AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Then had an epic meltdown when he touched you.Don’t forget about that part, Nicole.
Releasing a sigh, I step out of the lift on the managing partners’ floor. It’s lunchtime and I usually spend that with Aspen—when she doesn’t have work outside the office, which is as rare as peaceful days in my life.
She’s the only person I consider a friend around here. And I think I’m also her only actual friend.
Most people, including her assistant, are either intimidated by her or scared of her.
She’s even lonelier than me. At least I have Jay and Lolli—and, yes, Lolli counts. Aspen is a true lone she-wolf through and through. Despite her senior partner status and tough bitch persona, she has no one on her side. Aside from Nathaniel Weaver, maybe.
And because she’s not particularly close to anyone but me, I’m surprised to find a young intern standing in front of her office. From what I’ve learned during my time here, her name is Gwyneth Shaw Weaver, daughter oftheKingsley Shaw and wife oftheNathaniel Weaver.
She’s tucked into her father’s side, her face red as Aspen stares at her with an expression I’ve never seen her wear.
Vulnerability.
She says something, but Gwyneth lowers her head and Kingsley smirks as he guides his daughter away.
Once they’re out of view, I approach a stiff Aspen slowly. “Are you okay?”
She goes inside with rigid steps and I follow after her, closing the door.
Aspen grabs her glass nameplate and throws it against the wall. “That motherfucker!”
Then she straightens and puts her navy blue jacket in order, composing herself as fast as she had lost her cool.
“Sorry.” She smiles at me as she picks up her nameplate, which is surprisingly still in one piece, and puts it back on her desk. “I had to get that off my chest or I would’ve had a stroke.”
“No judgment here.” I place the lunch boxes on the table and sit down. “I hope you like lasagna.”
“I like anything you cook. No one’s ever made me homemade meals.”
“Well, I’m your girl in that department.”
She slides onto the chair opposite me and we eat in silence for a few moments. Despite her small fit of rage, she doesn’t seem relaxed. Just…uptight.
It’s so unlike her to be agitated for long. Yes, she’s in a sour mood after every fight with Kingsley, but she usually forgets about it soon after.
“She’s my daughter,” she whispers.
I take a sip of water. “Who?”
“Gwyneth.”
I choke on the water and Aspen is by my side, patting my back. “Jesus, Nicole. I tell you something and you nearly choke to death? Thanks for the moral support.”
I clear my scratchy throat. “I’m…surprised, is all. Isn’t she in her twenties?”
“She’s twenty.”
“And you’re thirty-five. When did you have her? At fourteen?”
“Going on fifteen, yes.”
“Wow.”
“Kind of a reassuring reaction.” She digs her fork in the lasagna and takes a large bite that she can barely fit in her mouth.
“It’s not judgment. I’m just processing all of this.” I touch her hand. “It must’ve been so tough.”
