyde soon, I turned to Jade with a smile. "Patterson Group's Design Department is the best,

handling projects your previous

company couldn't. I know your worth. A few years there could

broaden your horizons. It's a solid

choice."

Jade shot up from the couch, glaring at me. "Mel, what are you saying? You want me to roll over?"

I knew her real dilemma was about

me. Wrapping my arms around her, I spoke from the heart. "We're not twelve years old. Don't be so headstrong. Patterson Group is the best path forward. And once I'm divorced, I won't stick around there. You'll have a brighter future ahead. Do you get me?"

With the Patterson Group focusing on team efforts and no real competition for my director role, Jade had a shot at the top if I left. She stared at me, tears welling up. "Mel..."Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

She hugged me tight. I laughed, patting her back. Then, suddenly, everything went dark, and I felt myself falling backward.