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“Congratulations,” I say, trying to repress my distaste.
“Lucian, please be happy for me even if you’re not.”
I shrug. “I only want the best for you. If you’re happy, that’s all that counts.”
“I am.”
“When are you moving?”
“Next week. Joshua’s brother found us an apartment. We’re going to save for the wedding and then a house.”
“Where are you going to work? Have you found a job?”
“I have some savings, and I’m sure I won’t have any issues finding a position.”
“I can give you a recommendation.”
“That’s okay, Zane has already written me one. He said if I ever want to come back, he would welcome me with open arms.”
“Olivia, I’m going to miss you. You always brighten my day.”
She blushes. “Thank you. I like you, Lucian. I hope we can be friends.”
“What would Joshua think of that?”
“He doesn’t know we had sex, so he’ll be fine with it.”
“You never told him?”
“It wasn’t necessary. Joshua can be very jealous.”
“So, you’re going to hide our friendship?”
“I’ve mentioned you. He knows we’re friends and doesn’t seem to take issue with it.”
“Olivia, I just want you to know that I’m always going to want more. But I won’t bother you. We can be friends. If it ever falls apart, I’ll be here for you.”
“I appreciate that, but I think it will work out. Joshua has done some maturing since we were last together.”
“He better have. He’s getting a wonderful woman.”
“Thank you.”
We make small talk for the next few minutes before I head back to my office. Any appetite I had has faded.
The day that I’m dreading is finally here—Olivia’s last day. If I had a choice, I wouldn’t attend her farewell lunch. It makes the whole situation real, and I want it to be a dream. I want to wake up and find her lying in bed beside me, but I would be deluding myself.
Zane goes all out and has lunch catered with several hot and cold dishes. A large sheet cake with white frosting and “Bon Voyage Olivia” in purple icing is the last thing served. Several of her coworkers give her little gifts, most of the stuff with New York themes since she is moving to Illinois. I got her something too, but I prefer to give it to her in private.
Once everyone goes back to their offices, I visit hers. She’s once again bent over her laptop, finishing last-minute items before she leaves for good. I tap on the glass and enter her office.
“I have something for you,” I say in greeting.
“It wasn’t necessary.”
I pull a small white box with a red ribbon around it out of my pocket and place it in front of her. Then I sit down.
“Please open it now.”
