And here he is trying to get me to go to dinner again. I must give it to him; he is persistent.
“I haven’t even said I’m going,” I call after him.
“But you will,” he replies with maddening confidence. Then he’s gone, leaving behind only the lingering scent of his cologne.
I sit back in my chair, pressing my fingertips to my temples. The man is impossible, presumptuous, boundary-pushing, and far too perceptive for my comfort. And yet, I find myself reaching for my phone, opening my calendar to check if I have any conflicts on Friday night.
I don’t.
My finger hovers over Demi’s contact. She would tell me to go, probably squeal with delight at the invitation. She’d also insist on helping me shop for something ‘that would make AaronSingleton forget how to form sentences.’ I can practically hear her voice in my head.
Instead, I set my phone down and turn to my computer, pulling up information on The Beaufort Hotel’s upcoming events. There it is: Midnight Warriors - Axel Comics. The promotional image shows chic, stylized characters silhouetted against a mythical background.
A soft knock interrupts my research. Cindy peeks her head in, her expression apologetic.
“Sorry to bother you, Ms. Lee, but William is demanding to see the Thornton files. He says Caleb authorized it. I told him you were off today, but he said he saw you walk in here.”
God, I really hate that punching coworkers in the throat is frowned upon, because William is really due for several. My moment of indecision about Aaron’s invitation evaporates, replaced by the familiar annoyance when I hear William’s name.
“Tell Mr. Wilson that if he wants access to my files, he’ll need to wait until tomorrow. I’m not working today. Also, let him know he can only review them under supervision.”
Cindy nods, her expression shifting to one of determination. “Yes, Ms. Lee. I’ll let him know. If I don’t see you before you leave, have a good day.”
After she leaves, I glance once more at the information about the comic launch before shutting down my browser. I shouldn’t go. It’s not professional. It’s not my scene. It’s not… except I’m curious. About Aaron, his brother, about this world so different from my own. And maybe—just maybe—there’s a tiny part of me that misses the Minji from college who would’ve jumped at the chance to try something new.
Scoffing at myself, I jab the elevator button. That I’d even entertain his invitation proves he’s wormed his way into my thoughts. Just three weeks, I silently chant. Three weeks until he vanishes and my life returns to its proper order. The elevatorarrives with a soft ding, but instead of selecting the parking garage, my finger betrays me and presses the roof access button.
The ancient door protests with a metallic groan as I push through it. A gust of wind immediately assaults me, sending my hair flying across my vision. I secure the wayward strands and venture onto the vast concrete slab. Nobody ventures up here—technically allowed, but fifty-six stories above Manhattan tends to deter most people. Perfect for me.
I've escaped to this concrete island during impossible cases, when depositions and motions suffocate me. But personal dilemmas? Those I’ve always contained, filed away, never needing open sky to process them. Then Aaron Singleton appeared, redrawing my boundaries without permission. A comic book party. The absurdity forces a laugh from my throat. Minji Lee surrounded by artists and cape enthusiasts. And still…
My phone buzzes against my hip. Not Aaron, though something in me hoped it might be. It's Demi.
Demi
Dinner tonight? I have GOSSIP.
Me
I can’t tonight. Rain check?
Her response is immediate.
Demi
No way. You’ve been avoiding me since you started listening to those damn audiobooks. I need DETAILS!!! 7 PM at my place. I’m cooking.
I sigh, knowing resistance is futile. When Demi decides she’s hosting dinner, the only acceptable response is to show up hungry and prepared for interrogation.
Me
Fine. 7 PM. I’ll bring wine.
I put my phone down and attempt to refocus on the Thornton case, but my ability to concentrate is completely disrupted. With William’s power maneuvers, Aaron’s invitation, and Demi’s upcoming interrogation, it seems like the meticulous control I’ve kept over my life is slipping away.
Well, that is enough, brooding for the day.
I leave the roof and head back to my office, grabbing my purse and keys. The work can wait until tomorrow. Right now, I need a hot shower and a quick cat nap to recharge before facing my best friend.
