February 18, 2014

No Competition

I rapped on William's door. "Um, hi?"

William was stabbing at the keyboard on his phone, feet up on his desk. He didn't say anything.

"William!" I snapped, and he tossed his phone on his desk with a sigh.

"What?"

"Are we going to LA?"

"It was supposed to be good news," he said. "But now," his nostrils flared, irritably, "Goddamnit this really put a damper on things. Of all the people LS Barton had to put on the account." He raised an eyebrow at me. "I'm sure you're thrilled as well."

I pressed my lips together, afraid to say anything. William clearly didn't know that Peter had volunteered for this position because of me, and I didn't want him to ever find out that I was the reason his arch nemesis was following him west.

William swung his legs off the desk and folded his hands in front of him. "Listen," he said, his tone reassuring, "let's not let Peter ruin this for us. We should both be excited about this—I'm taking on more of a leadership role in the company, and now you get to go to LA even sooner than expected. We aren't really going to be working with Peter all that much. So let's focus on the upside, okay?" He gave me an encouraging smile, and I was quick to follow his lead by smiling gratefully back at him. I suddenly understood, very clearly, how important it was that William believed I was dreading working with Peter, that I was unnerved by his mere presence. It put the two of us in the same boat, and I needed to be in the same boat as my boss.

William and I chatted for a few more minutes about logistics—when we would leave (no definite date yet, but sometime in the next two or three weeks), the car I needed to rent for both of us, the living arrangements I'd have to make. CWA has a suite of apartments permanently rented out for trainees, and if I could find someone to sublet my apartment while I was away I'd actually end up making money on the move, which was definitely an upside.

I was meeting Richard at his apartment after work. He'd been on Long Island all day, dealing with his mom, and I felt bad burdening him with the news that I was about to take off to LA with my dashing, very successful ex-boyfriend, but there was never going to be a good time to tell him this. I just had to reassure him that I was in love with him and there was nothing Peter could do to change that.

Richard had a glass of wine waiting for me when I walked into his apartment. "You warned me you had a tough day," he said.

I took a big gulp. Then another. "I don't want you to freak out."

"Then little tip—don't start a story off by saying you don't want to freak me out."

I set my wine glass on top of the GQ on Richard's coffee table and flopped onto his couch. "Sorry. Right. That's dumb."

Richard opened his eyes wider. "Josie. Jesus, out with it."

"I'm going to LA in three weeks to help William head up the new film financing department." I took a deep breath.

"Okay," Richard said, "so it's a little sooner than expected, but we'll be fine, and this is just so great for you."

"That's not really the part I'm worried is going to freak you out."

Richard knitted his eyebrows together. "Okay...."

I explained how LS Barton was funding the new department—and that Peter would serve as the liaison between his firm and CWA.

Richard laughed a little. "William must be ecstatic."

I rolled my eyes. "Over the moon," I said. "But...um, there's more."

I'd debated whether or not to tell Richard what Peter had admitted to me. In the end, I realized that if the roles were reversed, I would want to know, and I owed Richard the courtesy of the whole truth. "Peter volunteered to go out to LA when he learned that William was going—meaning I would be going too."

Richard's jaw ticked. "How do you know that?"

"He told me," I said. "He said he missed me."

It was so quiet I could hear Richard's neighbor's TV, gently mumbling through the far wall. I opened my mouth to deliver my little 'But you don't have to worry because I love you' speech, but shut it when I saw Richard smile, ever so slightly.

"What?" I looked over myself quickly. Did I have toilet paper stuck to my shoe or something? Why was he smiling?

"No, nothing," Richard said, and then he began to laugh.

"What?"

Richard crossed the room and sat down next to me. He leaned one elbow on the ledge of the couch and angled his body towards mine. "So Peter misses you?"

I shrugged. "I guess. That's what he said."

"I know what he misses," Richard said, and he leaned down and brushed his lips against mine. My stomach splintered up as he pulled away just enough to say, softly, "It's just really too fucking bad he can't have it."

Up close, I could make out just a few flecks of grey in Richard's scruff. I'm a sucker for a little salt and pepper on a young face. "So you don't care?"

"Josie," Richard said, and his hand slipped up my cute little J. Crew tweed skirt. "If you wanted to be with Peter, you would be with Peter." He held his thumb in a place that made me gasp. "And I don't think you want to be with Peter." He removed his thumb. "Do you?"

I shook my head, and Richard returned his thumb to where it had just been. "Good." With his other hand, he snapped my tights against my skin. "Take these off."

I shimmied out of my tights and skirt. Richard kissed all down my thigh, until he was kneeling between my legs, his head dipped low. For twenty glorious minutes, he reminded me exactly why I did not want to be with Peter anymore. Not one bit.

92 comments:

  1. OH, HELL YEAH! I know there will be some naysayers ...Richard's too cocky, blah, blah, blah, but I, for one, found his confidence hot as hell! mum

    ReplyDelete
  2. It's like there is no effort being put into this blog anymore....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed...very short...lacking details a little tacky by ending with something sexual every time..

      Delete
    2. How about you re-write the post the way you think it should be and let's compare?

      Delete
    3. This blog is perfect. Stop criticizing. She is a well known writer and has an extremely busy schedule and I think she is doing just fine handling everything she does. If you don't like the blog stop reading; but the rest of us will be right here gawking at every word she posts.

      Delete
    4. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    5. I never said she is a bad writer and lacking talent, you realize a comment section is for constructive criticism as well as positive comments.

      Delete
    6. Remember this started as the BEDROOM BLOG?????!!!!! If you don't like the blog - move on! And it is a blog - not a novel or even a serial story - a blog.

      Delete
    7. Yeah because that is so realistic just having sex all the time, oh wait they already wrote that book, 50 shades of grey. Relax ladies, Jessica has her lawyers she doesn't need you ladies to defend her. Not everyone will love or hate her and some will just give criticism it is not the end of the world.

      Delete
    8. We are entitled to our opinions but some of you are very harsh. We might not all agree on every post but Jessica is extremely talented and has been kind enough to continue this blog for us.

      It's obvious we all read this blog because we are hooked on Josie and Jessica's writing style. I personally dislike Richard, I think he's shady and not good for Josie but in your 20s you date all types of men, some good, some bad before you find what you truly want. My opinion is that Richard and Josie have more of physical attraction and not that much of an emotional connection.

      Delete
    9. Constructive criticism involves making suggestions for improvement. And it can be done in a more positive manner.

      You are entitled to your opinion it just gets very tiring to hear the negative comments all the time.

      Delete
    10. I think Jessica is doing great! One thing I noticed when writing my blog is that it can be HARD to write multiple times a week and keep the story going - Jessica is basically stretching out a novel we'd read in a few hours over the course of 2+ years. If this is supposed to be a blog written like real life, some days just won't be that interesting to write about.

      Delete
    11. I did say that it has turned shorter and it was lacking details, I get it not every post has to be thrilling and exciting but like OP wrote, it seems like it's lacking effort.

      Delete
    12. To me it takes great effort just to write and post the blog at all.

      Delete
    13. I agree with the above post ^. I get that you're not happy, but it's not okay to complain. Jessica has mentioned several times that she is very busy right now with her book. Furthermore, she didn't have to do this! This is not a job for her, but a labor of love. Quit the whining!

      Delete
    14. no one does anything for free ^^

      Delete
    15. Holly...we get it. You aren't having sex. Let Josie have hers. Haha.

      Delete
  3. It doesn't seem like Richard/Josie have a strong connection, strong enough to make it through LA. Richard is overconfident in their young relationship. I think something is going to happen out there - like Peter and Josie will hook up.

    www.minneapplegirl.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. <3 thanks Jessica!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hmm, I'm not sure Josie doesn't want Peter or that she is in love with Richard. I want to like Richard, I really do but something about him is off putting. Hoping she meets a wonderful man in LA that we can ALL agree on!!!

    http://crazyadventuresinny.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm very surprised that Richard is so okay with the Peter situation after it took him so long to get Josie to be his girlfriend! I have a feeling his insecurities will shine through when they're 3,000 miles away. Team Richard, though!

    cranberryvodka9.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I've liked Richard from the beginning. And I think confidence is key in any relationship. He may be a little cocky, but every once in awhile, that's okay. i just hope he doesn't turn into a blubbering, insecure mess once she is actually gone. But, since he's not working right now and has the money, depending on what happens with his mother, I bet he'll show up in LA with her.

    lifebyaleah.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. great job, Jessica!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hmmm... I used to be team Richard, but lately, I feel like he's just been manipulating Josie too much in their relationship. I liked them together in the beginning, but now I'm starting to realize that Richard is not the person Josie should settle down with in the end (should it get to that point). I don't know, I didn't really see this post as Richard being confident in their relationship. I saw it as him secretly being insecure about it and manipulating Josie, yet again, to make her think he's this great guy and the person she wants to be with. I may be reading too much into it, but I still think overall he's manipulative. I'm not sure their relationship is going to make it through LA. Plus, there's an undeniable spark between Josie and Peter. Whether you love Peter or you flat out hate him, you can't deny that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I too have always seen Richard as being manipulative. I get the feeling he is pretty insecure and masks that insecurity with being rude and cocky. That gets old pretty darn quick. Regardless of the spark she has/had with Peter, there is sure to be some drama coming her way, plus she will get to see a different side of him as they will be working together. Interesting!! I would love to know William's problem. Why should he care so much about Peter??

      Delete
    2. William was involved with Elizabeth and there is no love lost between the two men.

      Delete
  10. I love that Richard isn't concerned with her upcoming move, but long distance is really hard for even the best couples. I can't see how they're going to get through it successfully, especially with Peter there.

    breakupsmakeups.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah agree that Richard has trust in Josie, or perhaps in himself. Can't really tell that from the story above.

      Regardless, LA is gonna be crazy for Josie/Peter/Richard, and maybe even a little of Ian?

      Delete
  11. If all of my relationships were solely based off of sex like Josie's, I'd be one lonely chick. So glad my guy and I have an emotional connection... This girl is just a wishy-washy sex fied.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yup. I was thinking the same thing... Josie seems to get a lot of validation through sex. Some of that may come with age, but I only found deep, true love when it was based off of a very strong emotional connection. I would like to see that for Josie.

      Delete
    2. Although I'm a bigger fan of Richard than I am of Peter, I can't deny that when Peter and Josie had sex there was more of a connection between the two of them than Josie and Richard.

      Delete
    3. Same. As much as I love the sex scenes I also just love conversation and bonding between Richard and Josie.

      Delete
  12. Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes! I LOVVVVE Rosie!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Chris - @nylonlover69 on TwitterFebruary 18, 2014 at 3:23 PM

    Woohoo! Richard doing the deed! Yes! Yes! Yes!

    ReplyDelete
  14. For real people? She can't win with any of you..... it's to long, it's to short, you don't write enough... blah blah blah! If you don't like what she write, when she writes it or the length it may be.... simply atop reading it. She is not begging you to stay or for your negative input. Those of us Who like the blog enjoy anything she adds to it when she can.
    Ever heard of simple but sweet?
    This blog is great, Thank you for writing when you can! Definitely can't wait for more!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Completely agree

      Delete
    2. I agree!! I would love to read the blog that these "experts" are writing.

      Delete
  15. Has anyone else noticed that Richard's fix to any conversation is sex or some flip remark??? He is so manipulative.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Which is why i dont like him! Lol

      Delete
    2. I noticed that early on too. Though I try to ignore it because I'm still stuck under the shade that they're the perfect couple.

      Delete
  16. Peter peter peter! Great post!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. This post seemed short so I copied it into word to see how long it was. Turns out it's 4 pages (12 font)! Guess it just seemed so short cause it was so good!!! Great post! And I agree with the person above who thinks Richard might come to LA too

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Its actually 2 pages without all the spacing between the lines..

      Delete
    2. Gee Holly, if you have so many complaints why are you still reading this blog? Maybe you should try your hand at writing a blog and see how difficult it is.

      Delete
    3. לכי תזדייני :)

      Delete
    4. Wow, I have no clue what you're saying....just kidding, this is the internet. If you don't have the guts to immaturely cuss people out in English, don't use google translate to be a brat in Hebrew.

      Delete
  18. Richard is super manipulative.. but maybe sex is what Josie needs right now... She is obviously attracted to him.. Can't wait to see what transpires next! Great job jess!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Regardless of who she decides to be with, I'm going to be really really really disappointed in Josie if she cheats on Richard. Please, Jessica, let her be above that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't think she'll cheat on Richard. I think the pain of being cheated on in the past by Eric will be enough to keep her loyal to Richard while they are still in a relationship.

      Delete
  20. Remember when Josie told Peter she would NEVER sleep with Richard. And remember when she told herself that even if she did want to sleep with Richard, she would never act on it or actually do it. She was so adamant about it, yet here she is. That's why I don't believe it one bit when she says she doesn't want Peter. She said the same thing about Richard when her and Peter were together. So I can totally see her saying to Richard that nothing's going to happen with Peter, but once she gets to LA it will be a different story.

    And to be honest, I kind of hope something happens with Peter. Richard is way too manipulative and I've stopped trying to give him the benefit of the doubt. I never hated Peter, but I wasn't his biggest fan either. But after Richard, I am all for something happening with Peter and Josie again. Besides, what fun would it be if both Josie and Peter went to LA together and nothing happened? This is a fictional blog and the whole point is for things like this to happen!! It keeps the story going and it keeps it interesting! This whole Peter and LA thing is a really great storyline and if it wasn't acted on, it would be such a waste of a plot in my opinion. It would be too boring if nothing happened with Peter, so I say bring on sexy Peter!! ;) Haha thank you for this great new twist Jessica! Brilliant writing!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Haha Richard's cockiness will disappear. If Josie was truly in love with Richard why would she be so worried about Peter? This is getting so good. Both times she's tried to profess her love for Richard (to Peter in the last post and to Richard himself in this post) she's hasn't got it out. She doesn't love him, he doesn't love her and he tries to hush her by kissing or having sex with her. Team Peter!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I think Richard will surprise Josie with a visit to LA, and it won't be at a good time either. I don't know if I wrote this on her bday post or just thought it. but why does peter always want josie when he has a gf?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe he thinks he should have put a ring on it when he had the chance. :P

      Delete
  23. Is Richard officially Josie's boyfriend? I can't remember from previous posts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They never directly called one another boyfriend or girlfriend, but they have already pledged their love to one another so maybe that's enough to label them gf and bf.

      Delete
    2. Thanks kind stranger :)

      Delete
  24. I don't normally leave comments but I find it funny that readers would complain so much about each posts. It's just so difficult to satisfy every single person, isn't it? I am still waiting for the great sex scene with Richard though :)

    Having said that, I am surprised Richard is so confident in his relationship with Josie. To me, Josie seems to be a fickle person when it comes to relationship. Chances are, she would cave once Peter comes on to her.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't understand why they would keep reading it if they are so dissatisfied. If there's something on tv/radio that I don't like, I change the channel/station. Seems pretty simple.
      I have a feeling Richard is going to panic and say something hurtful (like he normally does when he's uncomfortable) and push Josie back into Peter's arms/bed.

      Delete
    2. I guess people just keep coming back for more even though they are so dissatisfied coz the story is just that good! :)

      Personally, if Josie really does love Richard, it would take more than a few hurtful words to make her go running back to Peter. I actually like the thought of Richard and Josie together as I think they can help make each other a better person.

      Delete
    3. Honestly, I think that confidence Richard pushed out was a front. I think Peter might make him a little uneasy. Also Richard is dominant so I think he likes Josie's fickleness because it makes her easier to control, especially when it comes to sex.

      Delete
  25. I love your blog Jessica, keep them coming :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. I love RICHARD so much. I think Josie and Richard are great for each other! They are now beginning to have open dialogue. No reason to keep any more secrets!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I love the way Peter always comes back. Something is going to happen while Josie is in LA, i'm thinking Richard cheats on her ot something. Regardless i think they will break up. I so loved Richard in the beginning but have always been team Peter!
    Thank you Jessica for continuing to write this blog!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What if Peter says something to Richard that would lead him believe that he and Josie had an affair when they really didn't! And then Richard cheats on Josie to get revenge! That would be wild.

      Delete
    2. I would actually really enjoy reading that if it happened! Then Peter and Josie could get together!

      Delete
  28. I'm still Team Richard all the way. I agree with the other commenters that have predicted Richard will visit Josie while she is in LA. Possibly to "remind" her of why she's with him instead of Peter again? Things would get really crazy if Josie, Richard, and Ian all ran into one another and made a scene. Despite my loyalty to Richard, I do see the manipulative side of his personality that some of the other readers see. As much as I love Richard, and regardless of how hard I ship Rosie, I can't help but think there might be someone better. But one think is for sure. That guy is certainly NOT Peter. ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah.....I agree that guy is certainly not going to be Peter. The universe kept showing the both of them that they were not meant to be. I guess it's time they take the hint and stop trying to get together already! :)

      Delete
  29. What is with people judging Richard all the time? How is he being manipulative if he puts on a strong face when he hears his g/f may be spending time with his x in a different city? I know most of you were expecting him to start sobbing and show his insecurities but I love that he has chosen to deal with it in a different way at the moment.

    I am just afraid given how many people dont seem to like him then Jessica will have to remove him from the story.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree with you - I don't see him as manipulative either. I get that some people don't appreciate sarcasm or his calling Josie out on her issues directly, but I think she needs someone who pushes her to face up to herself a bit. He's been supportive of her while go through his incredibly rough time and he faced his fears and opened up to her about his family. They may not be perfect together forever and they may not last, but I don't really understand all the hatred.

      Delete
  30. I really hope josie doesn't do anything behind richards back, he has told her that he loves her...I dont think shes that much of a bitch to ruin something that she seems to be enjoying just for peter. I know eventually she and peter will end up but come on....for now can we have a bit of richard time?

    Great post jess!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Ha ha ha loved it :) i was thinking if Peter is really pushy, Richard can just go to LA as well, he is out of a job after all... Great post cant wait till Thursday!!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. This post made me so happy. Peter is not coming back, no matter how many strings he pulls. Josie and Richard are finally being open and honest with each other, and things are looking up for Josie's career. YAY!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Peter is already back. Josie will be working with him in LA for several months. Not so cut and dried I think!

      Delete
  33. Love this post! Josie and Richard are finally so open with each other. As much as I love Peter, I love Josie with Richard even more! Anyone know of other blogs like this? I've found other ones I love, including New York Dixie, CaliforniaSoul, Minneapplegirl and Modern Day Faith but I've caught up on all of them and want another to read in between...any suggestions??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. http://crazyadventuresinny.blogspot.com

      Delete
    2. This one is pretty good:
      http://cranberryvodka9.blogspot.com/?m=1

      Delete
  34. I like this one a lot

    http://crazyadventuresinny.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. Yay! Way to go, Jessica! I love it when a man is secure in his relationship. This post let Josie, and all those who aren't the biggest fans of Richard, know exactly how he feels about Josie and his place in their relationship. Well done!

    ReplyDelete
  36. I'm not convinced Josie loves Richard and vice versa. And I also am not sure she's over Peter.

    ReplyDelete
  37. congratulations guys, quality information you have given!!! pizza delivery

    ReplyDelete
  38. Way to go Richard! Nothing sexier then a man that is confident enough in his relationship that he is not jealous and trusts his woman! not very many men out there like that!

    ReplyDelete