“We don’t need to discuss it.” He cuts me off. “You made yourself perfectly clear.”
I flinch at his tone. “I just wanted to make sure we’re okay.”
“Okay? Sure, we’re fine. I’m not one for back-and-forth, and I’m sure someone of your stature doesn’t enjoy it either. You told me to leave the past behind, and last Friday is now part of that past.” His phone buzzes, and I glance at it to see a new message from Katia with a few emojis I can’t quite interpret. He notices me looking and tilts the screen away.
“So,” I begin, desperate to fill this horrible silence. “The mediation is for the Donovan case. Husband’s trying to claim his family business predates the marriage, but we found evidence his wife’s initial investment was crucial to its success.”
“Sounds interesting,” he responds, but his tone suggests otherwise. He’s typing again, a small smile playing at his lips as he responds to whoever just texted him.
“Is that Katia?” I blurt out before I can stop myself.
Aaron raises an eyebrow. “Does it matter who I’m texting?”
“Of course not. I just… I didn’t realize you were friends.”
“We’re not. Like I said, she and Cindy were supposed to give me insight into a paralegal’s day-to-day.” He places his phone face down on the table. “So do I need to sign anything before I sit in on the mediation?”
“No. I’ll just speak to everyone and confirm it’s okay to have you sit in.”
“I’m okay with not being a part of it if they say no.” He turns his attention back to his laptop screen, effectively dismissing me. Seriously?
I busy myself with reviewing the Donovan case files, though my mind refuses to focus on the details. The silence in the office grows heavier by the minute, punctuated only by the clicking of keys and the occasional notification from Aaron’s phone. I catch myself stealing glances at him when I think he’s not looking.
When did everything get so complicated? A week ago, I was certain about my life, my choices, my boundaries. Now I’m sitting here with my stomach in knots because a man I slept with and kicked out might be texting another woman.
“I’m going to grab coffee before the mediation,” I announce, standing abruptly. “Would you like some?”
Aaron looks up, genuine surprise flickering across his face. “Sure. Thanks.”
“The usual?”
“You know my coffee order?”
I recite it, feeling ridiculously pleased that I’ve caught him off guard.
He nods. “Yes, thank you.”
I escape to the break room, grateful for the momentary reprieve. The espresso machine hisses and gurgles as I prepare our drinks, my mind racing. What am I doing? I made the right call on Friday night. I know I did. Letting Aaron in, letting myself feel something real for him, would only end in disaster. I’ve seen too many relationships implode, watched too many people tear each other apart. Yet here I am, making his coffee exactly how he likes it, feeling pathetically hopeful about his small smile.
I find Aaron on the phone when I return to my office, his voice low and intimate. He glances up when I enter, murmuring, “I have to go. Talk later.” The way he says it, soft and warm, makes my chest ache. I don’t like feeling this way.
“Here you go.” I place his coffee on the desk, careful not to let our fingers brush.
“Thanks.” He takes a sip, eyes closing briefly in appreciation. “Perfect.”
“Who was that on the phone?”Minji, you need to reel it the fuck in.
Aaron shakes his head, letting out a deep sigh. “Axel. He’s checking in about Friday.”
“Oh.” I feel simultaneously relieved and foolish. “How is he?”
“Concerned. I kept to myself all weekend, I wasn’t in the talking mood.” Aaron meets my eyes. “He thinks I left his launch party for nothing.”
The words land like a slap. I deserve it, but it stings, nonetheless. “I see.” Axel did tell me not to get Aaron’s hopes up, and I did it anyway, but I quickly put an end to it.
“For what it’s worth,” he continues, his voice softening slightly, “I don’t regret leaving with you. I just wish—” He stops himself, shaking his head. “Never mind.”
I sink into my chair, suddenly exhausted. “Aaron, I?—”
