AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She was woken what felt like minutes later by the sun in her face. Victoria rolled over, pulling the covers over her head, blocking out the offending light.
Then she remembered why she was sleeping in the middle of the day and shot out of bed. She grabbed her phone and quickly started scrolling through the twenty-seven messages she’d received while she slept.
The knot in her insides eased slightly. No new developments. They were still rallying and organizing. This was going to be a long, hard battle, and it wouldn’t be won in a day. At least things weren’t currently falling apart. Victoria knew she could use more sleep, but she didn’t want to take the time.
Things may be okay for now, but that didn’t mean they might not change at a moment’s notice. She needed to be in the office in case that happened.
Victoria showered and padded through to the kitchen. She let Jillian rest. Jillian could get a few more hours of sleep, at least.
Unfortunately, though she had been quiet, it seemed she hadn’t been quiet enough. Jillian had always been a light sleeper. Victoria was busy making scrambled eggs—one of the few dishes simple enough to survive her cooking skills—when Jillian stumbled in.
“You didn’t wake me,” she accused with bleary eyes.
“If you saw yourself, you wouldn’t blame me. You look like a vampire.”
“Look who’s talking. How are things?”
“Stable, for now. We have time for breakfast before we leave.” Victoria knew now that Jillian was awake, there would be no convincing her to stay behind.
“Are you staying again tonight?” she asked as she dished out a portion of scrambled eggs.
“That depends on whether things stay calm or not. If nothing has changed by tonight, I should be good to go home.”
Victoria tried to hide her disappointment, unsuccessfully.
“Unless you want me to stay?”
“No, it’s fine. I wouldn’t want to keep you away from your home.”
Jillian gave her a searching look. “You know, you should try dating again.”
A startled laugh bubbled out of Victoria. “Dating? Do you remember who you’re talking to?”
“I know you’ve had bad luck in the past—”
“It’s not just bad luck, Jillian. I’m too devoted to my work to leave space to be devoted to a partner. Besides, the kind of woman I’m attracted to is too similar to me. Two strong personalities clashing never ends well.”
“You’re lonely. You need someone.”
Victoria couldn’t exactly argue that, but that didn’t mean it was going to work out the way Jillian was hoping. “You can’t always get what everything you need, Jillian. Sometimes, you just have to make do. I’ve had to choose between my career and my relationships one too many times. I’ve made my choice.”
“But—”
“Besides, when would I even find the time to date? The next few months are going to be crazy.”
“All the more reason to find someone who can help you with your work-life balance. I worry about you, Victoria. One of these days, you’re going to have a nervous breakdown.”
“I will not,” Victoria said indignantly. “I find plenty of time to relax, thank you very much.”
“Plenty of time to relax on your own. You need more than that. You need a partner.”
“Why can’t I be like you? You’re fine on your own.”
“I’m aromantic, Victoria—you know that. It’s different for me. I have no interest in a romantic relationship. That doesn’t mean I don’t get what I need in the human contact department. I have several very handsome regulars who can attest to—”
“Okay, okay! I don’t need to hear about your sex life.”
“Then promise me you’ll go on a date?”
