Page 53 of Silver Fake

"Not bad, just exhausting," Melissa replies, rubbing her temples. "Do you want to go grab lattes? I could use a caffeine boost right about now."

A grateful smile spreads across my face. "A latte sounds perfect. I could definitely use a break from staring at this screen." I press send on one last email and shut down my computer. "Lead the way, I'm ready for some caffeine."

We both grab our bags and head out of the office, walking towards the small coffee shop around the corner. The sun is still shining, and the warmth on my skin feels like a relief from the air-conditioned office.

As we step into the coffee shop, I notice the familiar and welcoming smell of freshly brewed coffee. The walls are decorated with bookshelves, filled to the brim with novels and coffee table books. We take a seat at a small table in the corner, and I order my usual latte, while Melissa opts for a cappuccino.

Once we have our drinks, Melissa looks at me with a curious expression. "So, tell me. How are things with you and John?"

I feel my face heat up at the mention of his name. "What do you mean?"

"Well," Melissa starts, stirring her cappuccino thoughtfully, "the last time we talked about it, the two of you were supposed to be ending your little... arrangement after Angela's wedding." She pauses, looking at me with a playful glint in her eyes. "But, based on the way you two have been tiptoeing around each other, and considering how late John was for his meeting this morning...I'm guessing that didn't happen?"

Busted.

I let out a heavy sigh. "Okay, fine. Things are actually really great with John. We didn't break things off after the wedding as planned. We've been seeing each other in secret."

Melissa's smirk is triumphant as she leans back in her chair.

"I knew it!" she exclaims, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I could tell something was up. You two have been practically dancing around each other for weeks. Honestly, it's been entertaining to watch." She takes a sip of her cappuccino, her grin never leaving her face.

I can't help the cheesy grin that spreads across my face. "Things have been so great," I confess, my eyes dropping to my still-steaming latte. "John is kind and attentive. So different from the grump he used to be." I take a sip of my drink, the warmth spreading through me. "The only downside is having to keep it a secret. It feels wrong, and I hate lying. I feel so guilty about it."

Melissa reaches across the table to squeeze my hand supportively.

"Don't beat yourself up over this," she says, her voice gentle and understanding, "You can't help who you're attracted to. And as for the secrecy...well, I think the firm's policy is rather outdated, don't you? This isn't the dark ages, after all." She releases my hand to take a sip of her cappuccino. "I'm certain that if push comes to shove, the partners would make an exception. They'd be foolish not to."

"I appreciate your support, Melissa," I begin, my voice wavering slightly, "but I'm not sure if I'm ready to put John in that position yet. It's a lot to ask of him."

Melissa gives me an understanding smile. "I get it," she replies gently. "And you're right. It's crucial that both of you take things one step at a time. But in the meantime, don't worry," she adds with a wink, "your secret's still safe with me."

I breathe out a sigh of relief. "Thank you. Truly." I pause, deciding it's time to change the subject. "So, enough about me," I say, mustering a playful smile. "How did your date go?"

At the mention of her date, Melissa rolls her eyes dramatically.

"Oh, he was just another finance jerk. All he wanted to talk about was his stocks and investments. It was so boring," she laments, taking a sip of her cappuccino. "Why is it so hard to find a decent man at our age who isn't obsessed with money or their job?"

I chuckle, shaking my head as I respond. "Melissa, I'm probably the last person who should be giving advice about dating. I mean, I'm secretly dating my boss."

Melissa laughs, shaking her head as she cradles her coffee cup. "Well, at least your secret boss boyfriend is a good guy. The man I went out with last night? I'm not even sure he knew my name by the end of the evening," she shares, her tone half-exasperated, half-amused. "Good guys are few and far between, so hold on to John. For all his grumpiness, he treats you well, and that's what matters most."

"But you have met some good guys," I point out, setting my empty cup down on the table.

My mind flashes to a memory of a conversation we had several months ago.

“Hey, what ever happened to that guy you went to high school with? You know the one who confessed that he had a secret crush on you all those years ago?"

Melissa quirks an eyebrow at me. “Who?"

"You know," I reply, my eyes narrowing in thought. "The one who became a pro-athlete. Didn't he invite you to the basketball game where he retired or something?"

At my words, Melissa bursts out laughing so loud that other customers glance over at us.

"Oh, you mean Bash?" she gasps out between fits of laughter. "He played baseball, not basketball. And I definitely didn't go to his game.”

A sudden realization hits me.

"Wait," I say slowly, my voice filled with disbelief, "Bash? As in Bash Cooper?"

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