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I acknowledged his gratitude with a nod, glad that things had worked out. Before reaching the age of sixty, Hale’s mother had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. It had come as quite the blow to my head of security. When I’d heard he couldn’t afford the cost of a reputable nursing facility, I immediately made calls to get her the best care in New York and covered the expenses. Hale protested, of course, but I would hear none of it.

The pilot came over the intercom system, interrupting our conversation to let us know it was almost time for takeoff. I settled into my seat and looked out the window. Cumulus clouds dotted the bright blue sky, making it hard to imagine we were under a severe storm alert.

I heard the soothing hum of the plane engine as it came to life, and I rested my head back with the hopes of catching a quick snooze on the flight. My mind quickly filled with images of Krystina.

I wish she had agreed to come with me.

I opened one eye to look at Hale. He sat across from me, already engrossed in the New York Times.

Hale accompanied me on nearly all my business trips. He was a good traveling companion and was always willing to discuss whatever I had a mind for. Usually, the topic was business.

That’s me. Always business.

“Hale, let me ask you something,” I said on a whim. He looked up from the newspaper, his expression attentive. “Do you ever regret not settling down?”

“Sir?”

Yeah, I know. The question sounds crazy to me too.

“I mean, with a woman,” I clarified. “Do you have any regrets?”

If he was surprised by my inquiry, he didn’t show it. Instead, he looked thoughtful.

“My mother always wanted grandchildren. When I think of how happy it would have made her, I do have regrets. However, now that she’s sick, it doesn’t really matter. Either way, I’ve never met a woman I wanted to spend the rest of my days with.”

“Or maybe it’s because I keep you too damned busy to meet anyone,” I joked.

The corners of his mouth turned up in a rare smile.

“I believe we all have our own calling. So far, mine has been the service of your employment, and it has suited me well. If I were meant to settle down before now, I would have done so.”

“Hmm, perhaps,” I mused.

“Sir, permission to be frank?”

I laughed at his seriousness.

“You’re not in the military anymore. Speak what’s on your mind, Hale.”

His lips tightened into a thin line as if he were concentrating on selecting the right words. He looked pointedly at me.

“Miss Cole is a lovely young woman. Don’t let her be your regret.”

Krystina

I had deliberately packed my schedule so I had more than enough reasons to deny Alexander’s multiple requests for me to accompany him to Boston. Because of that, the next couple of days went by quickly. I worked out my remaining shifts at Wally’s, went to my gynecologist appointment, and caught up on lost gym time. Keeping busy allowed me not to dwell on the fact I felt unexpectedly lost without Alexander.

I didn’t like that I missed him, and the time apart made me realize we needed separation more often. I had become entirely too familiar with his presence. With that in mind, I didn’t answer his calls and kept all communication to texting. I knew just the sound of his voice would cause me to fold.

By the time I arrived home Thursday evening, I had realized Alexander and I would have to negotiate some sort of compromise. If we continued the way we were going, I would end up with very little time alone, especially come Monday when I started the job at Turning Stone. I had never agreed to give up every night and weekend for him, despite his original wishes. Yet somehow, I ended up doing precisely that.

I went to the fridge to see what I could use to throw together a quick dinner for myself. Settling on a green salad with various fixings, I pulled out the ingredients I would need. I went to work slicing chicken into thin strips and contemplated how I should approach the subject of maintaining my personal space with Alexander.

Boundaries. We need to establish some boundaries.

The sound of my phone vibrating on the counter tore me away from my thoughts. Setting the knife down, I picked up the phone to see there was an incoming text from Allyson.

Today, 6:34 PM: Allyson