Ezra leaned back slightly, his expression turning thoughtful.“Honestly?A mix of curiosity and necessity.Back in college, I was always intrigued by systems–how they work and how they fail.After graduation, I saw this huge gap in healthcare data–tons of information but no efficient way to use it.So, I dove in.It’s been a ride, but a good one.”
“Ezra’s always had a knack for seeing gaps,” Cole interjected, his tone even but edged with something Ashley couldn’t quite place.“Sometimes he even filled them.”
Ezra’s smile twitched slightly, but he held Cole’s gaze.“And sometimes I had help,” he said, his voice smooth.He turned to Ashley.“Cole and I worked on a few ‘projects’ back in the day.Let’s just say some late nights probably shouldn’t be shared over dinner.”
Ashley chuckled lightly, glancing at Cole.“I’m sure you two were quite the team.”
Cole’s fork hovered over his plate for a moment before he set it down carefully.“Team’s one way to put it,” he said, reaching for his glass.“Ezra’s always had a talent for … improvisation.”
Ezra’s grin widened, though his eyes stayed on Cole.“Improvisation’s just another word for thinking on your feet.But you know that better than anyone, don’t you, Westwood?”
Ashley glanced between them, sensing the subtle shift in tone.She decided to steer the conversation back to safer ground.
“Ezra, do you have family in Boston, or is it just work bringing you here?”she asked.
Ezra relaxed slightly, turning his attention to her.“Just work, though I’m starting to appreciate the city.It’s got its quirks, but it grows on you.What about you, Ashley?I hear you’re a counselor?”
Ashley nodded.“I work as a grievance counselor.Mostly with families who’ve experienced loss or major life changes.It’s challenging but rewarding.”
Ezra’s expression softened.“That’s incredible.I can’t imagine how emotionally demanding that must be.How do you manage to keep yourself balanced?”
“It helps to have a good support system,” Ashley said, glancing at Cole with a small smile.“And to remind myself that the work isn’t about fixing things, but about helping people navigate their own paths.”
“Sounds like you’ve got a good head on your shoulders,” Ezra said warmly.“Cole’s lucky to have you.”
“I’m the lucky one,” Ashley replied lightly, though she noticed the way Cole shifted in his seat at the compliment.
“Oh, Cole’s always been lucky,” Ezra said, his tone dipping into something that sounded almost teasing.“From acing Physics 201 to ...well, some of his other escapades.You ever hear about the time he hacked into the campus–”
“Ezra,” Cole said sharply, his voice cutting through the room.
Ezra’s eyebrows lifted slightly, but he quickly recovered with an easy laugh.“Relax, Westwood.Just reminiscing.”
Ashley’s curiosity flickered, but she chose to let it lie, sensing the tension in Cole’s demeanor.Instead, she shifted the topic again, asking Ezra about his startup’s recent projects.
Ezra reached for the wine bottle, tipping it slightly toward Ashley’s glass.Cole’s hand moved with quiet certainty, covering the rim before the wine could pour.
“None for her,” Cole said evenly, not looking up.
Ezra paused, the bottle still in his grip, his sharp blue eyes flicking between them.His expression shifted–a flicker of curiosity blooming into full understanding.The room seemed to tighten around the moment.
“Ah,” he said, at last, setting the bottle down with careful precision.He leaned back in his chair, his gaze settling on Ashley, studying her as if seeing her anew.“You’re… you’re pregnant?”
Ashley glanced at Cole, who sat rigid, his expression inscrutable.“Yes,” she said softly, her hand brushing her stomach instinctively.
For a moment, Ezra’s features seemed to freeze, the easy charm slipping from his face.He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table as he fixed his gaze on Cole.“Wow,” he breathed, a quiet edge sharpening his tone.“I didn’t expect… that.”
“Why wouldn’t you?”Cole replied tersely, his voice low.
Ashley frowned, her gaze darting between the two men.“It’s good news,” she said, her voice soft but firm, surprised at both men's reactions.“We’re happy.”
“Of course,” Ezra said quickly, sitting back and running a hand through his hair, the familiar grin returning, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes.“Congratulations.That’s… that’s incredible.”
“Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl yet?”he asked after a beat, his voice lighter, though his gaze remained sharp.
“Girl,” Cole said suddenly.
Ashley blinked, startled.“Cole means he hopes for a girl,” she clarified, her hand resting protectively on her bump.“We don’t know yet.”
