There’s a surprised pause on the other end of the line.
“You sure?” Jon asks. “It wouldn’t be a problem if you can’t.”
“I’m sure,” I say, even though I probably shouldn’t be. “It’s only a week. And I wouldn’t mind a bit of fresh air.”
Will raises an eyebrow so high it practically leaves his face. I ignore it.
“Well,” Jon says, “if you’re offering, that would be amazing. I’ll send over the details.”
“Great. Looking forward to it.”
We hang up, and the room falls quiet again.
Will stares at me.
“What?” I ask.
“You are absolutely going to ask Eve to come, aren’t you?”
I don’t say anything.
Will watches me for a beat, the usual grin slipping into something a little quieter. He leans forward, arms resting on his knees.
“All jokes aside,” he says, “maybe just… let yourself think about it. About her. About this.”
I frown, but he holds up a hand.
“I know you. I know you’ll talk yourself in circles and convince yourself it’s nothing. That it’s just timing or convenience or whatever excuse you’re running with this week. But mate… it doesn’t look like nothing from where I’m sitting.”
I glance down at the desk, at the pen I’m fiddling with. I don’t say anything, because I’m not quite sure what to say.
Will sighs, softer now. “Look, I know things got rough when the marriage ended. You went all quiet for months. I let you. Figured you needed the space. But just because that relationship didn't last doesn’t mean you are destined to stay single. You’re allowed to want something again. You’re allowed to let yourself like someone.”
That lands with more force than I expect. Not because I don’t want it to be true. But because it might be.
“I’m not rushing anything,” I say.
“I know,” he replies. “And I’m not saying you should. But don’t shut the door on something just because it might matter.”
There’s a beat of silence between us. Then Will stands, stretching a little.
“Anyway. I’ll leave you to your totally platonic, friend-only invitation drafting.”
He heads for the door but pauses on the threshold and throws me a look over his shoulder.
“Just don’t wait so long you miss your chance.”
Then he’s gone. And I’m alone again, staring at the screen, heart a little unsteady, wondering how to write the invitation.
Chapter 12
To:Eve
From:Aaron
Date:02 March
Subject:Mountains, emails, and questionable haircuts
