Unmasking the Heart

Days turned into weeks since Adrian left without a call or a text message.

Joi also couldn't bring herself to send him a text or call because she still felt hurt by the way he dismissed her efforts. She hated the idea of appearing desperate.

It had been three weeks since Adrian left, and in that time, Isabella and Mrs. Catlin had become her constant companions.

One quiet afternoon, after Isabella had fallen asleep following a cold bath and an energetic play session, Joi decided to call Emily.

"Hello, Emmy," Joi said warmly, smiling despite her lingering mood.

"Wassup? Debbie told me you're helping someone with her child. You didn't bother to call me, but Debbie did," Emily replied, her tone carrying a trace of annoyance.

"I'm sorry. I've been busy with Isabella," Joi admitted, knowing Emily had a point.

"It's okay. I've been extremely busy with work too. Debbie and I hardly talk on calls anymore, but she happened to catch me at home."

"Oh, I see..." Joi's voice softened.

"At least a missed call would have made me feel better," Emily added, pouting audibly.

"I know, right? If you're free, I can gist you now to make it up to you," Joi offered with a small laugh.

"I am free. I was about to call you, but you beat me to it. That's your luck," Emily quipped, her tone softening.

"I'm sorry, okay?" Joi tried to pacify her.

"Fine. That's what I get for having a friend like you, who hardly calls," Emily teased, though her smile was audible.

"Don't worry, I'll change. I'll start calling my Emily," Joi promised, grinning.

Emily rolled her eyes, though Joi couldn't see it. "Okay, fine. Now tell me what's happening."

Joi launched into her story. "I believe Debbie told you about Mayra."

"Yes, and how you helped her. Honestly, Joi, that's just like you—touching lives wherever you go."

Joi laughed softly. "Let's get straight to the point. I think her father, Mr. Shane, is interested in me."

"What? Debbie's cold boss? No way. First your cold, fake fiancé Adrian, and now Debbie's cold boss, Shane? What's your deal with icy men?" Emily laughed loudly.

"I don't know how it happened, but he's been calling me every day for the past two weeks. Meanwhile, Adrian has been gone for three weeks without a single text," Joi confessed, pouting to herself.

Emily's tone grew serious. "I think Adrian just wants to use you to satisfy his desires and look for Sophia secretly protecting her. I regret ever recommending you for this job."

"It's fine, Emmy. You were only trying to help me." Joi never blamed Emily for the Job, moreover she willingly signed the contract that turned her life upside down.

"But you know Debbie has a crush on her boss, right?" Emily suddenly asked.

"What? Are you serious?" Joi's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Yes. She told me herself and even showed me his picture. Damn, he's hot!" Emily squealed.

"Hmmm... Another hottie for Debbie, hottie alert." Joi teased with a laugh.

"Yeah, but he's interested in you, not Debbie," Emily said pointedly.

"Have you met him yet? Debbie told me he asked you out for a meal," Emily continued.

"Not yet. He's been patient, but I don't know how long I'll be stuck here."

"Well, I'll just say this—don't get involved with him. From what I've heard, Shane isn't much different from Adrian," Emily warned.

"How do you know that? As far as I've seen, Shane is warm, while Adrian is cold," Joi countered.

"Maybe he's warm to you, but based on what Debbie has said, he's masking his true self to win you over," Emily argued.

Joi grew quiet. "Why are you talking about Shane and Debbie's relationship over and over again?"

"I'm just saying Shane isn't the right person for you. You already have Adrian; maybe he'll eventually fall for you."

Joi's voice tightened. "How do you know Shane isn't the right person? He's been kind to me. And Debbie has never told me anything about Shane's behavior."

"Maybe she doesn't know how to tell you," Emily suggested.

Joi's frustration spilled over. "So Debbie asked you to tell me instead? I can't believe this! How many times have I stepped aside for Debbie? Twice already! And now you're saying Shane too?"

"That's not what I meant—" Emily tried to interject, but Joi cut her off.

"Don't tell me anything, Emily! Save it!" Joi snapped, her voice rising.

Emily tried to defend herself. "I just don't want you to have problems with anyone."

"Then maybe start with Debbie, since you've always cared about her feelings more than mine. I don't understand you anymore!" Joi sniffed, holding back her tears.

"You're twisting my words! You know I care about you!" Emily protested.

"If you cared, you wouldn't even think about warning me over something this trivial!

"You're not getting my point!" Emily's voice also rised.

"That's because I don't want to get it I gave up Mike and Anderson because you asked me to now you're talking of Shane!" Joi brows furrowed.

"They were not meant for you, look they couldn't stay with Debbie no matter how she pleased them!" Emily understood Joi but she felt Joi was overreacting.

"You know how I got ridiculed within our peers sayings I'm too pickie or I'm a lesbian that's why I'm still single. You don't feel what I feel that's why you always want me to satisfy Debbie!" Joi replied firmly.

"That's not true..." Emily tried to explain but Joi cut her off.

"How about I remind you about myself! I am not interested in men with kids that's are not mine! I'm not the type that like the word step in families, so you can tell your best friend Debbie that I'm not competing with her Shane! Goodnight, Emily!" Joi said sharply.

"Don't get me wrong, you know you're my best friend and my little sister and I love you so much, why are you overreacting?" Emily calmed down sensing Joi won't calm down easily.

"Goodnight Emily!" Joi replied coldly not buying what Emily is saying.

"But it's not even night—" Emily started, but Joi had already hung up.

Joi sighed heavily, knowing she had just ended another quarrel with Emily because of Debbie. She felt a pang of jealousy and guilt but pushed it aside.

A minute later, her phone rang again. She cursed softly but relaxed when she saw the caller ID. It was Isabella's mom.

"Hello?" Joi answered, her tone smooth and calm.

"Hi, Joi. I'm sorry to bother you, but I need to ask a favor," Isabella's mom said hesitantly.

"What is it? Tell me," Joi prompted gently.

"I've been selected to serve at the main restaurant in London, but I can't take Isabella with me. I was hoping she could stay with you just for the weekend."

Joi paused, thinking about the request. The silence seemed to stretch, and Isabella's mom grew more nervous.

"It's fine. I'll take care of her. Don't worry about it," Joi finally said.

Isabella's mom exhaled audibly. "Thank you so much. I hope it won't cause any issues with... um, your fiancé?"

Joi frowned slightly but kept her voice light. "It's fine. He's been away for work for weeks. I doubt he'll return this weekend."

"Thank you again, Joi. I'll come by on Monday to pick her up." Isabella's mom's voice beamed with gratitude.

"No problem," Joi replied with a small smile, though it didn't reach her eyes.

The call ended, and Joi leaned back, staring at the ceiling. Life seemed to be throwing complications at her from every direction.