How did I not know this?
 
 I know she’s been flirting with me during our exchanges. After all of that, how did I not know she’s seeing someone?
 
 “You have a boyfriend?” I ask, my voice comes out more gruff than intended.
 
 “No, not a boyfriend.” Her gaze skitters away from mine, nervously as she smooths a hand down her hip. “But there is someone who I’m interested in.”
 
 My heart calms because surely she’s talking about me. Well, the other me. Fuck, this is confusing. I reach into my pocket and pull out a card. I’ve been handing cards out all evening, but all of them have been my VP of Development’s and not mine. This one, however is mine.
 
 “Here.” I hold it out to her. “If you change your mind, call me. I’d love to take you out.”
 
 She takes the card and nods. “Thank you. I should probably return to the party before my friend sends out warning flares.”
 
 I chuckle and step away from her. “Have a good evening, Paisley.”
 
 “You too, Ezra.”
 
 I wait until she walks back into the atrium before I turn back to Jefferson and Molly. I glare at him. “Not a single word.”
 
 He holds his hands up in innocence.
 
 “She obviously liked you,” Molly said.
 
 “She turned me down.”
 
 “What did she say?”
 
 So I replay the story.
 
 Molly doesn’t seem the least bit discouraged, but says brightly, “No, she just found your alter-ego first. She’s going to be thrilled when she figures out you’re the same person.” Molly squeals and jumps up and down and nearly trips on her own foot. She’s a walking disaster, but Jefferson gently grabs her and steadies her.
 
 They’re so adorable together, so well-matched, it almost hurts to look at them. For so many years, Jefferson was distrustful and lonely. With Molly, he’s a totally different man
 
 That’s what I want. What my friend has. My other half. Someone I can take care of and spoil and who will take care of me in return.
 
 chapterfourteen
 
 Paisley
 
 @TheZMan: So how did it go tonight?
 
 I can’t stop the smile that spreads when I see his message l light up my phone. I had planned to message him as soon as I got home, but I’m barely in the ride-share when I get his question.
 
 @PsychedelicAlmond: Were you there?
 
 @TheZMan: I had a work event tonight.
 
 @PsychedelicAlmond: But you work there.
 
 @TheZMan: Business meeting with a friend.
 
 @PsychedelicAlmond: It went well. Great food. Free booze. Met your boss.
 
 @TheZMan: Oh yeah? How did that go?
 
 @PsychedelicAlmond: Better than I expected. I thought he’d be arrogant and boorish, but he was perfectly lovely.
 
 @TheZMan: