Page 53 of About That One Night
“Yep. Ethan, you, and I have to leave. Liam is arranging the transportation for us,” Caleb explains urgently.
Max’s reluctance is palpable. “Okay, let’s go.” He hesitates, looking at me as if he’s about to kiss me but then thinks better of it. Instead, he offers a small, regretful smile. “Goodbye, Zoe.”
I watch as he jogs off with Caleb, a mix of disappointment and understanding settling in my chest. As they disappear into the distance, I take a deep breath, letting the soothing sounds of the ocean wash over me once more.
This is a good way to end whatever happenedbetween us, I think. Once we’re back in Boston, we’ll have to make new rules because this has to be over.
Over, I repeat to myself, but somehow the word feels like a lie, and I don’t like that one bit. As I stand alone on the beach, I can’t shake the feeling that this isn’t really the end, but perhaps the beginning of something I’m not quite ready to face.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Zoe
“Well,that was a short, exhausting, and yet amazing wedding-vacation,” I say as I step into my studio apartment and drop my bags by the door with a heavy sigh. The familiar scent of home washes over me—a mix of my favorite candle and the faint mustiness that never quite goes away in this old building. It’s just temporary, though. Once I get my brownstone back, I’ll remodel and move there.
My stomach churns asI think about all the changes I’m about to make in my life. Quitting my job is going to be the hardest part. I work long hours, but the benefits are great. Like good health insurance and paid vacations that I won’t get once I’m my own boss.
I gulp, realizing the magnitude of everything that’s going to happen within the next year. Thankfully, I have my savings and lots of experience.
It’s going to be okay, Zoe. Totally fine.
Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I turn my attention to my surroundings. My eyes roam over the sparse furnishings, taking inventory. The basics are here—a couch, a small dining table, a bed. But the room still feels empty, unfinished. I know I could fix it with a shopping spree, but I push away the thought. Every penny needs to go into savings right now. For the future—my firm, and maybe even a family . . . someday.
It’s just a matter of finding a guy who can be a thousand times better than Max inside and outside the bedroom. Though we were only confined to a room—however, something tells me that he would’ve had sex anywhere and everywhere if needed. Even the beach, if Caleb hadn’t suddenly interrupted us because there was some kind of work emergency. Wait, why am I comparing men to Maximillian McCallister? I only spent a night with him.
One very well-lived night.
Okay, it was more than the one night. We’d been playing for days and that was just the . . . I shake my head, trying to physically dislodge the thought of him that keeps intruding. Max. It was a magicalnight, yes. The stuff of fantasies. But that’s all it was—a fantasy. Define it as a break from reality in a tropical setting where make-believe took place and now it’s over. Something about the pristine beaches and lush jungles of Fiji made anything seem possible. Now, back in reality, I need to focus on what’s important.
My career. My goals. Me.
I’m startled out of my thoughts by my phone vibrating insistently in my pocket. Suppressing a groan, I fish it out and glance at the screen. Work. Of course. It’s like they can sense my presence and are ready to reel me back to their dungeon.
“Hello?” My voice sounds tired even to my own ears.
“Zoe, hi. Welcome back to Boston. How was the wedding?” Lora’s high-pitched voice comes through the other end.
“Oh, um, lovely. Really lovely,” I say, somehow surprised by her question. When she doesn’t say anything, I continue as I settle onto the couch, kicking off my sandals. “Fiji is beautiful. I highly recommend it. But I’m sure you didn’t call me for that. What’s up? Please don’t tell me there’s some emergency . . .”
As I brace myself for whatever work-related crisis Lora might throw at me, I can’t help but feel a mix of anticipation and dread. The real world is calling, and it’s time to face the changes I’ve set in motion.
“No, no emergency. Just wanted to check in about the Endicott file. Think you can tackle it this week?” Lora asks, a hopeful edge to her tone. “I know you’re still on vacation, but we really need that done ASAP.”
I rub my temple. Usually, I’d jump at the chance to take the lead on a major client. But right now . . .
“Actually, Lora, I don’t think I can do it this week. There’s?—”
“But it has to be done ASAP, Zoe. Is everything okay? Should we call a doctor for you?” Lora cuts me off, the urgency in her voice making me want to jump out of my skin. But the gaslighting, that makes me want to yell at her—which I won’t though. “If not, just know that we really need you. It’s not like we can just tell the client we need more time when things are time sensitive. If anything, you can do it from home—since it’s your time off.”
“Yeah, no, I’m fine. Just . . . jet lagged.” I force a smile, trying to make my voice sound pleasant on the other end of the line.
“If you’re well, then I don’t see the problem,” she says with a sweet, cunning voice.
Ugh, I better say yes before I end up on her blacklist. “Never mind. I’ll take the Endicott case. No problem.”
“Great. That’s great. I’ll send over the files. Oh, and Zoe? It’s good to have you back.”
I want to screambut I’m not back, though I can’t. I need to keep my cool and hope that this week’s work is paid because. Maybe it’ll be best if I just show up at the office. I just need a gallon of coffee and a shower; it’ll be fine.
