I couldn’t even argue with Connor about his reasoning because I knew it was true. Once you opened the door to the world of media, they thought they deserved the right to flood into your privacy whenever they wished.
You couldn’t ask for privacy once you invited everyone into your world.
I parted my lips to try to say something that could maybe convince him, but nothing came to mind, so I shut my mouth.
He frowned and shrugged apologetically. “I’m sorry, I really am.”
“No, it’s fine. I completely understand. Thank you for even taking time out of your day to meet with me. And thank you for everything you did for me on Saturday. You truly went above and beyond.” I took in a deep inhalation and stood from the chair. My mind was already beginning to turn into panic mode as I turned away from Connor to leave his office.
“Aaliyah,” Connor called. As I looked back, I noticed he’d stood up from the desk, with his hands still in his pockets.
“Yes?”
“I’m sorry for what Jason did to you. You’re a good woman, and you didn’t deserve that treatment. But”—he took a few steps in my direction and lowered his voice—“between you and me, I believe you dodged a bullet.”
I let out a dry laugh and blinked a few times. “If only my heart could believe your words.”
“Just feel what you need to feel, then one day you’ll be okay again.”
“Is that how it works?”
“Yes.”
“Promise?”
“Promise, Red.”
Each time he called me Red, I felt a little less alone.
I wanted to believe I’d be okay, but the tears began falling from my eyes, and I brushed them away quickly. I shook my head and tried to apologize for falling apart in front of Connor again. He wouldn’t allow it and was quick to grab me a tissue to wipe away my tears.
“Gosh, this is so embarrassing. I’m really not a mess like this. I hardly ever cry. Unless it’s like one of those videos where a soldier comes home to surprise their family. Those always bring on the waterworks. Or a cute animal that’s been through trauma but found a happy family. That chokes me up, but the amount of tears I’ve shed in the past few days with you is too much. You’ve probably seen me cry more than most people.” I chuckled, embarrassed.
“VIP access to your emotions,” he joked. “No worries here. It’s a safe place.”
“We should really stop meeting like this, though—with me having a broken heart.”
“Hopefully, next time we cross paths, you get the happily ever after.”
I pushed out a smile, but he knew it wasn’t real. He frowned and studied me as if he wanted to say something but didn’t know exactly what words to give. Therefore, I took that as my sign to leave his office and allow him to get back to his life. I’d already taken up enough of his time.
He looked down for a second, then reconnected his stare with mine. “Aaliyah?”
“Yes?”
“Can I hug you?”
I nodded slowly. “Yes.”
He moved in and wrapped himself around me as if he were a weighted blanket and held on tight. I melted against him, not even knowing how much I needed his comfort until he unleashed it on me.
I breathed him in, smelling his cologne that rubbed against the fabric of my clothing. I lay my cheek against his chest as he rested his chin on top of my head. I remained in that same spot until I felt as if I were overstaying my welcome against his soul.
Then I let go.
“All right, well, I’m going to get out of your hair, but thank you for meeting with me this morning. And thank you, Connor, for being…you.”
“Of course. I truly wish you the best, Aaliyah, and you’re going to be okay.”
I didn’t know why, but the way he said it almost made it seem true, almost as if me being okay was the result of all the madness taking place.
“I lost my relationship, my home, and my dream job all within a few days. It’s kind of hard to believe everything’s going to be okay, but thank you for your kind words. Oh, before I go.” I reached into my purse and pulled out two dollar bills. I placed them on his desk.
He snickered. “Making good on our bet?”
“I’m a woman of my word.”
He gave me a sad smile, and I gave him one back before turning to leave, but I couldn’t help but pause because I knew there was something else I wanted to say to him.
“I searched your name online last night,” I confessed, meeting his ocean stare. “And I doubt it matters coming from me, but I’m really proud of you for everything you’ve done in life. It seems all your dreams are coming true. Not only that, it seems you’re big on giving back to the world what it gives to you.”