Page 87 of Wells

"Yeah, you're right."

I swallow before I say it. My throat is dry, and the elevator is going up especially slowly tonight.

I miss the version of me who showed up on those calls safe enough to let pieces of the real story slip through. I'm supposed to be relieved. What sits under it is a small sting, like one more person walked off without a backward glance.

"I know you want to go, but I have to know. How's it playing at the office? Is Wells acting normal or is he giving you longing looks across the conference table?"

"We decided to keep it professional at work. For now. We're not hiding it. We're just not naming it yet."

"That's smart. Less pressure."

"He's bringing takeout tonight."

"Ohh. A man who brings takeout after work. Dreamy. Very boyfriend-coded behavior, Cera."

"I've got to go, Locke. I'm at my door."

"Text me tomorrow and tell me how it goes."

"I will."

"And Cera?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm glad the side hustle is over. You deserve to stop performing for rent money. Even though it was a fabulous run while it lasted."

I fumble with the key in my door. "Thanks, Lockey-Boo."

"Love you. Go eat your definitely-not-a-boyfriend's takeout."

The knock comes right on time.

I push off the couch and cross the room barefoot, pulling the door open. Wells stands in the hallway holding two paper bags and a drink carrier with three cups balanced inside. His tie is gone, and his sleeves are rolled to his elbows. He looks less like my boss and more like some takeout I could enjoy.

"Did you order for an army?"

He steps inside without answering and sets the bags on the counter.

"I didn't know what you wanted."

"So you bought everything."

"Half of everything."

I pull one of the bags toward me and open the top. The smell of garlic and ginger hits first, then sesame oil and something sweet underneath. My stomach wakes up and reminds me I had exactly one protein bar after yoga and nothing since.

"What's in the cups?"

"Thai iced tea, water, and matcha."

I look at the carrier and then at him.

"You brought me matcha at seven at night?"

"Are you not supposed to drink matcha after dark?"

I lean in and kiss him on the cheek. "It's perfect. Thank you."