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“I know what you mean, and I’m looking forward to spending more time with you as well.”
I watch her smile bloom. “Thanks.”
That smile is one of the reasons I came here, but now I’m starting to think I’m driving this friendship off the rails entirely. Nothing good could come from us hooking up, yet I’ve put myself in a position as though it could.
What am I doing?
The last thing I want to do is hurt Tealey, and that’s what will happen if we date. Romantic relationships aren’t my thing. They require more time than I have to give. The sound of a bell that needs tuning buzzes, and I stand abruptly. “I should get back to work and let you do the same.”
Disappointment contorts her expression. “So soon?” Then she checks the clock on her desk. “I guess you do.”
Ducking out from the cubicle, I take a few steps, needing the space between us to allow more rational thoughts. She stands, resting her hip against the side of the short, upholstered wall, and a smile anchors the stars in her eyes. “Whoever said divorce lawyers can’t be noble is just plain wrong.”
“Do people say that?”
“Rumor on the street.” She rocks back on her heels, giggling softly, and tucks her hands into her pockets.
“I guess if they thought otherwise, I’d be out of business.”
Her laughter feels better than anytime I won an award. She says, “Your reputation is safe and will remain intact. I promise. I’m like Gringotts vault.”
Confusion wrinkles his brow. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Gringotts.” Her eyes go wide. “From Harry Potter.”
I tighten my lips and shake my head. “Never read the books.”
A gasp echoes around us before her hand covers her mouth. She comes closer and plucks lint from my lapel. Her eyes remain focused on my chest when she whispers, “There’s an indescribable feeling of magic, like anything is possible. Have you ever felt that?”
“I have.” With you. What am I saying?
Her gaze slides up to mine, her chest noticeably rising and falling as her hand flattens against my jacket. “You have?”
What am I doing?
Stars still shine in her eyes as if I’m one of the good guys.
A heaviness starts pressing on my chest as silence overcomes the fun, and the hour demands my attention. I do the impossible and take a step back, away from her, and clear my throat. “Sure. I saw the movies.”
“Oh,” she replies, her hand falling to her side. “Thanks for the soup.”
“No problem.”
“And for delivering the key.”
“My pleasure.” Rubbing the back of my neck, I keep my eyes on her and say four words that feel more like a beginning than a goodbye, “I’ll see you tonight?”
Leaning against the wall again, she crosses her arms over her chest and smiles. “See you tonight.”
12
Rad
Clearheaded.
Reasonable.
Straightforward.
I sigh as I think back to the old me—the old me that I’m starting to miss. This dazed and confused version of Rad Wellington that comes out every time I see Tealey is starting to bother me. Why? Mostly because it’s silly. There’s nothing between us. We’re the same friends that we were last week.
So what if she’s moving in? It’s temporary.
When did temporary turn into opportunity? Fuck, drop it.
Needing my ego kicked in the ass, I text the man for the job.
I drive deeper into Brooklyn to a neighborhood that hasn’t been reinvented with prices to match the rest of the borough—a hidden gem. The homes have been here for generations and still have chipped paint, rusty awnings, and people parked on their porches who wave at strangers.
Jackson, Cade, and I would make the long run from my building, literally run, and stop here to recover before heading back to the city. I should start running that route again. With the spring breeze blowing in through the open window, it feels good out here, like my lungs are free to breathe.
I park where the street dead-ends and the East River is the only thing separating me from Manhattan, then get out and wait. Cade parks next to me and gets out. Tugging at his belt, he looks around. “We haven’t been here in a few years. Good to see some things never change.” When he shakes my hand, he asks, “What gets you out of the city, Wellington?”
The question feels loaded, although I know it’s not. While I’m sure he’s curious about my last-minute text to meet by the water, there’s no way he knows what’s on my mind—that she’s on my mind, and I’m worried about that.
“I checked in on Tealey. I needed to get her a key and wanted to see how she’s doing,” I say as naturally as I can.
“Cammie told me Tealey’s staying with you until she finds a new place. Could take a while in this market.”
“I don’t mind.”
He picks up a stone and fiddles with it. “Didn’t know you had it in you.”
