Page 1 of Hidden Confessions

Chapter 1

Spencer

On a typical Friday night, by this time I’d be home, huddled up on the couch drinking Modelo beer as I catch up on the latest series on Netflix. But tonight was different. I was still at the office due to a rather special occasion.

Finn Parker’s farewell party.

Noisy chatter scattered across the room, excitement bubbling in the air, but I couldn’t bring myself to focus on anything or enjoy the little party going on. My mind was preoccupied with something else... well,someone.

Watching him move around the room, working his charm on everyone he talked to, made my blood boil. That smug grin of his was practically begging to be slapped off his face. I stayed in my corner, simply observing, but it was impossible not to notice how he kept avoiding coming anywhere near me. It wasn’t an accident. It was on purpose. Hewantedme to notice.

Fucking Finn Parker.

After making my life hell for the past three years working together, this fucker decided to run.

To Boston.

Really?

As if distance would change anything between us.

Well, I guess it might.Out of sight, out of mind, wasn’t that how the saying went?

Still, it was hard to believe tonight would be the last I may ever see of Finn Parker. It was his final day at the office, and I’d barely gotten to say more than a few words when the party started before it got tense and awkward, like it always was between us.

How a mere “congratulations” spiraled into a minute-long exchange of jabs I’d never know.

I mean, all I wanted was to genuinely wish him well on starting his own law practice with his sister in Boston. I had come to him, intending for just a normal conversation—say goodbye, wish him the best—but of course Finn couldn’t leave it at that. He justhadto make it a thing, smirking as he said, “Well, now the road’s clear for you to make partner. You can thank me later for the opportunity.”

Opportunity, my ass. As if I needed him out of the way to prove myself. Let’s just say our little exchange earned us a few side-eyes from our colleagues. The kind of “here we go again” looks Finn and I often seemed to draw whenever we interacted.

So naturally, I removed myself from the buzz, taking refuge in this little corner.

How did it even get to this, where everyone thought we hated each other?

When did that rumor even spread, and by whom?

However, I get it. I really do.

Finn and I had a habit of getting fired up about certain topics when it came to how we approached our work, like how we analyzed a case strategy, whether to settle or push to trial, orhow to manage client expectations. I’ll admit, those arguments sometimes got the better of us.

But not to the point where wehatedeach other.

At least, I didn’t think so.

At first, I thought it was just friendly bickering when we both started as senior associates at Hogan-Ballard Law Group, but as time passed and the competition became more fierce for who would make partner, what started as playful banter morphed into pointed jabs and sarcastic remarks.

It seemed like he had an agenda to get under my skin with the way he deliberately pushed all the right buttons. He was a master at it, and would often do it until I could no longer ignore him and had to respond. He always had something to say after my presentations—all negative critiques—and of course he just had to take his lunch breaks at the same time I did in the break room. I couldn’t have a moment’s peace to simply enjoy a meal without having to wonder what shitty comment he’d say to rile me up. And what ticked me off the most? His passing comments on my outfits:

“Brown looks better on you.”

“Oh, the color of your belt should match your shoes, Spencer.”

“I think you should try tailored suits instead of just buying from a shop, Spencer.”

I remember my response, too. A very classy, “No one asked for your damn opinion!”

Okay.

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