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As Jaime devours his pizza, Shane and I exchange glances, a silent truce forming between us for Jaime's sake. The evening passes with laughter and stories, and for a moment, everything feels almost normal. But as we head home, I know the unresolved tension is still there, waiting to resurface.

Despite everything, I can't help but feel a pull toward Shane, a dangerous attraction that I know I need to fight. Jaime's happiness is what matters most, and I can't let my emotions get in the way of that. But as I watch Shane interact with Jaime, I can't deny the part of me that wishes things could be different.

Chapter 5

Shane

Kristen enters my office at 8 a.m. sharp, holding a grease-stained box with a Reuben bagel in one hand and a large black coffee in the other. "Good morning, Shane," she says. She rarely calls me Shane, so it's refreshing when she does. It's like a nice little gift, a break from her usual all-business demeanor.

"Good morning, Kristen. Thanks, I'm starving," I reply, taking the bag and coffee from her over the desk.

"You're welcome, sir," she responds. "Would you like me to go through today's agenda now or after your breakfast?"

"Actually, I need you to clear my schedule until about 3:00 today. I have a meeting with Jaime's teachers, so I'll be leaving in an hour or so."

"Sorry, sir," she says. "You have a meeting with the investors from Atlanta at 10 a.m. It's the one I reminded you of yesterday and the day before."

"Damn. That's today," I sigh, feeling exhausted. "I've been putting off the meeting with his teachers for weeks."

Kristen stands by, arms crossed, awaiting my next request.

"Sir, you could send Oliver in your place. He seems knowledgeable about your pitches and ready to take it on."

"No, Atlanta's too important to pass off to anyone."

"Of course," Kristen replies, though I sense disagreement.

"I'll call Nicole and have her go to the school in my place. Give me a moment, would you?"

"Sure, sir," Kristen replies, leaving the office and closing the door behind her.

I dread calling Nicole, already imagining her response. I dial the number, and after just two rings, I hear her voice.

"You can't go to school, can you?" she says instantly, no hello and no hint of emotion.

Part of me is upset that she feels comfortable talking to her boss like this. But mostly, I feel ashamed and sad. I'm taking over her morning and disappointing her at the same time. I tell myself that I'm busy, and it's her job.

"Yes. Sorry to ask this of you, but could you..."

"Yes, Mr. Matthews, I kept my morning free in expectation. I'll update you on how your nephew is doing by the close of business. Enjoy your day, sir," she says coldly.

"Look, Nicole. I'm sorry, this is..."

"Anything else?" Nicole interrupts.

"No... that's all. Thanks a—"

"Of course," she cuts in.

The phone call ends, and I feel her tolerance for me has as well.

I press the reception button on my phone. "Kristen," I say.

Kristen returns to the office and stands in front of my desk. "Sir," she says, waiting.

"I contacted Nicole," I explain, "and she's agreed to go to the school. However, I don't think she's very happy with me now. What do you think? Should I get her a gift card? Maybe worth 500 dollars?"

"I'd suggest doubling that, sir," Kristen says.