Seconds pass while I try to think of something, anything, else to say.I’ve never been here before; I can ask him anything, and he’s actually going to answer me.
Suddenly, everything I want to know seems trite and childish.
“There’s a trick I use on my uncle’s farm,” I say, taking another step closer.There’s only one floor tile separating us.I’m not sure why I’m noticing that, but it’s true.“His hens are pretty ruthless, and the best way to handle it is to grab a net and go after the meanest one first.Everything gets easier after that.”
Dimples appear in his cheeks.Holy shit.“Narrow my focus in the short term, and worry about the rest later?”
Wow, he actually understood that.“I don’t know if it applies with your story, but yeah.”
He thinks it over, finally pouring himself a cup and adding sugar and cream.“I’m not in the habit of going in unprepared, but there’s an angle that might work if I can back up my hunch.I’m working against the clock on this one, so it limits my options.”
Oh.That explains why he wanted help with the research.
My heart sinks.
His hand comes down on my shoulder, warm and reassuring.“But it’s good to know I have a professional wrangler on hand if my chickens come home to roost.”
“I’m at your service,” I say automatically, my mouth going dry when his eyes darken.
“Are you?”he asks low.
The sharp sound of angry footsteps interrupts us, and I step back.
The room ices over as Monica enters.She doesn’t even pretend to need anything—why would she?It’s clear this is about me.Even when I choose to do the right thing, it’s still wrong in her eyes.
“I shouldn’t have to remind you that your commitment to work should always come first,” she says, not even addressing Sterling.“I don’t want your move to get in the way of your assignment this weekend.”
“Not at all.I’ll be there.”
“Good.”Her narrowed eyes pass between Sterling and me one more time before she leaves.
An uncomfortable silence fills the space in her wake.I should go.
I’ve barely taken a step when Sterling’s voice stops me.
“You’re moving?”His voice is cold.
“Um, yes?”The high, uncertain echo of my answer taunts me to try again.“My new apartment is ready, which is actually saving my life right now because I cannot afford my current place on a single income.I guess I should thank my ex for cheating on me before we signed the lease.”
It’ll be nice to wake up somewhere I’m not reliving our failed relationship.
Sterling is quiet.I’ve said too much again.
“And you didn’t think to mention that?”
I’m so confused, and, yeah, you know what?Angry.“I didn’t think you’d care.”
He grunts, and apologies spring to life on my tongue, tumbling over themselves in an effort to get out.
But why should I apologize?
Up until yesterday, I was sure he hated me.
I set my coffee on the counter with a thud.“You know, you used to be my hero.”He still is.“The great Sterling Ross, the man who can’t be moved.The day I signed my contract, I spent my last forty bucks on a bottle of champagne, thinking I’d gotten my dream job.Work forThe Observer, learn from the best.”
He shifts beside me, but I can’t look at him.I’m furious.If he wants to kick me out after this, let him.I’m sure Monica will throw a party.
“I’ve spent two years writing thinly veiled advertising copy and being too scared to talk to you because you’re, well, kind of terrifying.You work constantly, you never talk about your personal life, there’s the whole intense-stare situation you’ve got going on.You’d do well to open up to people every once in a while.”
