Page 81 of The Compass Series

I cleared my throat and blinked a few times, forcing out a smile as I continued to talk.

“I went to try to get my job back yesterday, and I guess my boss saw you at the ceremony hall. I don’t know if you know it, but you are a hot commodity in the media sphere, and so many people are interested in getting an exclusive interview with you.

” The more I talked, the more the light evaporated from Connor’s eyes.

“Straight to the point, my former boss said I can get my job back if I’m able to convince you to do an exclusive interview with Passion by this Friday. ”

At this point, he was completely grimacing as he sat on the edge of the desk. His legs were stretched in front of him with his ankles crossed. His hands slid into his pockets, and the frown only deepened as he realized what I was proposing.

“I’m sorry, Aaliyah, I don’t really take on interviews.”

“I completely understand, but at Passion , we aren’t the everyday interviewers.

We take pride in showcasing our clients in the best light and using our words to inspire others who have enough nerve to dream big.

I spent the night researching you and your story—at least the parts that are public knowledge—and I do believe what you’ve done is quite remarkable.

I think many could benefit from knowing your full story, or at least as much as you are willing to share. ”

He scratched at the well-kempt scruff on his face.

“I hear you, but I’m sorry. I think it’s important to hold on to some privacy in one’s life, and once you invite the media in, things can get twisted and messy.

I’m not looking to add any more mess to my life.

I just want to do good, even if it’s in private. ”

Just like that, my already shattered heart began to crumble even more. I hadn’t known the pieces to break into smaller shards, yet here I was, heartbroken and pained.

I couldn’t even argue with Connor about his reasoning because I knew it was true. Once you opened the door to the world of media, they thought they deserved the right to flood into your privacy whenever they wished.

You couldn’t ask for privacy once you invited everyone into your world.

I parted my lips to try to say something that could maybe convince him, but nothing came to mind, so I shut my mouth.

He frowned and shrugged apologetically. “I’m sorry, I really am.”

“No, it’s fine. I completely understand.

Thank you for even taking time out of your day to meet with me.

And thank you for everything you did for me on Saturday.

You truly went above and beyond.” I took in a deep inhalation and stood from the chair.

My mind was already beginning to turn into panic mode as I turned away from Connor to leave his office.

“Aaliyah,” Connor called. As I looked back, I noticed he’d stood up from the desk, with his hands still in his pockets.

“Yes?”

“I’m sorry for what Jason did to you. You’re a good woman, and you didn’t deserve that treatment. But”—he took a few steps in my direction and lowered his voice—“between you and me, I believe you dodged a bullet.”

I let out a dry laugh and blinked a few times. “If only my heart could believe your words.”

“Just feel what you need to feel, then one day you’ll be okay again.”

“Is that how it works?”

“Yes.”

“Promise?”

“Promise, Red.”

Each time he called me Red, I felt a little less alone.

I wanted to believe I’d be okay, but the tears began falling from my eyes, and I brushed them away quickly. I shook my head and tried to apologize for falling apart in front of Connor again. He wouldn’t allow it and was quick to grab me a tissue to wipe away my tears.

“Gosh, this is so embarrassing. I’m really not a mess like this.

I hardly ever cry. Unless it’s like one of those videos where a soldier comes home to surprise their family.

Those always bring on the waterworks. Or a cute animal that’s been through trauma but found a happy family.

That chokes me up, but the amount of tears I’ve shed in the past few days with you is too much.

You’ve probably seen me cry more than most people. ” I chuckled, embarrassed.

“VIP access to your emotions,” he joked. “No worries here. It’s a safe place.”

“We should really stop meeting like this, though—with me having a broken heart.”

“Hopefully, next time we cross paths, you get the happily ever after.”

I pushed out a smile, but he knew it wasn’t real. He frowned and studied me as if he wanted to say something but didn’t know exactly what words to give. Therefore, I took that as my sign to leave his office and allow him to get back to his life. I’d already taken up enough of his time.

He looked down for a second, then reconnected his stare with mine. “Aaliyah?”

“Yes?”

“Can I hug you?”

I nodded slowly. “Yes.”

He moved in and wrapped himself around me as if he were a weighted blanket and held on tight. I melted against him, not even knowing how much I needed his comfort until he unleashed it on me.

I breathed him in, smelling his cologne that rubbed against the fabric of my clothing. I lay my cheek against his chest as he rested his chin on top of my head. I remained in that same spot until I felt as if I were overstaying my welcome against his soul.

Then I let go.

“All right, well, I’m going to get out of your hair, but thank you for meeting with me this morning. And thank you, Connor, for being…you.”

“Of course. I truly wish you the best, Aaliyah, and you’re going to be okay.”

I didn’t know why, but the way he said it almost made it seem true, almost as if me being okay was the result of all the madness taking place.

“I lost my relationship, my home, and my dream job all within a few days. It’s kind of hard to believe everything’s going to be okay, but thank you for your kind words. Oh, before I go.” I reached into my purse and pulled out two dollar bills. I placed them on his desk.

He snickered. “Making good on our bet?”

“I’m a woman of my word.”

He gave me a sad smile, and I gave him one back before turning to leave, but I couldn’t help but pause because I knew there was something else I wanted to say to him.

“I searched your name online last night,” I confessed, meeting his ocean stare.

“And I doubt it matters coming from me, but I’m really proud of you for everything you’ve done in life.

It seems all your dreams are coming true.

Not only that, it seems you’re big on giving back to the world what it gives to you. ”

“It does,” he said, crossing his arms. “It does matter coming from you.”

Later that night as I sat in bed searching the internet for jobs, I was surprised when my phone dinged with a new email. A new email from Connor.

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Saturday

Red,

You talked me into it. I’m hosting an open house tomorrow (Saturday) for one of my bigger properties if you’d like to come.

No better time than the present to get started with the interview process, plus you can see me in action at work.

Meet me at the corner of Smith & Hadley at Trevon Tower around ten in the morning.

If you have questions or get lost, here’s my number. Call or text any time.

-Captain

P.S. You’re going to be okay.