Elena might pull away. She might go quiet or stop reaching for me first. But I wasn’t going anywhere. I would remind her—without begging, without explaining, without asking permission—that I was still here. Thatwewere still here.
And if she ever forgot us, I’d make damn sure she remembered.
CHAPTER 17
Elena
I was reviewing the last of the accounts payable and accounts receivable reports, hoping I could finish early enough to pick up Haille on time. Since Adrian and I both worked full-time, daycare had become part of our routine. Most days, either Judy or Avery helped us with pickups, yet every extra minute I spent in the office still felt like time taken away from my daughter.
With my glasses still perched at the edge of my nose, I scrolled through the final line of the worksheet. My eyes were starting to blur when a soft knock tapped the side of my desk.
“Lunch?” Harley asked, leaning slightly forward.
I removed my glasses and stretched my neck. “Is it already that time?” I muttered, checking the clock. My stomach answered the question for me.
“Who’s coming?” I asked.
“Just you and me,” he replied casually. “Everyone else already went ahead.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Why didn’t you go with them?”
He blinked, almost offended. “Who said I didn’t want to? I was waiting for you, boss.”
I let out a small exhale. “Fine. I’m starving anyway.”
We headed downstairs, passing through the lobby. I automatically turned toward the café we usually went to, but Harley gently nudged my elbow.
“Not there,” he said. “I’m in the mood for Tacos. There’s a new one across the street and their chicken tacos are insane. Ever tried it?”
“No.”
He clicked his tongue. “Tragic. Okay, come on. My treat.”
I shot him a look. “Harley, I can pay for my own food.”
“Please,” he said, pushing the door open for me. “Consider it compensation for you reviewing my work like a drill sergeant all week.”
“Oh, shut up.” I rolled my eyes, but followed him.
When we arrived at the food truck, I glanced around, expecting to see the others.
“Where are the others?” I asked.
Harley didn’t even bother looking. “They went to the usual café,” he said.
“Oh.”
“Trust me. You won’t regret it.” He winked at me.
And he was right, the tacos were surprisingly good. I ate slowly, savoring each bite. For a moment, it felt nice to eat without rushing, without thinking about the endless things waiting for me at home or work.
While I bit into my third taco, a smear of sauce touched the corner of my mouth. I reached for a napkin, but Harley moved first.
“Oh—here,” he murmured, hand lifting with his thumb slightly extended, as if he planned to wipe it for me.
Reflexively, I leaned back. “What are you doing?” I frowned.
He froze, then raised both hands. “Sorry. Habit. My niece is messy as hell.”
