Page 214 of New York Love Stories: Vol. 1

Breathe in. Breathe out.

Oh no, not here.“I need to go.” I rush back to the bank of elevators and hop on one that was just about to close.

As soon as I’m deposited back in CWM, I rush to the office, the one I won’t name. I open the door and am hit with his scent again. Pain sinks as I go to get the ivy. I’m not leaving it here any longer.

I only make it to the doorway before I see Mary staring at me. I take control of my emotions again, cuddle the plant to my stomach, and raise my chin. “I’m taking it with me.”

She nods.

And just when I’m about to pass her desk, she says, “If you ever need anyone to talk to, it will stay between us.”

My lip wobbles, but I nod, taking my broken heart and the plant to my desk.

I finally found the perfect spot for the ivy on the table in the waiting area. At least until I take it home later. “Hi, Juni, how’s it going?” Nick asks.

Gesturing to the microphone on the headset I’m wearing, I mouth, “Sorry. Got a call.”

Leaning over the counter, he points at the phone on the desk. “No lights.”

“Dammit.”

He rests his arms on the counter like he’s going to stay a while. “Nice try. Are you avoiding me?”

Am I avoiding him and every other human with the last name of Christiansen? It’s probably a safe bet, but he’s still one of the company owners, which makes it hard to figure out how to play this hand. Mental gymnastics are rough when your heart is yelling louder. “Honestly?”

“Honestly.”

“Yes.”

He smiles, earning the Christiansen name. I blame Cookie for her sons’ good looks. Of course, I haven’t met Corbin yet.Yet?Probably never.Definitely never.“I want to make sure you’re okay.”

“I’m good. I’m fine.”

He’s staring at me, and when I realize why, I snap, “Drew doesn’t own that phrase. Anyone can use it.”

Maybe it’s my bite on the last comment, but he takes a step back. “Absolutely, use away.” He taps the counter, and I think it’s the first time I’ve seen him nervous. “He didn’t go willingly.”

“He still went.” I stand, disconnecting my headset, ready to finish my coffee in the break room.

“One of us had to. Natalie’s job is here?—”

“I appreciate the effort, Nick, but there was no compromise or talk of a long-distance relationship.” I swallow hard, the pain of him leaving me still stuck in my throat. “He told me what he was doing, and then he left.”

“I heard a different version. I’m not here to defend my brother, but?—”

“But you’re here to defend him?”

“Pretty much. He likes you, Juni, and I know he can be a real grumpy asshole. But you know he’s all heart on the inside. He’d do anything for his family and friends. I know he’d do anything he can if you asked him.”

“Except stay.”

Straightening upright, he looks down with a laugh, but it lacks its usual joyous sound. “I know you’re hurt and mad, but I’m asking you to hold off judgment until you two can talk things through.”

I’m getting it from all sides today, it seems. “We’re not communicating at all. That’s how breakups work.”

“That’s too bad.”

“It is, but that’s reality.”

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