I glance over at the man walking next to me.
I know I was right in letting him read Zach’s letter. I have no regrets.
I turn away. Zach, Sasha and Darra’s lies affected Jax as much as they did me. They started a snowball effect that can’t be undone. I just hope we can put the past behind us and move forward. If not as friends, at least in terms of building a strong working relationship.
Jaxson’s skills are exactly what the FHG and my project need. Caleb was right. His ideas for the new development are next-level and more than I could have hoped for.
We’re shown to our table in the restaurant.
“Mary, Philip,” Jax says to the elderly couple sitting next to us.
“Good evening,” Mary says. “You’re looking better than you were this afternoon.”
My eyes dart to Jax, but he’s focused on the couple.
“I am, thank you. Can I introduce you to my friend, Kathryn Frazer?”
Mary smiles, her eyes sparkling with delight.
“Ms Frazer, we meet again. I wanted to thank you for the champagne and fruit basket. It was a very kind gesture.”
I smile. “You’re welcome, Mary. I hope you’ve both enjoyed your stay with us.”
“Most definitely.”
Her hand moves to cover her husband’s, and he entwines their fingers, before getting up and pulling out her chair.
My heart skips a beat.
Mary stands up.
“This is goodbye,” Mary says, turning to face us. “We leave in the morning.”
“It’s been lovely meeting you both,” I say. “Safe flight.”
Mary walks up to our table, and we both stand. Philip shakes my hand before Mary comes in for a hug. I bend down as she pulls me in tight, her hug is surprisingly comforting. I squeeze her back, my throat thickening.
Mary smiles before pulling back and patting my cheek. “It is possible to have it all. Remember that.”
She approaches Jax, whispering something in his ear. Whatever she says makes him smile.
She turns and winks at me before she slips her arm through Philip’s and leaves.
As soon as they’re out of sight, curiosity gets the better of me.
“What did she say?”
Jax’s cheekbones darken.
“She said. We make a beautiful couple, and I need to convince you of that.”
I cough awkwardly, aware of my cheeks burning.
“It’s okay, I’ve told her a million times we’re colleagues. But Mary’s a romantic.”
The wordcolleaguesticks in my throat.
After everything that’s happened between us, maybecolleaguesis the safest term.
