âIf this is a personal matter, itâs even more reason we should drop it. Youâre like a little brother to me, Mayer.â
Mayerâs body, which had leaned forward in excitement, slumped back slowly. âAre you turning me down?â
With unwavering calm, Fannie replied, âItâs better to be upfront. Youâre young. Youâll meet plenty of wonderful girls.â
A bitter smile crept across Mayerâs face. âYet, none will be you.â
After a brief hesitation, Fannie reached over and took the beer sitting before him.
âYou shouldnât drink!â Mayer spoke.
It was already too lateâFannie had taken a sip.
âAs your agent, I must say this isnât the right time for you to start dating. Youâre at a critical stage in your career, with a promising future. Relationships could distract you and decrease your productivity. Do you understand what I mean?â
He was eager to discuss his feelings; however, she focused solely on his career trajectory. Mayer understoodâFannie just didnât want to be with him.
âIâm leaving now, Fannie.â
He left feeling quite heartbroken, and Fannie was left feeling strangely guilty, as though she had mistreated a sincere child.
Mayer kept his distance from Fannie at work the following day. It seemed she had truly hurt his feelings.
In a meeting, as Fannie brought up Mayerâs project, he seemed distracted, propping his chin on his hand and gazing out the window, lost in thought.
Next to him, Judie elbowed him gently to snap him out of his daydream.
âWhat is it?â he asked.
Setting her pen aside, Fannie faced him with a calm expression.
âWere you listening to what I just said?â
All eyes at the table turned towards him. Mayer, having zoned out, was clueless and unable to respond.
Judie leaned over and whispered, âShe was talking about a promotional stunt involving me.â
That spurred Mayer to his feet. âI refuse to be part of this!â His outburst caught everyone by surprise. Mayerâs gaze fixed on Fannie across the room.
âItâs alright if you donât have feelings for me, Fannie, but pairing me with someone else as if Iâm an item on your agenda is unacceptable. I donât need gossip to enhance my reputation!â
An uncomfortable silence enveloped the room.
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