Page 35 of Worth the Fall

"You’re distracted," Hector says, leaning back against the counter as he takes a swig of his beer. We’re at hisplace, the sound of a baseball game playing on the TV in the background.

"Work’s been busy," I reply, but he gives me a knowing look.

"Work’s always busy. What’s going on?"

I hesitate, swirling the beer in my bottle. "It’s Mia."

"Mia," he repeats, raising an eyebrow. "The one Felicity won’t stop talking about?"

I nod, setting the bottle down on the counter. "She’s… amazing. Smart, funny, great with Felicity. But I don’t know if I’m ready to let someone in again. And I don’t know if she is, either."

Hector studies me for a moment before setting his beer down. "Look, you’ve been through hell. But if this woman makes you happy, and she’s good with Felicity, don’t overthink it. Just take it one day at a time."

His words settle something in my chest, and I nod slowly. "Thanks, man."

"That’s what I’m here for," he says, clapping me on the shoulder. "Now, let’s see if the Cubs can actually win a game for once."

CHAPTER 7

Mia

Cameron watches me as I slide into the chair across from him, his gaze steady in that unnervingly serene way he’s adopted lately. His man bun is tighter today, which only accentuates the soft fabric of his loose linen shirt and the beads on his wrist. I have to remind myself that this is the same man who used to mock me for carrying crystals in my purse for "good vibes."

"You look radiant, Mia," he says, leaning forward with his hands clasped together. "I can feel your energy is lighter today. Jasmine says that when the energy of the universe aligns?—"

"Cameron," I interrupt, pulling out my iPad, "can we just talk about the contract?"

He blinks, then nods, pulling out a folder as if I’ve shattered the moment he was carefully crafting. "Of course. Here’s the latest draft. I read through it like you suggested, and?—"

"You missed another loophole," I cut in, already scrolling to the section I flagged last night. "Clause 4.3. It undermines the entire noncompete agreement. I wrote notes for you, but you need to bring this to your new counsel for final review."

His face softens into that infuriatingly calm expression. "This is why I need you, Mia. You’re brilliant. You catch these things."

I set the iPad on the table, closing my eyes for a brief moment to summon patience. "Cameron, I can’t keep being your lawyer."

He leans back, his brows knitting together. "Why not? You’re the best. And we’ve done this for years—it’s comfortable."

I snap the iPad case shut. "Comfortable for who? You dumped me, Cameron. You don’t think it’s weird that I’m still cleaning up your legal messes?"

He opens his mouth, then closes it, like he doesn’t quite know what to say. "I didn’t mean it like that."

"Then how did you mean it?" My voice rises before I can rein it in. "Because from where I’m sitting, it feels like you think I should just… what? Pretend like the past twelve years didn’t happen?"

His jaw tightens, and for a moment, the peaceful facade cracks. "That’s not fair."

"No," I snap, "what’s not fair is asking your ex—the one you blindsided, by the way—to be your lawyer. It’s not my job to make you feel better about your decisions, Cameron."

His expression shifts, guilt flickering across his features. He reaches across the table, his hand settling on mine. "I’m sorry, Mia. For everything."

I pull my hand back, folding it tightly in my lap. "I appreciate the apology, but it doesn’t change anything. I can’t do this anymore."

He’s quiet for a moment, then says, "I really think Jasmine could help you. She’s incredible at clearing emotional blockages."

I stare at him, my pulse spiking. "Do you hear yourself? You broke up with me, and now you’re telling me I need emotional cleansing?"

His eyes widen, and I can see him scrambling to backtrack. "That’s not what I mean?—"

"Yes, it is," I say, my voice hardening. "Just because you weren’t happy with me, doesn’t mean I’m not happy with myself."

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