Page 32 of Breakaway

Chapter 13

A Random Girl

NEVAEH

Stifling a big yawn,I step into the elevator with a few colleagues from other departments. They chat about some new club they’re going to on Friday, while I just lean against the wall, exhausted. Last night, I got about four hours of sleep, and I could barely open my eyes when my alarm went off this morning. Even if I hoped to feel more productive and awake after I got to work, it didn’t happen. Five cups of strong black coffee did give me a boost of energy to make it through my workday. But once that boost was over, I crashed.

“Dammit.” I cover my mouth with my palm, yawning loudly.

The elevator comes to a stop on the sixteenth floor, and the second the doors open, I regret not taking the stairs. Travis and one of his colleagues, Viraj, walk inside, talking about some code they’re trying to fix. I don’t move, silently praying my ex won’t notice me.

I have no idea what I’ll tell him if he asks where I’m living.

When the elevator stops at the underground parking garage, I linger, waiting for everyone else to walk out first. Purposely dragging my feet, I follow people out, keeping my eyes on Travis’s broad shoulders in a white tee ahead of me.Please don’t let him see me.

The moment he looks over his shoulder, our eyes meet. His eyebrows hit his hairline as he gapes at me in surprise. I give him a small smile and zip to my car, the clicking sound of my heels echoing through the space. Just a few more steps and I?—

“Nevaeh, wait!”

Fuck.

Halting in my tracks, I turn and see Travis hurrying in my direction. He stops a few feet away from me, a gentle smile playing on his lips. He’s always been the kindest man, even if things are shitty. His gaze roams over my face and slides down my body; I shift awkwardly, crossing my legs at the ankles.

“Hey, Trav,” I say hoarsely. My mouth is suddenly dry.

“Hey.” He exhales, hiding his hands in his pockets. “How are you?”

“Good. You?”

“Okay, I guess. Getting used to a new routine has been weird.” Travis shrugs. “Did you take some time off? I haven’t seen you for a few days…since you…”

I look away, glancing at my car and then bringing my gaze back to Travis. “It’s my first day back after a week off.”

“Oh, that makes sense. I was worried you decided to quit because we work in the same building.”

“That would be pretty extreme, even for me.” I chuckle, and his smile becomes broader.

“Did you find an apartment? I’ve heard the market is tough right now.”

“I got lucky. I found something affordable in a good neighborhood,” I lie.

“Where is it?”

“It doesn’t really matter. It’s just temporary.”

His face lights up, and I suddenly realize the twisted meaning of my words. At least, I realize how he could’ve mistaken them. I’m giving him false hope again. Exactly what I wanted to avoid.

“I’m really happy you found a place to stay. I’d have hated if you?—”

“Trav, I’m so sorry, but I need to get going. Angie’s back from France, and I promised her a sleepover.”

“Oh, well, then…tell Angie and Drake I said hi.”

“Of course.” I take a step back, putting more distance between us. “Bye.”

“See you around, Nev.” His voice hitches, sounding hopeful, while all I want is to disappear. I certainly didn’t think it through when I broke up with him and hoped time apart would help him move on. How is that possible if we work in the same building and, knowing Travis, he’ll be trying to see me?

I deserve a master’s degree for my excellence in the art of creating problems.

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