Page 101 of A Temporary Forever

I slam the laptop closed and swipe my jacket from the back of my chair. My phone vibrates on the table, and I glance at Roxy. “I have to take this, but I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

Her heels echo down the hallway as I pick up my glass and my cell. Walking to the wall of windows, I hit the green icon.

“Has Quinn screwed you over already?” Finn asks, a hint of gloating in his voice.

“Fuck you. You’d be the last one to find out.”

We might tease each other ruthlessly, but it’s always good to hear from him.

“Just call me to bail you out after you kill him.”

“Is there a reason you’re calling, or you just didn’t get your dose of harassment today?”

He laughs. “I’m sure you miss it, bro. I’m on my way home, and I almost stopped at your old office to chat with you.”

“Aw, you miss me.” I grin, looking at the flickering lights of the city, my old office just a distantmemory. I got settled here fast. The thrill of something new and different hasn’t waned yet.

“No, I went to make sure you hadn’t come back crying.”

I snicker. “How are you, asshole?”

“I’m good. I’m taking a week off, believe it or not.”

“Did Paris threaten to leave you?”

“She might have made a few valid points, and I realized a week won’t shatter the company.”

“That’s good. At your age, you need to take it easy.”

“I’m only three years older than you. How are things over there?”

“Decent.”

“That’s a raving endorsement.”

“You’ll hear some announcements soon, and you’ll see all is good. Can I ask you something?”

“Do I think you made a mistake partnering with Quinn? Yes.”

“Fuck you, Finn.” I don’t mind his razzing. We grew up like that, and I know it’s his weird way of making sure all is okay.

“Okay, okay, talk to me.”

“You’ve been with Paris for almost two years now…” Fuck. I don’t even know what I want to ask.

“Good math skills, Cal. Are you angling for relationship advice? Fuck, are you involved with Celeste? Have you—”

When I say nothing, he continues, “I told you not to hurt her! Paris will cut off your balls. And probably Saar too.”

“Who said I fucked it up? I just… I don’t know. Do you ever get bored being with the same woman?”

“Do I look bored to you?” He doesn’t even have to think about his answer. “The past two years have been the best years of my life, and I’m a sleep-deprived father of a toddler. Every day is a new adventure. Even on the days when we just nap on the sofa, exhausted.”

I play with my empty glass, considering his words. Can his situation apply to me and Celeste? Finn is in love with his wife. I’m trying to have a relationship with a set expiration.

“Are you catching feelings?” Finn asks.

“I just don’t want things to get awkward between us, since we’re stuck together for three years.”

---