Eastern Lights (Compass 2)

I blinked a few times, not knowing what to say.

She blinked a few times, giving me the most uncomfortable smile.

I began to shift papers around my desk. “Well, I actually have a lot of work to get—”

“Can you put in a good word?” she spat out.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“A good word, for Jason. Can you tell Aaliyah that he made a mistake and wants her back? Because he does, he does want her back.”

That wasn’t what he’d expressed on the day Aaliyah moved out of his penthouse.

“Uh, I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to get involved in other people’s issues.”

“Right, of course. I get that. But, if you could just sell the idea of them getting back together, it would make the whole situation much easier. You’re a trustworthy person, Connor. People value your opinion.”

“I’m not really comfortable doing that. I’m sorry, Marie.”

A flash of irritation hit her eyes before she forcefully delivered a smile. A fake, big grin that was only hiding the anger behind her stare. I knew she was upset about the break up, but she seemed to be taking the over-involved mother role a bit too far.

She stood up from her desk, walked over to me, and patted her hand against mine. “Just think about it, will you? I’m sure once you give it time, you’ll see that it’s the right choice for you to vouch for Jason.”

How about absolutely fucking not?

I pushed out a smile, she probably knew it wasn’t sincere, but at that point I didn’t care. “Well, you have a good day, Marie. Thanks again for the cookies.”

“You’re more than welcome, sweetheart. Now you take care.” She pushed her purse up on her shoulder and as she began to walk away, she turned back to me. “Oh, and I heard about your finding a new place for your passion project with Walter. Good for you never giving up on your little dream.” She flashed a big grin. “I hope it works out this time. It would be a shame if this one fell through like all the others.”

She left the room, leaving a lingering unease behind. Did she…? Did she just threaten me somehow with a big smile on her face? No. Marie wouldn’t do that. She was sweet as pie. Sweet as those damn cookies she brought me. Although, the way she spoke about my low-income apartments made it feel…dirty.

I tried my best to shake off the feeling, thinking she was nothing more than a depressed mother who’d lost the future of having an amazing daughter-in-law. I’d be crazy, too, if I lost Aaliyah.

Before I could fully analyze the situation with Marie, Damian came walking into my office.

“Hey,” he nodded once before taking a seat across from me. “Aaliyah’s going to Kentucky with you?”

“How did you know?”

“Your mom just texted me in full-blown glee.”

Damian and my mother were the best of friends. He hated almost everyone else in the world, except for my Mom and me. They probably talked more than I did.

“Yeah. I figured it’s a good opportunity for the article. For her to see where I came from.”

He blinked a few times, then said, “Okay.”

I arched an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“All I said was okay.”

“Yeah, but you said it in a very non-okay way.”

“I just think it’s weird that you’re pretending to bring her down there for work, when really, you just want to bring her to your hometown.”

I snickered. “What?”

“Never mind. I think it’s great you’re bringing her.”

I arched an eyebrow. “You do?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s it? That’s all you have to say?”

“What do you want me to say?”

“You’re the grave digger. You find out crap about everyone, and you’ve met Aaliyah a few times now, so, I kind of want to know your thoughts on her.”

“Why do my thoughts matter? I’m not the one being interviewed by her.”

“Yeah, but you’re my person.”

“Don’t be weird, Connor.”

“I mean it. Your opinion matters to me, Damian. Honestly, I should’ve listened to you about Rose and a few other employees in the past. So if there’s something about Aaliyah that I should—”

“You like her.”

“What?”

“You have feelings for her. You’ve made it pretty obvious from the jump, but you’ve been too damn scared to admit it because you are terrified of commitment. Even so, you set yourself up to have this woman in your life because you don’t like the idea of her not being around. Exhibit A: You agree to do an interview. Exhibit B: You ask her to move in with you. Exhibit C: She’s coming to your hometown to meet your mother.”

“She’ll be meeting other people, too,” I urged.

Damian rolled his eyes. “You’re basically fucking her without fucking her.”

“What? No. We’re just buddies. Pals. Roommates. That’s it.”

Oh, the lies we told ourselves on the daily.

“Whatever makes this easier for you, champ. Although, you could admit your true feelings for her and see where they’d take you. But alas, you’re too chickenshit. Here I was, thinking I was the messed-up one who needed therapy, but I guess even millionaires like you have some trauma, too.”