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We both decided yesterday when we arrived back from Vienna, we would head into work today. It’ll serve as a distraction for us both. Aiden spent a lot of time with me, which I’m deeply grateful for, but now he needs to concentrate and focus on his work again.
I dress slowly, feeling nervous about going back to work—back to Niall, and to where our baby was taken from us. Aiden’s watching me closely. I’m extra quiet this morning, I can’t help it. I’m having difficulty finding the right words to say, so I simply don’t say anything.
My nerves churn my stomach, making me nauseous as we head out to the kitchen where Aiden starts breakfast.
“Jeni, are you all right?” Aiden strides up behind me, wrapping his arms around me supportively.
“Sure am. As long as you’re with me, I’m fine.”
He leans in nuzzling into my neck. “I’m always with you.”
When we are ready, we head out for the drive to work. As we arrive, Brielle runs over and hugs me tightly. While she talks with Aiden, he never lets go of my hand, once again, providing the support he knows I need.
Knowing I need to push through, I begin to go through the motions—sit, put my bag in the desk drawer, turn on computer—it’s then I look up and notice Aiden is still here, watching me.
“If you want to leave at any time during the day, you let me know.” He kisses my cheek and turns for his office.
I spend most of the day avoiding the kitchen—even looking at the doorway brings a knot to my throat. Eventually, though, my craving for coffee gives out, and I slowly walk toward the kitchen, knowing sooner or later I have to push through this. Brielle says nothing as I stand in front of the doorway. With my eyes closed, I prepare myself. My breathing is shallow and quick, and my heart rate is through the damn roof.
Who knew going to make a simple coffee would be so heart-wrenching?
I swallow, mentally reliving falling on the table and hitting the floor.
Before I can open my eyes, a set of arms wrap around my waist, and Aiden’s holding me comfortingly from behind. He rests his head on my shoulder, and I exhale, relaxing back in his warmth. “I love you,” he whispers into my ear. I inhale sharply as my chest squeezes. “You don’t have to go in there. I can bring you coffee from now on. You just have to ask. Think of it as role reversal.”
I clear my throat and turn to face him, sliding my arms up around his neck. “Thank you, and I love you, too, but I have to move on, Aiden. Anyway, if I keep avoiding the kitchen, how can I do my job properly especially if Bree isn’t here to help with meetings? No. I’ve got this… but with your help,” I stipulate.
“You’re the bravest woman I’ve ever met.” He kisses me softly on top of my head, then takes my hand and walks with me into the kitchen. The energy in there immediately fills me with sorrow. I swallow hard when I see the ladder leaning against the back wall. It looks like nothing disastrous has even happened in here.
Aiden studies my tension-filled face. “You’re my world. Even though it feels like our world ended in here, we don’t have to let it rule how we feel every day.”
“I know. It’s going to be hard reliving it every time I come in here, though.”
“Time will heal and make it easier,” he affirms. I walk with him close by me toward the coffee machine and pull out two mugs. “We could always replace the bad memories with some new good ones?” He leans in kissing my neck playfully. I let out a small laugh, then turn and face him, threading my fingers through his hair as he holds me tightly around my waist. Looking up at him, he leans down, kissing me passionately while we wait for our coffee to brew.
I’m thankful Aiden showed up when he did. Who knows how long I would’ve been standing in the doorway like a deer stuck in headlights. Aiden makes everything that little bit easier, and he helps me cope, because without him, I know I would never get through this loss.
The day actually goes surprisingly quickly, and after work, we’re heading off to the mansion for dinner. Callie wants to talk about Aiden’s birthday. I know he isn’t the least bit interested in having a party, so maybe a dinner at a restaurant would be better. The last thing I want to do tonight is sit with the family, but I know I need to keep myself occupied for Aiden’s and my mental health.
Brielle and I wait for Aiden and Niall to come out of their offices to meet us. Eventually, Aiden exits his office while pulling on his suit jacket, then shutting his door. Niall departs his office, and we meet in the middle of the foyer and walk as a group to the elevator. Aiden takes my hand in his as we stroll into the elevator.
Niall looks down at our entwined hands and huffs. “See you at home, Aiden.”
We exit the elevator while Niall completely ignores me as usual. But to be honest, I don’t give a fuck. I don’t want to talk to that asshole, anyway. Aiden simply shakes his head while we walk through the main foyer.
“Good evening, Mr. O’Connell,” Josie calls out right on cue.
I roll my eyes, but Aiden gives her a wave while tightening his grip on my hand.
We head down the stairs to the parking garage where Mike and Niall’s driver, Bill, are waiting for us.
“Good evening, Miss Taylor, sir. How was your day?”
“Fine, thanks, Mike.” I smile as he opens the rear passenger door, and we slide in.
“So busy. We’re heading to my parents’ tonight, Mike. They’re conspiring something for my birthday,” Aiden answers.
“It’s not conspiring if you know we’re doing it.” I giggle.
