It probably has something to do with the way Aiden spoke to Sean the other day. I’ve never been so attracted to a man in my life than I was at that moment. The way he put Sean in his place, the way he claimed me.
During my lunch break, we went to change my number, and Aiden saw how out of date my phone was and upgraded me. I’m not one to refuse gifts. If Aiden wants to spoil me, I’m definitely going to let him. So I now have the latest iPhone, with a pink glittery case and a Popsocket to match.
I’m not sure what I’m more excited for, the sparkly phone or going to Avalon with Aiden tonight. I’m walking past Penny’s desk, and she looks so solemn.
“Hey, Penny, is everything all right?”
She gives me a weak smile. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
“Maybe we can do another girls night soon?”
That perks her up. “I’d love that, maybe this time we can go out.”
“We can do whatever you like.”
“Perfect, next weekend?”
“It’s a date.”
Her smile is genuine then. “Thanks, Jessa.”
“Of course.” I go back to my desk and it feels like the day drags on forever. It’s always like that when you’re excited for something. But somehow I persevere and get through the day. I’ve got to say, I don’t think this is a job I want long term. I mean, I don’t mind doing the design work, but there just isn’t much of it. I’m in no place to be picky with work. I like seeing Aiden every day, and I think having a stake in the company means I should at least know how it works.
But this office is just toxic. I think I should make a plan to leave; maybe I should see what Aiden thinks. Part of me feels like a quitter after a few weeks, but I’m just not sure how much I can walk on eggshells and not like the job I’m doing.
It would be different if there was more design work, but after my altercation with Zach, it has me thinking about my next move.
Definitely not leaving the state. The cottage is growing on me, and things with Aiden are moving so quick, but in the best way. I think I could call this place home, but I don’t think Kemper’s is my career aspiration.
I enjoyed being more freelance and doing more design work. Even if I don’t have many contacts here, maybe I could start that on the side until it takes off. I wonder if Aiden would be upset if I left. But if I left the office, there would be no point of secrecy, even if I’m the one who suggested it. Before I leave, I’ve got to make sure that Aiden and I are solid, and that whatever I move on to, I’m making decent money. It will be hard to beat my compensation at Kemper’s, but I can’t help but feel like it will be worth it.
I must have spent so much time in my head as Aiden leaves his office, giving me a wink before he leaves and heads to his house. I’m out of my seat in a moment, grabbing all my shit and nearly running out the door. Penny laughs at me, and I shrug my shoulders as I get into my car and drive to Aiden’s house where we decided to meet. I’m worried the sundress I packed is too casual for Avalon, but I can’t wear the same dress I wore the last time.
When I get to Aiden’s house, the garage door is already open, and I pull my car through. Pulling out my bag and dress, I walk to the door. I feel stupid for a moment and decide to knock against the door leading into the house. Aiden opens immediately and greets me with a huge smile.
“Hey.”
“Hey.” I lean forward and he gives me a gentle kiss before breaking apart and looking down at me. “I thought we’d eat here before we get dressed to go.”
“You’re cooking for me?”
“It’s just spaghetti and meat sauce, so don’t get your hopes up.” I smile and place my things on one of his bar stools before taking a seat on the other. He’s busy browning the meat as I look around. I’ve obviously been here a few times, but I still admire how clean and nice his home is. I mean I knew Aiden had money—he was a professional athlete and he’s part owner of Kemper’s. He has money, but he isn’t overly rich, you can tell by the way he carries himself and speaks to people. I’m eager to learn more about his family and how he grew up, but I already have an idea that his parents are down to earth people, even if they have money too. I wonder what it’s like to constantly have money in your bank account and not have to worry about rent or how you’re going to pay all your bills.
I mean I felt comfortable enough with Sean, but at the same time, I felt too dependent. When I caught him cheating, I had nearly nothing in my name, no place to go, because it was his house. I won’t end up there again, leaving myself in a position with nowhere to land. The cottage and shares my father gifted me have afforded me that, and just thinking about it makes me sigh. I’ve been hating Collin Kemper in my head often these days. But if this is what he could do for me, giving me the cushion I needed to land on my feet? Then I need to forgive him. He’s gone, this anger I’m holding onto only hurts me.
“Are you doing okay over there?” Aiden asks, his brows furrowed.
“Yeah, I was just thinking about Collin.” His eyes widen, and he turns to throw the spaghetti into the boiling water.
“Is there anything you want to ask me about him?”
I shake my head and sigh. “I think I just need to learn to live with the memories I have and what he gifted me in his passing. I really needed this job, money, and a place to stay. He might not have known how badly I needed it, but nonetheless, even though he’s dead, he gave me things I needed when I was at my lowest.”
“You were already in Florida the day before when Zach texted you?” he says, we never really talked about what I was doing before and I think Aiden deserves to know everything.
I give him a deprecating smile. “I was already on my way to talk to Collin when Zach texted me about the funeral.”
“Fuck. I’m so sorry,” he says, while he gives me most of his attention, his peripherals checking on the food.
