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“That sounds absolutely adorable.” I can tell she's waiting for the other shoe to drop, and I’m not about to hold back.
“Sterling showed up and told us that he is going to make sure everyone at the firm knows about us.” The words still wrap around my heart like an angry hand and squeeze.
She draws a deep, hissing breath. “What a mess. I knew this guy was trouble from the start.”
I nod my head, well aware that she'd called it before I ever went on a date with him.
“I mean, if Clifton makes you happy, then go for it. If it's not worth the risk, then don't.” She sounds so sure and calm. I wish that it was as easy as she seems to think it is.
“He does make me happy, but I'm risking my entire life for a guy that might not even care about me.” I hear the fear in my voice.
“Did you talk to him about your concern?” she asks gently.
“I mean, I didn't tell him that I worry he might not even care about me because that would be a little psychotic this early on. But what if I'm wrong about him?” I don't want to come across as insane, like Sterling.
“That makes sense. I think only time can unravel this one, but I'm here if you need me. If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know. I'm sorry, I can't do anything more than just listen right now.”
“I appreciate you,” I say, genuinely grateful for her.
“And I appreciate you.” I can hear the smile in her voice as she speaks. “Don't let Sterling get to you. You deserve to be happy. And if you're happy with Clifton, then chase after that. Almost everything in life can be fixed, but you can't go back in time for those opportunities you let pass you by.”
She is right. Maybe I need to worry less about my ex, the firm and people's perception of me, and start focusing more on my future and happiness. “That’s really helpful, thank you.”
We say our goodbyes and get off the call and I munch thoughtfully on my salad, staring out the window at the sparkling city.
I’m not going to let Sterling make me live in fear of what he might do. Swallowing the bite in my mouth, I speak into the silence.
“I deserve to be happy.” The words feel good.
Chapter Twenty-one
Clifton
Two weeks later.
I glance over at Emma, who's sitting behind her desk, thumbing back and forth between documents as if she’s on the brink of discovering something that’ll turn the tide of her case.
I'm head over heels for her, but she seems to have cooled off. Ever since Sterling threatened to expose us and the conversation we’d had, she’s been a touch distant. Maybe because of the increased workload due to my father still being unable to work, or maybe it’s something else. I don’t know and I’m a bit too nervous to ask.
“You’re staring again,” she says, the words a throwback to our earlier days working together in this very office, and I can’t hold back a smile.
“I was just thinking about ordering lunch. Meatball sub?” I ask.
“No, thank you. I think I'm going to work through it today,” she says, sounding distracted.
I want to protect her and make sure that she's eating and taking care of herself. I don’t like that she’s missing meals or straining her body. “Come on, my dad's already in the hospital. I don't need you passing out.” The words sound a lot more lighthearted than I feel and she stops working, her eyes flicking to mine over the papers.
“Did you just pull the sick dad card?” she asks.
I shake my head as if I’d never do such a thing. “Nope. I pulled the my dad is dying card.”
“That's worse,” she said, a smile slightly curving the edges of her lips.
I lift both shoulders. “If it gets you to eat...” I trail off and she gives a playful roll of her eyes.
“Fine. I’ll have lunch.”
“Great.” With my phone, I quickly order us food, then focus on her again. “What has you so engrossed?” I ask. “Something I can help with?”
