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“No!” her friend gasps, leaning in closer. “How could her parents allow that?”
“Allow? Please. She's twenty-three, and thinks she knows everything.”
The woman's friend chimes in, her voice a mix of disgust and fascination. “These old men think they can buy youth. It's pathetic. And the girls? Clearly, they have daddy issues. It'll end in tears.”
I flinch, my hand shaking as I set down my mug. Autumn's gaze flicks between me and the gossiping women.
She leans in, lowering her voice. “Hey, don't let those judgmental hags get to you. They don't know what they're talking about.”
I swallow hard. “What if they're right? Do you think people would react like that about me and Garrett? Am I a cliché?”
Autumn throws a pointed look at the women who don't pay her any attention. “Screw what anyone else thinks. You're the most original, stubborn, passionate person I know. There's nothing cliché about you.”
I bite my lip, conflicted. “But what if?—”
“No what-ifs.” Autumn cuts me off gently. “If anyone can make this work, it's you.”
Her unwavering support washes over me, and something shifts inside. My shoulders straighten, and I meet her gaze with renewed determination.
“You know what?” I say, my voice gaining strength. “I don't know what this is. But it isn't some silly crush. And no one else gets to decide what's right for us.”
“It's not just a silly crush,” I repeat, but a knot tightens in my stomach.
What if I'm wrong? What if I don't really know what I'm walking into?
The more I try to convince myself of the connection between Garrett and me, the deeper my doubts seem to sink their claws into my skin.
Autumn nods approvingly. “Okay, so what's your next move?”
I lean forward, lowering my voice conspiratorially. “I'm going to invite him to the exhibition.”
She grins, giving me a thumbs up. “Bold. I like it. And hey, if it doesn't work out, at least you'll have some steamy stories to tell. Silver-fox fantasies are a thing for a reason, you know.”
I laugh, the sound buoying my courage. The world seems brighter somehow, full of possibility.
If there's even a chance that Garrett and I could have something real, something meaningful, then I owe it to myself to find out.
“You're right,” I say, a plan forming in my mind. “I can't just sit here and wonder. I need to see him, to talk to him face to face.”
Autumn raises an eyebrow. “Now? Where?”
“At his office,” I say, my heart racing at the thought. “Dad's office, I mean. Garrett works there too.”
“Whoa, slow down there, Romeo,” Autumn says, holding up her hands. “Are you sure that's a good idea? What if your dad sees you?”
I shrug, trying to appear more confident than I feel. “I'll say I'm there to surprise Dad. It's not like I haven't done that before.”
Autumn studies me for a moment, then sighs. “Alright, but promise me you'll be careful. And text me the second you're done, okay?”
I nod, already gathering my things. “I promise. Thanks, Autumn. For everything.”
As I leave the cafe, my heart is pounding so hard I can feel it in my throat. I hail a cab, giving the driver the address for Apex Solutions.
Chapter 4
Garrett
From George's fortieth-floor office,the city sprawls like a tactical map. I scan for vulnerabilities, old combat instincts kicking in despite the plush carpet under my feet.
