“What do you want, Aaron? I sent you an email last night that I was off today. Did you receive it? Or do you personally like to stress me out?”
“Sorry, I rarely check my emails, and I would never want to cause you stress. I would love to be your stress reliever.”
“We both know that is a lie. You told me that you always check your emails.” I purposely ignore his flirtatious behavior.
“Well, with you, texting would be better.” He leans forward, resting his elbows on the desk, bringing us closer. “I came here today for two things, actually. First, I wanted to check on you after that situation with William.”
“I’m fine. It’s nothing I can’t handle.”
“And second,” Aaron continues, “I wanted to invite you to something.”
“If this is another dinner?—”
“It’s not,” he interrupts. “It’s a launch party. For a new comic book series. My brother Axel is the CEO of the company.”
“A comic book launch party?” I repeat, unable to keep the surprise from my voice. “That’s unexpected.”
Aaron’s smile widens, clearly amused by my reaction. “Yeah well, Axel and I grew up together in the system. He’s family, so going to these events is a must.”
Something about the casual way he mentions his past makes me pause. Aaron rarely speaks about himself, I realize, but this is the second time he’s mentioned this. For all his probing questions about my life, he keeps his own story carefully guarded behind charming smiles and witty banter. I wonder if he is ashamed that he grew up in an orphanage.
“What I mean is it’s unexpected that you’d think I would want to go to something like that,” I say. “Why would you invite me?”
“Because Axel is curious about you.” Aaron’s eyes hold mine. “And because I think you might enjoy stepping outside your fortress for an evening. Think of it as shadowing but outside of these four walls.”
“When is this party?” I should be saying no immediately, cementing the boundaries we discussed.
“Friday night at The Beaufort Hotel. You don’t have to answer now.”
“The Beaufort?” The hotel is exclusive and hosts only the most prestigious events. This isn’t some casual gathering in a comic bookstore basement. “That’s quite the venue for a comic launch. Your brother must be doing well.”
“He’s worked hard for it,” Aaron says, pride evident in his voice. “Axel drew comics on any scrap paper and napkins he could find at the orphanage. Now he runs his own publishing company. To say he is only ‘doing well’ is an understatement.”
I find myself wanting to know more about Axel, about the orphanage Aaron grew up in, about the boy Aaron was before he became the successful author sitting across from me. But his personal life isn’t my business, just as mine isn’t his.
“I’ll think about it.”
Aaron nods, accepting my non-answer without pushing. “That’s all I ask. How was your appointment? For your foot. Everything okay?”
“Eliza mentioned you had a doctor’s appointment,” he explains with a small shrug.
“All healed, but I need to take it easy for the next few weeks.”
“That’s good. I was prepared to carry you everywhere if something did happen.”
“Are you coming in tomorrow?” I ask, eager to steer the conversation to safer topics. “I have a client coming and her case is of the utmost importance. I probably won’t be available for most of the morning.”
“Is it a particularly complicated case?”
“It’s sensitive. Very sensitive. A high-profile client who needs absolute discretion. You’ll need to sign an additional NDA before the meeting if you decide you want to sit in.”
“As much as I would love to, I think I’ll sit this one out.” He stands, reaching for his book. “And Minji, I never want to tell a woman how to dress but for Friday, try to avoid beige or gray. It’s a celebration, not a deposition.”
I narrow my eyes. “My wardrobe choices aren’t up for discussion, Mr. Singleton.” The absolute nerve of this man.
“Just a friendly suggestion.” That infuriating dimple appears as he smiles. “Though I will say that black dress from our dinner was quite memorable.”
Before I can formulate a response, he’s heading for the door, pausing when he meets the threshold. “Oh, and you might want to brush up on your superhero knowledge. Just enough to make conversation. You will stick out like a sore thumb otherwise. If you need someone to go over a knowledge check with, we can have dinner tomorrow night.”
