Page 33 of The Fall

I push a button and return the phone to its cradle, shaking my head at Lila as I stand up.

“I don’t know how much you make, but you deserve a raise.”

She laughs. “It’s not so bad when Megan’s here.”

“What’s the longest pause between calls you’ve ever had?”

“Thirteen minutes. It was...eerie.”

She picks up the ringing phone. “McGill, Harcourt and Weiss, can you hold, please?”

I get my phone out of my bag. “I’m setting a timer to come back at three so you can have another ten-minute break.”

“You’re a goddess.”

I pick up my two deliveries, making a mental note to talk to Kathy about getting someone to cover for Lila and Megan when one of them has a day off. It’s something I never would have thought was my place before, but with every passing week at the firm, my confidence grows.

Kathy likes team members who aren’t afraid to speak up, even if they’re saying something she might not like. She’s a dream boss.

When I get back to my office, I set the roses and the lightweight mystery cone on my desk. I grab the enclosed card for the roses first, sliding the card out of the little envelope.

Thinking of you.

Rowan

My heart pounds as I read the words a second and then a third time. Our conversation the other day left me feeling exposed. It wasn’t easy to admit to him that I love so hard it sabotages my life. It’s not fair to leave him thinking I only want to be friends just because he wanted to sleep with me after our first date, though. It wasn’t only that. I do want someone I can have amazing sex with. I just wantmore, too.

I set Rowan’s card down on my desk and take the tape off the side of the white-papered item, finding a single red rose inside. There’s a note on a Post-It.

Looking forward to tomorrow.

Harrison

I close my eyes and laugh because I can’t believe how fitting it is. The sensible choice, who doesn’t make my heart feel likeit might explode right out of my chest, sent me one rose. And Rowan, the roller-coaster choice, sent me two dozen roses. Again. This is the third time since our first date he’s sent me roses.

I take photos of both gifts--and their notes--and send them to Tess. She texts back immediately.

Tess: BAHAHAHAHA! Bro sent you a fucking post-it note? And one rose??? Is he going to break out a Groupon code to pay for the coffee?

Cam: It was a nice gesture.

Tess: I’ve got a one-fingered gesture for him...

Cam: Has Dom said anything about Rowan?

Tess: No. They’re on a road trip.

Cam: I can’t believe he sent me two dozen roses again.

Tess: No comment because I’m trying to respect your choice to friend-zone him. But also, you’re a dumbass. He’s a great guy.

Cam: Great for a single mom? Or great for a 22-year-old puck bunny with no one but herself to think about?

Tess: Just a great guy period.

I scowl at my phone screen.

Cam: I have to work. Let’s talk later.

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