I step inside and jab the lobby button like it personally offended me.
The doors close.
I lean against the wall and close my eyes.
What the hell was that?
The elevator dings. Lobby.
I step out into the marble and glass emptiness. The evening shift security guard at the front desk nods at me. I must look like hell because his expression shifts to something almost sympathetic.
Outside, I pull out my phone and open the Uber app. Because there’s no way I’m taking the subway at 9:30 PM after the day I’ve had. Student loans can handle one rideshare fee.
8 minutes away.
Nico is probably still sitting in his office, staring at that bandage, wondering why he let me touch him.
I know the feeling.
My phone buzzes. Sora.
You alive? Haven’t heard from you all day.
I laugh. It comes out watery.Still alive. Just working late. Heading home now.
Your boss still being an asshole?
I stare at the text.Yeah. Pretty much.
Want me to come over? I’ve got wine and ice cream and terrible reality TV.
God, I love her.Rain check? I’m exhausted.
Okay but if you need me just say the word. Love you.
I smile.Love you too.
A silver Prius pulls up to the curb. Matches my app.
I climb into the back seat and give the driver a tired smile.
“Astoria, right?” he asks.
“That’s right,” I reply.
“Long day?” He pulls into traffic.
I force a weary grin. “You have no idea.”
As we turn onto 10th Avenue, I look back one more time.
The building rises behind us, all glass and steel. Nico is still up there, on the 28th floor. I can still feel the phantom warmth of his skin against my fingers. Still smell his cologne. Still see the way he looked at me when I was bandaging his hand.
I close my eyes, shake my head.
I’m a secretary.
He’s a billionaire CEO.
