Micheal turned to the overly keen design manager and sighed. If it were anyone other than Dean he would have suggested the design manager accompany them but he knew from his friends face there was no room for negotiation.

“Emily your presence is not required, we have our designer so you should stay here and manage the other projects that concern you.” Michael tried to use a firm tone so Emily would stay and he hoped she would hear his underlying message.

The other workers kept their heads down but were all secretly gloating inside. Emily was a difficult manager to work for. She felt superior as a human being and delegated jobs to them that she felt was beneath her, this not only added to their own workload but meant they had to work longer hours.

Emily was haughty, her outbursts towards them were erratic and without cause for the majority of the time. For them to see her being rejected they all were delighted. They wouldn’t mind her wrath later as she had taken a face slap for the first time.

“But… but I am her manager, she is new here and knows nothing.” Emily started to stutter, she wanted to try her luck, she didn’t want to miss what could be her ticket towards becoming Mrs Davis or Mrs Walker.

Aaran giggled and hid behind her computer seeing Emily’s face fall. She composed herself and looked to April, “Go enjoy your lunch, we can have a welcome lunch tomorrow for you.”

April smiled and nodded, “Thanks.”

Knowing that April had agreed Dean went to the lift and hit the button. Following just behind was Casey, Micheal and April.

Bing

Once the lift had arrived they entered together. Micheal and Casey made sure to stand so that April was beside Dean. Teamwork was what was needed to help their ill equipt best friend.

Once the lift doors closed Sean, Aarna, Sophie and Paul all got back to their work, taking sneak peeks at Emily as she stood there staring at the lift.

Emily had never been told to stay back, she felt like a dog being ordered by her master. Who was April? How did she get an invite?

Emily’s eyes bulged as she watched the lift. Her fingernails dug into her palms leaving small red semi-circles. She felt like tearing that new girl’s hair out when she saw her leave with the two most eligible bachelors in the City.

That should be her, she ground her teeth and turned, storming back to her desk and banging her handbag onto the floor. She had to show April who was boss when she came back and as for her getting to be Dean Davis interior designer, she can dream on.

Meanwhile, Dean, April, Michael and Casey had just walked out of Walker Interiors together. They stood at the doors and April felt slightly awkward but she was glad Micheal was there.

Dean looked at the two lightbulbs and frowned he was about to tell them to clear off and to stop ruining his date when Casey interrupted.

“I’m Casey Walker as the CEO I would like to welcome you to the company and treat you to lunch and as Deans best mate I am sure he won’t mind.” Casey smiled at them both.

April looked from Casey to Micheal who were both smiling and nodding. “Thank you, CEO Walker, but I wouldn’t want to impose.”

“You are not imposing… he is.” Dean borrowed his eyebrows he wanted to spend more time with her today and these two friends of his were in the way.

April was shocked by her neighbour’s unusual behaviour and she was unsure of what to say. Because in her past life he was cold towards her but she thought that was because he was hurt. In her new life, he was nothing but kind and always smiling.

“Let’s all go, I know a great restaurant just around the corner.” Michael smiled and waited for April’s approval.

“Okay.” April smiled up at the three handsome men as they all were waiting for her reply.

Seeing her agree and smile again Dean was content with the arrangement after all they were his close friends. It was necessary for her to get to know them, “Micheal seeing as you know the restaurant why don’t you lead the way.”

His message was clear to his two friends, walk ahead and let me walk beside April. Casey was not positive that this would be his sister in law in the future.

They all walked to the restaurant, it was just a few minutes walk. Dean was happy just to walk beside her. They arrived at the restaurant and the restaurant manager showed them to a private room.

The restaurant was called The lantern it had a warm and bright vibe an intimate, relaxed environment.

Micheal and Casey sat on one side and Dean and April sat on the other. Dean pulled out April’s chair and she sat down then he took off his suit jacket and sat beside her.

The waiter handed them a tablet and left the room. Dean took it and gave it to April, “Ladies first.”

April ordered herself some sweet tea and her meal and then passed the tablet back to Dean. Dean was very proficient and ordered for the rest of the table.

Seeing their friend smile and accommodate someone was indeed shocking for Casey and Michael.

Casey was sure his friend has fallen hard so he wanted to help him start a conversation, “So April my best friend here needs some help with his condo and office.”

“Oh yes Dean what do you need me to do? What style do you like, what colours and fabrics do you prefer? What about lighting? Do you like your office to feel like a home? ” Her eyes sparkled and she became animated as she asked him questions.

Dean laughed at her, “I think I need your personal touch and talent, I will let you choose.”

“Sorry I got excited and asked too many questions.” April looked away, Deans smile dazzled her.