Wife by Day, Boss by Night

Natalie paused, then looked up at the voice that had addressed her. It was Bradley.

With a warm, friendly grin, Bradley looked at her, saying, “What a coincidence, dear Natalie.”

Bradley was a decent–looking guy, not quite as striking as Robert or Brian, but he had a charm that set him apart from the average Joe. He was of average height, pushing six feet, with a face that could still pass for a college kid’s despite being around thirty.

Natalie met his gaze, replying, “What if I’m just in the mood for some plain chocolate?”

The self–discipline of an actor,” Bradley quipped, untying his apron and stepping out from behind the counter.

This one’s on the house,” he told the cashier, nodding toward Natalie and her companion. “Sure, boss.

“Look, Mr. Gonzalez is here today…” whispered two college girls sitting nearby, their faces lit up with surprise and excitement.

Bradley came from an intellectual family. His father was a professor at Heartland College, his uncle the dean, his mother a fine arts professor at Crestfield University, and Bradley himself was a professor at Heartland College. He was young, handsome, and single. No wonder he was the crush of many female students.

Natalie glanced at the girls, who were Bradley fangirls.

Typical finance majors were always calculating. Bradley wasn’t content only teaching. He also used his good looks to his advantage, running a side business in the college town.

Rosie, who had already taken several bites of her chocolate treat, looked at Natalie with the puzzle as if asking, “Who is this guy?”

“This is my agent,” Natalie quickly introduced, “Rosie.”

Bradley didn’t wait for Natalie to finish and extended his hand to Rosie, introducing himself, “I was her husband, Brian’s college roommate, Bradley.*

Rosie almost choked on her chocolate. Since when was Brian Natalie’s husband? And why hadn’t Natalie mentioned it?

Just kidding, Bradley said with a chuckle, noticing Rosie’s discomfort.

After a moment he added, “But that might change soon.”

Natalie could only shake her head at Bradley’s bluntness.

We’re closing early today, Bradley announced to a few students finishing their dess

“We’re shutting down this afternoon.”

“Got it, Mr. Gonzalez!” the group of young women responded in unison, obediently. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

As Natalie waited for her ice cream to be ready and took it from Bradley, she said, “Well, Mr. Gonzalez, I should be going too. Got to get back to the set.”

“Hold on a sec,” Bradley raised an eyebrow at her, “Got time for a quick chat?”

Natalie looked puzzled.

The shop was quiet then, leaving just the three seated in the booth.

Bradley was concerned that Natalie might misunderstand the situation between Brian and Madelyn, so he decided to clear the air. He knew how much Brian cared for Natalie.

Seeing Rosie, the young agent, seemed to be in the know, Bradley didn’t hold back. “How have you been since that day? Not too hurt, I hope?” He looked Natalie over with concern “I’m fine. It’s nothing serious,” Natalie reassured him with a shake.

“That’s good to hear,” Bradley smiled. “Sometimes, because of Robert, Brian might seem to give Madelyn special attention. I think a smart girl like you can understand his

reasons.”

Natalie remained silent when he mentioned Madelyn.

“But no one can take your place in his heart. That’s something you probably don’t realize.” Bradley continued earnestly.