Moving to sit next to me, Harper wrapped her arms around my shoulders. But it’s all going to pay off in the end.
And we know your plate is full, don’t worry. We’re not asking you to abandon your work, Esme said, walking over to my desk and eyeing all the notes. We know this is important to you and it’s crunch time, we just want to make sure you’re taking care of yourself.
I sank into Harper’s hug and lifted the corners of my mouth. And I appreciate it.
So, we thought we’d suggest a break, Harper said. I craned my neck to look at her incredulously, but before I could speak, she continued. Not a long one. Just an hour or so. Long enough for the three of us to catch up and then we’ll get out of your hair for the night.
Besides, it’s eight ‘o’clock on a Thursday, Lia, and I bet you haven’t taken a break other than to eat since you got up this morning. Esme stared me down. If you even ate.
I did. Three times plus snacks, I said with reassurance. Though I may have worked while I ate.
See, Harper said. You need a short break. One where you’re not focused on work.
Fine, I grumbled, giving in.
Don’t sound so excited, Esme chirped sarcastically, causing me to laugh.
Sorry, you know I didn’t mean it like that.
Honestly, I probably did need this break. With the way I’d more or less been avoiding everything in my life outside of work lately, I could use the hour to recharge. To hopefully get my mind in a better place.
And when my cell buzzed moments later, I asked Esme to grab it from my desk as she came to join Harper and I on the couch. Which may have been a mistake, seeing as she not-so-subtly glanced at the screen before handing it over.
I’m sorry… why is Derrick texting you ?
Didn’t you two split when he left for Los Angeles ? Harper asked, her interest as keen as Esme’s as I snatched the phone away.
Clearly not, Esme mused, considering he wanted to know if the Italian diner by the university was a good place to meet tomorrow.
Harper’s expression filled with amusement. Oh really ?
It’s not that big of a deal, I said, glancing down at the screen to confirm that the text from Derrick had really said that. And it did, somehow prompting a blush to rise on my cheeks. He’s flying in tonight for the game tomorrow and wanted to meet up for lunch.
And you said yes ?
Why wouldn’t I ? I mean, we were friends with benefits, and just because the benefits are gone, that doesn’t mean the two of us have to go back to being strangers.
So you’re saying you guys still talk ? Harper asked.
We text, I admitted. And there may have been a phone call here or there.
Well at least we know that not all your time has gone into your work over the past two weeks, Esme said slyly, nudging my side playfully. But couldn’t you have picked a guy that, I don’t know, still lives in the city to be your distraction.
I shook my head. He’s not a distraction. It’s not like that. But speaking of guys in the city, did I tell you Miles tried to ask me out to drinks the Friday after the trade deadline ? Just the two of us.
Both of their eyes widened. As a date ?
Not explicitly, but I figured that’s what he meant. It was like he knew Derrick was out of the picture, so he tried to jump at his chance.
And you said no ?
Of course I said no. I’m not interested in Miles, and if he was angling for a date, I wasn’t about to lead him on.
The two of them stared at me with disbelief, clearly not having prepared for all the things they’d missed with me sinking into deep work mode the last few weeks.
Wow, you’ve really left us out of the loop when it comes to your love life drama.
Trust me, right now, I wish I was out of the loop. All I really want right now is to get through my final round of experiments and get this defense finished.
But you’re still meeting up with Derrick tomorrow ? Harper asked, and I confirmed with a shy nod. Are you sure that’s a good idea ?
Biting the inside of my cheek, I sank back into the couch cushions helplessly. We’ll have to wait and see.