Page 57 of Worth the Fall

Back in my office, I sit at my desk, the stack of paperwork in front of me untouched. I’m staring at the screen of my laptop, but the words on the report I’m supposed to be reviewing might as well be in another language. My conversation with Austin keeps replaying in my head, and no matter how much I tell myself to let it go, it sticks.

I sigh, rubbing a hand over my face, trying to shake off the unease. This isn’t me. I’m not the guy who second-guesses everything. But with Mia, it feels different—bigger, more important.

A knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts.

"Afternoon caffeine dose?" Tarryn pokes her head in, her usual bright smile firmly in place.

I chuckle, leaning back in my chair. "That obvious, huh?"

"You’ve been staring at that screen like it owes you money," she says, stepping into the office with a cup of coffee in hand.

"Wait," I say, eyeing the cup. "It’s already ready to go?"

She grins. "I know how parents of young kids struggle. I’m the oldest of four—I basically helped raise my siblings. Coffee was a survival tool by the time I was ten."

I laugh, shaking my head as I take the cup from her. "Thanks, Tarryn. You’re a lifesaver."

"Anytime," she says, giving me a mock salute before exiting my office and disappearing back down the hall.

I take a sip, the warmth and caffeine jolting me slightly back to life. Setting the cup down, I grab my phone and scroll through my contacts until I land on Celine’s name.

If Mia’s going to spend time with Felicity—and I know she will—it’s time for Celine to meet her.

The phone rings twice before she picks up.

"This is Celine," she says, her voice sharp and to the point, like always.

"Hey, it’s me," I say.

"Is everything alright with Felicity?" she asks immediately, concern creeping into her tone.

"Everything’s fine," I assure her. "Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something."

"Go on," she says, though I can tell she’s already suspicious.

"I think it’s time for you to meet Mia," I say, keeping my tone casual.

There’s a pause, followed by a sharp exhale. "Meet her?"

"Yeah," I say, leaning back in my chair. "You know, officially. She’s been spending time with Felicity, and things are getting serious between us. I think it’s the right thing to do."

"It’s that serious?" she asks, her tone carrying a mix of surprise and curiosity.

"It is," I say simply.

There’s another pause, then she sighs. "Well, if she’s going to be around Felicity, then yes, I think we should meet. Make a dinner reservation for us—Morton’s, tonight."

I raise a brow, chuckling under my breath. "Morton’s, huh? You don’t waste time."

"Why would I?" she replies smoothly. "Text me the details once it’s set. I’ll see you tonight."

Before I can say anything else, she hangs up.

I sit there for a moment, staring at my phone before shaking my head with a laugh. She hasn’t changed a bit—still as bossy as ever, though somehow less irritating now that I’m not married to her.

Picking up the phone again, I call Morton’s and make the reservation. The hostess confirms the time, and I jot it down before hanging up.

Then I text Mia.

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