“Alliance reports from this quarter,” she says, her tone professional as she steps inside. “You wanted them by the end of the day.”
“Yes. Thank you.”
I take the files from her, and our fingers brush each other for just a moment. Electricity shoots up my arm, and I see her pupils dilate slightly before she pulls back.
She turns to leave.
“I hear you’re throwing a housewarming party.”
She freezes mid-step. I can see the tension creeping back into her shoulders and the way her hand tightens on the doorknob.
“Am I invited?”
The question hangs in the air between us.
She doesn’t turn around. “You can come.”
The words are flat. Reluctant.
But they’re permission.
Triumph surges through me, hot and immediate. My fingers tighten on the files before I force them to relax. I have to fight to keep my voice neutral. “When is it?”
“Saturday. Seven p.m.” She glances back, her eyes guarded. “Sarah’s organizing the details. I’m sure she’ll send out information.”
“I’ll be there.”
A look of resignation flickers across her face. Or maybe it’s dread. But she just nods and leaves, pulling the door closed behind her.
I sit back in my chair.
Saturday. I have three days to find the perfect housewarming gift.
Three days, and I’ll get to see the space that’s hers alone. To witness what she has created. To be in her home, even if she doesn’t reallywant me there.
My phone buzzes with a text from Ethan: You’re going to need to rein in that smile before someone sees it.
I glance up and catch my reflection in the glass wall. He’s right. I’m grinning like an idiot.
I school my expression and return to work. But anticipation coils in my chest, warm and electric.
Saturday, I’ll be in her apartment. In the world she has built for herself. The home I helped give her without her knowing.
And maybe, just maybe, she’ll smile at me the way she smiles when talking about her new throw pillows.
It’s pathetic. I know it is.
But right now, the thought of that smile is all I have.
Chapter Nine
Violet
Saturday arrives faster than I expected.
I’ve never thrown a party before. Never had people who wanted to spend time with me or celebrate an achievement of mine. The thought makes warmth bloom in my chest, chasing away the familiar cold that has lived there for so long.
I’m brimming with excitement as I stand in front of the elevator of my building, seven bags at my feet, filled with cups and snacks and drinks. I went overboard at the store, probably bought way too much, but I want everything to be perfect.
