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"You've met some of us already. Aidan, you know Talia." I introduce Ayo. "Ayo Thompson, this is Aidan Sullivan."
Ayo’s eyes widen as she shakes his hand. "I'm aware. Nice to meet you formally, Aidan. I've catered for your events with the Seattle Storm. I admire your work."
Aidan smiles, stepping closer. "Great meeting you too, Ayo. Heard great things about your food. Ryan Martinez, from our last gala, raves about it."
Ayo smirks, "I know of Ryan's work, too. Talented, but not as much as me."
Aidan raises an eyebrow. "Looks like we have some healthy competition in Seattle's catering scene."
Talia smirks, her gaze sharp under the fluorescent lights, as Aidan subtly places a hand on my shoulder.
Glancing at her watch, she sighs. "We should head out soon, don't want to impose."
I agree, feeling the weight of my tasks.
Aidan squeezes my shoulder before letting go. "I'll grab us some coffee," he murmurs, then to the others, "Good seeing you both."
He walks off, hands in his jeans pockets. I watch him go, admiring the way his muscles move under his fitted t-shirt, until Ayo's cough snaps me back.
"You're a very lucky woman,” she teases.
I roll my eyes. "Don't start."
"I'm serious though. He's handsome and successful. And he clearly adores you."
And I won't be able to hold onto him. I've seen what happens when I'm not there for my family. My parents almost lost everything when I was sixteen. I'll never let that happen again.
"Thanks, Ayo," I say, pushing away negative thoughts. "I need to check on my parents."
Talia nods beside Ayo, reaching for a hug. "Good luck. And let us know if you need any help with anything."
My two closest friends reach out to squeeze my hand before turning to walk away.
I watch them go, grateful for their friendship and support. Checking the clock on the wall, I realize that Aidan should be coming back any second with our coffees.
And I know what he'll do. He'll hand me a vanilla latte—or as close to a latte as he can get from the hospital machine—and then he'll wrap his strong arms around me and ask how my parents are doing.
He'll listen patiently as I talk about my worries and concerns, offering comforting words and solutions.
And in that moment, I'll feel safe and loved.
Because that's what partners do for each other. They support and uplift each other through the good times and the bad.
But I can't be Aidan's partner—anyone's partner—when I have a job to do. A job that requires me to put my family first, even if it means sacrificing my own happiness.
I close my eyes, basking in the memory of last night and this morning with Aidan.
His touch. His voice. His love.
I take one last deep breath, soaking the last remnants in, before stepping into my father's hospital room, closing the door behind me with a thud.
Chapter Twenty-Three
AIDAN
Stepping back into the sterile emptiness of the hospital corridor, coffee in hand, I realize Lacey's gone.
An orderly, pushing a linen cart, slows just enough to tell me, "Your friend's spending the day with her family. Told me to tell you that she'll catch up with you later."
