Heart Shaped Spotlight

They left the break room as I stirred a little milk into my mug. It was nice to be appreciated, and it was also rather nice that people seemed more comfortable speaking with me. I knew that I had put up a bit of a shield in the beginning, when I met so many people at once that I could barely keep track. Everything about my job was just becoming easier and smoother.

At least one major part of my life was becoming more comfortable. I went back to my desk to organize some notes and look at what had to be done this week. There was so much that it was frustrating. I closed my eyes and took a slow breath while deciding which list to tackle first.

“Hey, Trisha? Are you okay?”

My eyes snapped open to see Gary standing in my doorway. He was absolutely grinning, a very rare sight. “Warren actually called to thank me for lending you out. Everyone’s buzzing about our two stations sharing the live streams, and collaborating on shows.”

I couldn’t disguise my heavy sigh. “I was great until I ca

me back to this mess.”

His face fell. “What mess?”

“Kim started a new gossip website, and stole people’s social media photos of Nate Roberts and I.”

His jaw fell open.

“Look, I know she’s your family,” I continued, “But that’s horrible behavior. Absolutely unforgivable. It’s bad enough that she reposted photos that weren’t hers, with information she didn’t have rights to and might not even be true. But to do that to a coworker? Honestly, if she stays here, I’m going to have to look for another position.”

I couldn’t believe that I’d dropped that so casually.

“Shit,” he muttered. His jaw clenched. “Fuck it. That’s the last straw from that lazy bitch. Daniel might be furious that I’m firing his daughter, but his wife will bring him around.”

His hand landed heavily on my shoulder as he met my eyes. “Trisha, I’m really sorry about this. Having her invade your privacy is a lousy thing to do to anyone, much less someone who is supposed to be on your team. She’ll be gone within half an hour. Do you want to go home for the day, just to shake it off?”

“No, thanks. I’d like to be left alone to organize my office, if that’s okay.”

“Whatever you need. And thanks again for a great job in Vancouver. Warren was thrilled.”

As I shuffled through my day, I noticed that people were saying hello to me in the hallways properly, not just nodding. They were asking if I had a moment before barging into my office. It was as if they finally realized that I was worthy of respect.

It was a very alien feeling, but I had to admit, it was amazing. It certainly helped take the edge off my mood.

Until I thought of Nate, suddenly making my stomach lurch every time I didn’t stay distracted. I’d broken up with the only man I’d ever loved. I knew it was the right thing to do, but it was sickening. We were so close to being a good team. If I could unclench a little, and Nate could stick his head into the real world where things don’t always work out, there would be a chance for us.

I’d been working on unclenching for years, and was actually improving a lot. But Nate seemed to be exactly the same. He was going to have to accept that things change, people change, and it was over.

Chapter Twenty Two ~ Nate

* Beige Carpet *

Bones are lead. Skin is ice. Heart can barely bring itself to beat.

Lying facedown on the beige carpet, I thought about how many dirty pairs of shoes have trod across this surface and wished they could walk over me now. At least that would allow me to feel something.

Time was frozen, or hours had passed. I didn’t know. A knock at the door made me grunt, but I couldn't form words.

“Jesus Christ,” Dave muttered as he walked in. “What happened?”

“I can’t…” My voice cracked like an amateur at karaoke.

“Dammit,” he said quietly.

There’s a strange thud, and I opened my eyes to see him sitting cross-legged beside me. His hand was heavy on the back of my shoulder. “Are you hurt?”

Forcing my lungs to move, I mumbled, “Not physically.”

There was a little speck of dirt about three inches from my nose that I was pretty sure had more life in it than I did. I didn’t have the focus to explain that to Dave.