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I filled her in and found it hard to keep Sean out of the story.
“He asked you out?” she squealed.
I couldn’t help but blush. “Yes. He might be someone I’m seeing. But I don’t know … it’s complicated,” I admitted. “Isn’t it too soon?” I asked. “After things ended with Bruce?” My voice was half ashamed.
Tess scoffed at that. “Please. It’s been months since that jerk left. You definitely need to get over that man. Besides, you’re telling me that your boss stayed by your side the entire time yesterday? He sounds more than just any guy, Chloe. He’s starting to sound really good to me.”
I agreed with that. Apart from being with me yesterday through the whole ordeal, he’d seen me cry, held me, and comforted me. He’d made sure I heard from the dean. No matter how much he denied it, I was sure he’d had a hand in it somehow.
I couldn’t believe how comforted that had made me feel, how less alone I’d felt for the first time since taking responsibility for Henry.
I crossed the street at the intersection and hurried across the footpath to the subway entrance down the block. “He’s my boss, Tess.”
Tess hummed, as though she’d considered this already. “That does make things tough. When you told me about him last time, I initially thought he’d be a good distraction for you … to help you get over Bruce.”
I heard her breathe deeply. “But you told me he’d gotten your favorite food for dinner and how he followed you back home to make sure you both got home okay. I’m starting to think he might be more than just a distraction.”
I shook my head. “A good distraction,” I corrected. That was what Sean and I had decided upon last night.
“Well, if that makes you feel better, sure. But the man saw you and Henry on your bad day, Chloe, and he stayed with you instead of walking away. That’s more than what Bruce ever did.”
It was more than what Dad had ever done for us, my mind added.
“Thanks, Tess,” I said as I hurried down the subway steps. “You’re amazing.”
She laughed. “Don’t I know it?” she joked before hanging up.
Twenty minutes later, I was walking into the Tassater building and taking the elevator to my desk. It was Sean’s first day back after his conference, and he had a steady stream of meetings scheduled to make up for his absence in the past few days.
Sean gave me a small smile and I met his brief gaze with my intense one as he walked past me. His stride was confident and never once faltered as he disappeared into his office. I had set out his morning reports by his table, everything but his coffeeand breakfast—he had started having breakfast with Lucas at home every day, and what made me happiest was that this had been Sean’s idea to spend more time with his son.
My breath left me as I sat outside alone, wondering how it was possible to convey how much his actions from the day before had meant to me and if he’d even understand. Maybe it was better if he didn’t know how I felt right now.
It was like I was swept up in a tornado of feelings, and instead of losing steam, they seemed to be building on each other, getting stronger and stronger, until I felt like I was the one who would break.
At ten a.m., when I knew Legal had a morning lull, I pulled out the small strawberry cake from my drawer that I’d picked up on my way to work and the card that I’d bought a few days ago and walked over to the Legal Department on the fifteenth floor. Luna Moore, the contract administrator, looked up when I approached her with the cake and the card.
“Whatever is—” She broke off when a couple of other women next to her began clapping.
“Congratulations!” I said, placing the cake on her table while others looked up, smiling.
I’d made the rounds a few days ago, asking all of them to sign the card, so they knew what was coming next.
“For your promotion to contract manager!” I added.
Luna blushed and then accepted the cake with an embarrassed smile as her colleagues whooped and cheered with applause.
“Your family and friends must be so proud of you,” I said as I pulled out a plastic knife and fork for her to take her bite.
Luna had two young kids and also financially supported her mother, so I couldn’t have been prouder of her achievements.
“It was tough, but completing the Contract Management Standard Certification really helped me snag that promotion,”Luna said, sharing pieces of the cake with her colleagues, who took small pieces back to their desk while Luna took a bite. “Oh my goodness, this is delicious, Chloe,” she said, standing up. “Thank you, Chloe. I’m flattered you remembered,” she said, walking back with me to the elevator. “Now, I’m a few minutes early to a meeting with your boss. Do you think he’ll see me if I show up at 11:58 instead of noon?”
I laughed as I pressed the button for the thirty-fifth floor, where I worked. “I think you’ll find he’s being very forgiving these days.”
Luna shook her head. “I’ll believe it when I see it. Last time, he made my colleague go back out of his office and wait because the minute hand on his clock hadn’t reached noon.”
The elevator doors opened, and I saw Sean standing by my desk. He turned and acknowledged us with a small nod.