Then I step into the elevator and press the button for our floor.
Most of the businesses in the building didn’t, or couldn’t, do the whole work-from-home thing, so I’m not surprised to find the lobby loud and crowded.
What I am surprised by is the person already standing inside the elevator.
“Jeremy?” I blink.
“Jess,” he says with a grin, leaning in to kiss my cheek in greeting. “Long time no see.”
“Yeah,” I say, smiling, grateful for the distraction and suddenly wishing I wore jeans at home. “What are you doing here?”
“Had a meeting on the third floor,” he says casually.
I look at him, confused. He was already on the elevator when I got in at the lobby, and now we’re going up.
He follows my expression and laughs. “Yeah… I kinda spaced out,” he admits, pressing the lobby button again. “Guess I’m not having the most focused day.”
“Everything okay?” I ask.
He glances at me. “You really asking, or just being polite?”
“I’m asking,” I say honestly.
Jeremy exhales. “I need a break. Ever since the divorce, my head’s just not in it anymore.”
The elevator dings on my floor.
On impulse, I say, “Want some coffee before you go?”
He hesitates, then nods. “Sure.”
He follows me out, and we walk toward the office together.
When we step inside, the place is quiet.
I open the surveillance office door and peek in to see Pete sitting at his station.
“Hey,” I say. “Is anyone else around?”
He glances up. “Nah. Everyone else decided to work from home today. You need something?”
I wave him off. “No, no. Just checking.”
“Alright,” he says, turning back to his screen.
I close the door and turn to Jeremy. “Coffee it is.”
I lead him to the break room and start a fresh pot.
“So,” I say, leaning against the counter. “What’s going on?”
He sighs. “Jan and I… we were headed downhill for a long time. But it’s harder than I thought it’d be. Being alone, I mean. Not just at home. At work too.”
I wince slowly. “Yeah. I remember.”
He gives a small, bitter laugh. “Classic best-friend-and-wife affair story, right? At least Dree felt guilty enough to practically give me the business for free.” He shakes his head. “At the time it seemed generous. Now it just feels like-”
Both our heads snap in the direction of the front door when it swings open to reveal… Logan.
