Page 27 of Everything She Wanted

“Oh my gosh, I’m sorry.” I look at the shards sprinkled on the kitchen floor and reach down to pick up the biggest pieces. “Fuck,” escapes my mouth as I cut myself.

Nick bends down and pulls me up by the shoulders. It’s so comforting, I want to step into his embrace. “Let me,” he says softly. He gives my shoulders a squeeze before letting go.

He steps over the glass and grabs a paper towel from the counter, wrapping my palm gently. I should feel pain, but all I can sense is the way his hands feel on mine.

“Thanks,” I say with a small smile.

“I’ll clean up the rest.” I nod and watch him as he cleans up my mess.

“How’s your hand?” he asks when he’s finished.

“Better now.”

He holds my gaze, and I can see a furrow forming between his brows. “Everything okay?”

He gives me a look that penetrates my well-constructed barriers, and it’s like he sees everything: the anger, sadness, and exhaustion. I just hope he can’t sense the guilt and shame, too.

“Just tired. It’s been a long day.” I play it off. I always do. “I have a marketing plan I need to finish and send off for tomorrow.” The plan was for him, his project.

“If you need more time—”

“No, not at all. I just wanted to double-check it to make sure I got everything.”

“I’m sure it will be great. I already love how detailed you are from what I’ve seen.” He gives me an encouraging nod, and I feel energized.

“I should wrap things up,” I share, not knowing what else to say.

He looks at me with a thought forming on his face. “Unless you want me to have a quick look now, and that way you don’t have to worry about at least one approval?”

“Actually, that would be great.” I am in no rush to leave and face reality.

“How about I order some dinner and meet you in the boardroom?”

“Oh, no, you don’t have to do that.”

“It’s the least I can do for making you work late. Vietnamese okay?”

“It’s perfect.”

I walk back to my office with a lighter heart and softer step. I’ve been holding so much tension throughout the day. The cut on my hand is now pulsing, and I discard the paper towel and find some small bandages hidden away in my bottom drawer. Next, I look over my plan several times, nervous that his eyes will be on it in moments. My heart starts beating rapidly. I can’t show him this! What if he thinks it’s too basic, or he doesn’t like the new elements I took the initiative to add?

My mind starts racing with excuses to get out of showing him the plan when my computer pings with a notification.

Running downstairs to grab dinner. I’ll meet you in the boardroom.

It would be childish of me to run off now, especially since he went to so much trouble.

I steal one final glance at my plan, unplug my laptop, and make my way to the boardroom. The floor is all but empty now, except for a few other consultants working late, and the cleaner. I smile at her as she ducks into the washroom with her cart.

I walk by the empty offices, stealing glances inside. I always love to see how people decorate their desks, if at all. Do they feel like this is a temporary blip on their resume, or are they here to stay? I especially love seeing pictures of kids and pets. My heart pangs with longing that’s quietly been there for as long as I can remember, wondering if I’ll ever have that.

Things have been going great with Eshaan, but lately it just feels like we argue more than ever. I have to believe it will work out, as he’s the only happily-ever-after on the radar after years of nothing. I couldn’t let him go because of a fight or two, could I? I know he messaged his ex, but I didn’t see anything that suggested more than that, and my chest pangs with remorse about jumping to conclusions. Maybe I could have avoided his crazy outburst. I can’t help but feel it’s my fault for pushing him to act like that.

My phone vibrates. I pull it out and glance at the latest text from Eshaan.

You’re killing me babe. What can I do to make it up to you?

The ache in my chest softens. I’ve kept him waiting enough. I promise myself I’ll respond later.