The Truce (London Suits 1)

We both dropped each other’s hands as if we’d been burned.

Suffocating silence filled the small space.

“Right,” he said. “See you around the office.” He strode out of the doorway without a backward glance.

Making notes as Ethan brought us up to date during the usual Monday morning catch-up meeting, I glanced over at Luke to find him staring at me. He lowered his gaze as soon as he noticed me looking, and I sighed. This was so much harder than I thought it would be. During the course of the meeting, I tried so hard not to look, but my eyes constantly strayed towards his. Every time I looked in his direction, I’d catch him staring at me, and every time, he’d immediately look away.

“What was all that about?” Eddie wheeled his chair over to my desk, speaking in a low voice.

“All what?”

“That. In the meeting. You couldn’t keep your eyes off each other. And I know I wasn’t the only one to notice.”

I sighed, fiddling with my computer mouse. “Look, you know I still love him. I don’t know why he was looking at me, but the important thing is that we got through the entire morning without an argument, without animosity. Yeah, it was awkward, but the first hurdle has been crossed. Things can only improve from here, right?”

He eyed me with concern. “Alright. Are you okay, though, babes?”

“I’m fine. I will be fine.”

“Liv, can I see you in my office, please?” Ethan’s voice came from behind me, making me jump.

“You scared me.” I placed my hand over my racing heart and stared up at him. “Yes, of course.” I followed him to his office and sat down.

“I just wanted to touch base with you. How are you doing?”

“Why does everyone keep asking me that?” I muttered. “Thanks for your concern. I honestly do appreciate it, but all I want is to move on and get back to normal. Can we pretend that nothing ever happened?” My gaze was pleading as my eyes met his.

He leaned forwards in his chair, his brow furrowed. “I saw the way you two were looking at each other in the meeting today. It’s clear to me that there are still unresolved issues between you.”

“Ethan, I love him still. You know that. As for him—my guess is that he feels a sense of guilt towards me. I don’t know. Please can we stop talking about it and move forwards? The last few weeks have been a nightmare for me. I’m finally starting to feel better about everything, and I’d like to get on with my life.”

“If that’s what you want.” He slumped back in his seat, defeated.

“Avery!” I grinned as my friend raced over to me, throwing her arms around me in a hug.

“Look at you.” She held me at arm’s length, staring at me. “You look so much better. You’ve got a sparkle in your eyes again.”

“I feel better. Now, are you ready for the best Saturday night of your year?”

“So ready. And I love you for planning this.”

Exiting the Tube station at Covent Garden, we ducked and weaved through the crowds of tourists and Londoners as we made our way towards the Lyceum Theatre. I’d surprised Avery with tickets to see The Lion King to show my gratitude for her being there for me during the fallout with Luke. I’d also surprised Eddie and George with a treat—they were currently on their way to see Eddie’s favourite comedian perform during his sell-out tour. Those tickets had been almost impossible to get, but I was nothing if not determined, and it had paid off. I owed my friends so much. They’d been there to pick up the pieces and hadn’t hesitated to stand behind me through everything that had happened with Luke.

Sitting in the huge auditorium, waiting for the show to begin, I turned to Avery.

“What’s Ethan up to tonight, being left to his own devices?”

She twisted her hands together, not looking at me. “Uh, I think he’s having a boys’ night in with Alex and, uh, Luke.”

“Aves, you don’t need to worry about mentioning Luke in front of me. It’s okay, I promise.” I reached out and grabbed her hand, squeezing it. “I’ve managed to survive the last week of working with him just fine. I think I can cope with you mentioning his name.”

“Okay. I want you to know that I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks.” I smiled at my best friend.

“How has it been at work this week, anyway? I feel like I haven’t really had a chance to speak to you about it.”

I contemplated her question as I reached into my bag and turned my phone off in preparation for the show. “Well, we haven’t spoken much. There was one weird moment, though…”