“Is it weird that I like it?”
“No, or else I’m equally weird for belonging to my wife the way I do.”
I nod distractedly and take a moment to gather my thoughts, struggling to put into words how I feel about Andrea. It’s like the English language lacks the adjectives to describe how extraordinary she is. “Her humor, her honesty, her strength, her wit… They all amount to the most perfect mind that ever existed,” I explain. “I can’t fucking believe she chose me.”
In my elation, I almost forgot that I’m not out of the woods yet. She agreed to the date tomorrow, but I have no insurance that she’ll forgive me for what I did. There’s a sour taste in my mouth when I continue.
“Or at least, she did once. But because I already knew how vastly superior she is to me, I stupidly let her go. And now, if she doesn’t want me back, I-I don’t know what I would do, Kev. How the fuck do I go on with the rest of my life knowing I losther?”
“You won’t lose her, Lex.”
“How do you know?”
“Because I’m the one who’s people-smart, remember?”
Right. “So, you think she’ll forgive me?”
“I think she already did.”
I frown, wondering where on Earth he got that. “But she didn’t—Why would she—”
When I can’t find a way to formulate what I’m trying to express, Kevin shakes his head and says, “God, you really are dense sometimes… She forgave you, Lex. She’s only making sure you learned your lesson before letting you off the hook.”
“But I already learned my lesson.”
“Can’t be too sure. You’re a stubborn fucker.”
He isn’t wrong about that.
The fact that Andrea might have already forgiven me eases the tight noose around my heart. She’s the one who holds the end of its rope, and with a single decision, she can either untie it and free me or rip it right out of my chest, along with that bleeding organ that belongs to her anyway.
“Did you come clean about everything?” Kev asks after a moment.
“No, not yet.”
“You have to, Lex, before things get too serious. She deserves to know so she can make an informed decision.”
“I will tell her,” I promise.
“Soon?”
“Yes.”
“Good. You can’t build something real with her if she doesn’t know.”
“I’m aware, which is why I’m telling her soon.”
“Everything?”
“Yes. Now, I need to check on my team downstairs.”
“On the whole team, or just one member in particular?” The way he suggestively wriggles his eyebrows is ridiculous.
“You’re insufferable.”
“Oh, cut me some slack. I didn’t think I’d ever see my best friend so miserably in love. Let me enjoy it for a bit.”
“I’m glad my suffering delights you, He-Man. Now, get the fuck out of my office and go work. I can’t be the only one keeping this company afloat.”
