Eastern Lights (Compass 2)

I shoved them toward him a bit too aggressively until he took them from my hold.

He leaned in and smelled the roses. “I gotta say, I’ve never had someone give me flowers. I’m not sure I have a vase for them.”

“I didn’t think of that. I should’ve gotten a vase. If you want, I can run down to—” I started to get up, but he held up a hand.

“No, it’s fine. I’ll have one of my assistants pick it up. Thank you for the gesture, though I’m not sure I know why you’re bringing this stuff.”

“Well, you did put up with me on Saturday. The least I can do is bring you a gift after wasting your time. I know how important time is, and I make it a habit to try not to waste it, and well, once time is gone, you can’t get it back, so I was thinking, well—”

“Aaliyah.”

“Yes?”

“You’re rambling.”

“I know, sorry.” I began wiping my hands on my thighs because when I was anxious, sweaty palms were a given. I’d have bet my armpits were currently creating impressive pit stains, too. “I’m dealing with a new set of nerves.”

“No need for the nerves. We haven’t been nervous around each other since the first time we met. We shouldn’t start now.”

Easy for you to say—you aren’t about to make a crazy request.

He continued. “Honestly, you didn’t have to bring me anything. You’ve never been a waste of time in my life.”

He was being too kind because I knew the level of destruction I’d been. Though, Connor wasn’t the type to throw that fact in my face, which I was thankful for. We stood there smiling at one another for a minute, and I was probably cheesing like a fool trying to push out the words that had to come out of my mouth next.

“Okay, that’s not the only reason I came here with gifts,” I confessed. “Oh gosh, is it hot in here?” I began tugging on the top of my blouse, trying to air out my nerves.

Connor raised an eyebrow. “The air is on.” He reached toward his phone and paused. “I can call for my assistant to bring you water, though.”

“No, no. It’s fine. I’m just on the brink of a breakdown, no big deal. But that does lead me to what I need to talk to you about. Or more so, ask you about.”

“Oh?”

I clasped my hands and set them in my lap. “I was hoping I could interview you.”

Inquisitiveness filled his stare. “Interview me?”

“Yes. I know this sounds crazy, but I work for Passion Magazine. Well, I did work for Passion Magazine. I put in my two weeks’ notice before the wedding since I was planning on moving out to California with Jason, and well, now…” My words faded as my brain began to recall why I was in this situation and why I was seconds away from begging Connor to help me.

I cleared my throat and blinked a few times, forcing out a smile as I continued to talk. “I went to try to get my job back yesterday, and I guess my boss saw you at the ceremony hall. I don’t know if you know it, but you are a hot commodity in the media sphere, and so many people are interested in getting an exclusive interview with you.” The more I talked, the more the light evaporated from Connor’s eyes. “Straight to the point, my former boss said I can get my job back if I’m able to convince you to do an exclusive interview with Passion by this Friday.”

At this point, he was completely grimacing as he sat on the edge of the desk. His legs were stretched in front of him with his ankles crossed. His hands slid into his pockets, and the frown only deepened as he realized what I was proposing.

“I’m sorry, Aaliyah, I don’t really take on interviews.”

“I completely understand, but at Passion, we aren’t the everyday interviewers. We take pride in showcasing our clients in the best light and using our words to inspire others who have enough nerve to dream big. I spent the night researching you and your story—at least the parts that are public knowledge—and I do believe what you’ve done is quite remarkable. I think many could benefit from knowing your full story, or at least as much as you are willing to share.”

He scratched at the well-kempt scruff on his face. “I hear you, but I’m sorry. I think it’s important to hold on to some privacy in one’s life, and once you invite the media in, things can get twisted and messy. I’m not looking to add any more mess to my life. I just want to do good, even if it’s in private.”

Just like that, my already shattered heart began to crumble even more. I hadn’t known the pieces to break into smaller shards, yet here I was, heartbroken and pained.