The Intern Affair Read Online Free Page A

didn’t you?” he interrupted with harshness.
    “Not someone else , but someone who was there to answer my calls.”
    “Who is he?”
    “Not so fast, Ghali . You’ve got to understand the circumstances first before I tell you who he is—”
    “No, Talya!” Had it not been for his utmost control, Ghali would have taken Talya in his arms and kissed her to shut her up, in the same way he had done so many times before tonight. “I didn’t come here to listen to anymore of your stories. I came here because you had something to tell me. So, what is it?”
    “His name is Alhassan Sangare , he’s our legal advisor in West Africa , and since you want it all without explanation—he has asked me to marry him.” He wanted it straight up—he got it!
    “Thank you. That’s what I wanted from you, some direct reply for a change. Now you can explain all you want. But before you do, let me ask you if you’re ready for all that his name implies?”
    “No, I’m not. That’s why I wanted to talk to you today. I need to know first if our friendship will stand this, or will you just walk away?”
    “I think you should know me by now—I would try to help the best I can. But what you’ve just told me will have an impact on my life and you’ll have to consider what you’re asking. It’s a little more than just watching you walk out on me, it’s more like asking me to make sure that you take the right steps while doing it.”
    They looked at each other. The flood of emotions rising fast into their hearts was almost palpable. Breaking up is never easy . At that minute, Talya wanted to reach for his hand, to feel what she felt all those weeks ago. They had never been in love, at least she didn’t think so, and the loving they shared was sensual and comfortable—like socks and shoes. However, now, here they were. Talya knew what she was asking, and he was her best friend. The question was; would he remain so?
    “I don’t know how to say this, Talya, but will you understand how I feel if I told you I can’t help you? I would fight for your love any day. I would be there for you anytime if I knew I had a chance to make you mine one day. But what you’re asking goes far beyond what you could expect of me.” He lowered his eyes and drank a little of his whiskey.
    Talya, you’re an idiot! What on earth made you think that he would do what you were asking? He was right. Talya was darn right self- c e nt red .
    “ Ghali , I’m so sorry. It was selfish of me. I should have known better than to propose such a thing. The only thing I would say in my defence is that I need someone who would understand what I am going through. And I know of no one around here that would—”
    “I know, Talya. Yet I can’t do what you’re asking. Even if I tried, it would end up in disaster. I care too much for you, and, although I resented the fact that you went away, I wanted you back. I needed you. Now, the only thing left for me to do is to pick up the pieces and leave you be. Obviously, I am not the one who will give you what you need.” His voice, his whole attitude was matter-of-fact.
    Talya gave it one last shot. “You haven’t even asked me if I am in love with Alhassan .”
    “I didn’t have to. Your eyes tell me that you want to love him but I don’t think you are in love with him. Let me ask you this; how will you cope?”
    “Cope with what?”
    “…with his loving and his beliefs, or even his way of life? You said you weren’t ready, and I can believe that. Just keep your head above water. And don’t marry him if you can’t cope.”
    “Thanks, those are words I needed to hear. I’m glad that you care enough at least to have asked these questions.”
    Ghali finished his whiskey, rose, and looking down at Talya , he said, “I think this is the end of the road for us. I have to go now; I’ve got a couple house-calls to make before going home.”
    “Okay then, but will I be able to call you from time to time?” It