Page 45 of From That Moment

“Hi.”

We were both kneeling now, picking up the papers that had fallen out of her briefcase. I looked at her, at the dark circles under her eyes, even if they had been carefully covered with concealer. I wanted to punch someone.

“I’m glad you’re back,” I said, the only thing I could say just then.

Surprise covered her face for an instant, and then she smiled. That Paris smile that I loved. The one that wasn’t the icy façade that she shrouded herself in to be strong.

No, it was the smile that she showed her friends when no one else was looking.

I wasn’t sure I’d ever seen that expression directed at me before.

“I’m glad I’m back, too. I want normal. Although I don’t know if it can be that way when it comes to this office.”

“You have a bunch of socially inept people who don’t know how to talk to one another, trying to figure out how to help you.”

“I know. I just hate being the center of attention.”

We both stood up, and I handed her the rest of her papers, careful not to touch her.

“You know if they knew what to do, you would have muffins or scones or coffee or something on your desk.”

“They sent flowers and cards.”

“I know,” I said, putting my hands in my pockets again.

“The people here can be kind. At least, most of them.”

“He’s not here today,” I said softly.

Her shoulders fell, but it was more like a balloon with air being released, more from tension than disappointment.

“That’s good. I didn’t want to deal with him.”

“Me, either.”

“And I can’t believe I said that.”

“You’re allowed to say it. Anyway, you’re the one who sets the tone so that you can act normal, and people will eventually act normal, as well. Or you can talk about it. It’s up to you, but we’re here, no matter what.”

I didn’t mean to become the spokesman for a company that I wasn’t going to be with long, but here I was.

“Thanks, Prior.” She let out a breath, and I steeled myself because I had no idea what she was going to say next. “Can we go out for a drink after this?” she asked. “Well, more like coffee or something since I shouldn’t be drinking alcohol.”

“Are you okay?” I asked quickly, worry filling me.

“I’m fine. I’m just on concussion protocol, and I shouldn’t add booze to my system. Even though I should be able to drink again soon.”

“Oh, that’s good,” I said awkwardly.

“I could use a martini.”

“A martini sounds great,” I said, even though it was only eight in the morning.

She laughed then, and I laughed with her.

“Anyway, if you’re too busy, or if you have a date with Allison or something, no worries. I just figured, well…anyway.”

“Allison and I broke up,” I said quickly, not sure why I’d brought it up.