Page 17 of My CEO Neighbor
"Maybe that's because you're not who I thought you were."
"Who did you think I was?"
"Someone who had life figured out.Someone who never doubted herself or stayed awake at night wondering if she was making the right choices."
Monica laughed softly, the sound intimate in the darkness."I stayed awake until three last night wondering if I should raise my class prices or if that would price out the students who actually need yoga most."
"And what did you decide?"
"That some problems don't have perfect solutions."
"Now you tell me."
They were both quiet for a moment, and Monica became aware that they'd somehow shifted closer to each other during their conversation.
"For what it's worth, I think you're going to be fine.With or without Dexter Capital."
"How can you possibly know that?"
"Because anyone who cares as much as you do doesn't just give up.You'll find another way."
"And if I don't?"
"Then you'll find something else worth caring about."
Ted was quiet for a long moment.Then: "Is that what happened to you?"
"Yeah," Monica said."I think it is."
The silence that followed felt different from the ones before—not awkward or charged, but comfortable.Like they'd reached some kind of understanding that didn't require words.
Then Ted's phone buzzed.
They both jumped, and Ted fumbled for the device, the sudden light harsh after so much darkness.
"Battery's at five percent," Ted said, squinting at the screen."And I've got one bar of service."
"Call someone."
"Who?My assistant already knows where I am, and there's nothing anyone can do until the power comes back."
"Call someone who'll worry about you."
Ted stared at his phone, and Monica saw that maybe there wasn't anyone who would worry about him beyond a professional capacity.The expression was so vulnerable, so lonely, that it made Monica ache.
How long had it been since someone had worried about her?Really worried, not just professional courtesy but genuine concern for her wellbeing?
"You know what," Ted said, switching off the phone, "let's save it.In case there's a real emergency."
The darkness returned, and Monica felt the intimacy settle around them again like a blanket.
"Thank you.For the breathing thing.And for talking."
"You're welcome."
"I'm not usually good at talking."
"You're better at it than you think."
