“There’s a trick to it,” he says. “Oh, you’re here too?” he says to Elijah.
“We couldn’t find the good sticky notes, and I forgot to use the ream of paper,” he says, holding out his hand to shake Simon’s. “Thank you for your service.”
“No problem. How long were you guys in here?”
Elijah hurries out, to his office.
“No idea. Thank you so much for the coffee, Simon—you are a lifesaver.” I am going to bombard him with gratitude so he doesn’t have time to question why I have fuck hair and my blouse is missing some buttons.
“Peppermint mocha again.”
“So sweet of you. This is, really, so thoughtful!” I put my cardigan on and button it up all the way, spending ten minutes chatting with Simon while Elijah is in his office. It sounds like he’s called Paxton back and manages to catch him before they go out for the day. He sounds happy. I can’t stop smiling, and I am pretty sure Simon thinks I’m smiling because I’m so pleased to see him. Better that than him realizing it’s because my temporary boss and I both came all over each other in the supply closet.
Simon asks me out, and I tell him the truth—that I’m heading out of town and that I’m seeing someone. He takes it well. Ithank him again, and as soon as he leaves, I grab the used paper towels from the supply closet and toss them into the trash in the ladies’ room down the hall.
When Elijah comes out of his office, I’m packing up the Christmas tree and elf into my duffel bag.
“Hey. What are you doing?”
“Packing up my things. You can keep the decorations in your office if you want them.”
“I do. I want them. You don’t have to go.”
“Did I mention I have to drive up to Paso Robles to stay with my parents over Christmas?”
“What? When?”
“In a couple of hours. I have to go home and pack up a few things first. But you don’t need me to help you with the script notes anymore, so…”
His face falls. “You’re leaving?” I can tell he’s about to sayagain. He looks so disheartened.
He thinks I’m leaving him again, like eight years ago. I walk over to kiss his cheek. “I’m not abandoning you, Elijah. You can call or text me. You can even come up to visit if you’d like.” I write on the pad of paper that’s on Elaine’s desk. “This is an email account that I created eight years ago. Here is the password. I’m the only one who has emailed the account. Please read the emails. It will explain why I didn’t meet you in the hotel room.” I hand him the paper. “Read the emails after I leave. Okay?”
He nods.
“You promise?”
“Of course. I didn’t know you were going to leave so soon. We’re good, right?”
I wrap my arms around his waist and rest my forehead against his chest.
He holds me and strokes my hair.
“Elijah. We’re so good. I like you so much. Andyoulike me.”
“I like you so much.”
“I’m so sorry I have to go, but I have to. I’m not leaving you. I will see you soon.”
“Okay. I’ll read the emails. Drive safe. Will you text me when you get there?”
“Yes. Yes.” I gather up my things. He is so sweet—I need to get out of here before I blow him in his office. I kiss him again and again and again. “Thanks for theO, but I have to go! You okay?” I grimace because, whoops, I rhymed again.
He smirks and waves. “I’m feeling just dandy—thanks so much for the handy.”
15
CLEO
