On the next floor, two more people squeezed in, making the space even tighter. My back was pressed against the wall, with Jared standing right in front of me. He was tall enough that when he lowered his head, his lips nearly brushed against my hair. I caught the faint scent of cigarettes on him. He’d been smoking a lot more lately. Those few seconds felt agonizingly long.
Jared seemed to lean in deliberately, closing the already minimal distance between us. Just as we were on the verge of touching, the elevator dinged open at the third-floor restaurant. Most of the passengers were here for lunch, and with a rustle of movement, everyone spilled out. I could hear Jared’s breathing grow slightly uneven, but as soon as the crowd dispersed, whatever tension had been between us evaporated. I turned and walked out without looking back, while Jared seemed to veer off toward the restroom.
The private dining room, set for over a dozen guests, was impeccably arranged. By the time we arrived, the first dishes were already being served. The conversation around me continued, mostly centered on the hotel industry, until someone asked how many children Jared and I had after so many years of marriage. When I mentioned we only had one daughter, the glances exchanged around the table spoke volumes. Of course, the Holcomb family would never settle for just one daughter. It was clear Jared would eventually remarry to secure an heir.
Jared returned about ten minutes later, smelling faintly of smoke again. Without hesitation, he took the seat right beside me. Dinner proceeded with lively conversation. Midway through the meal, Jared’s phone rang. When he answered, I heard him say, “Mom,” before excusing himself to step outside.
Sally must have been as frantic as an ant on a hot griddle.
Looking at the situation objectively, I analyzed Jared and Tracy’s relationship. In my previous life, Tracy had stood by Jared’s side for over twenty years without any official recognition, proof of her deep devotion. Now, in this life, I had given them the chance to do things properly: Jared could marry her, grant her the status she deserved, and spare her the whispers and judgment they’d endured before. In a way, I’d done them a favor. But fate had a habit of speeding in the opposite direction. Jared remained single, Tracy grew desperate, and despite her efforts to bond with both Sally and Yvonne, Jared still hadn’t given her the commitment she wanted. Tracy must have been baffled. Why else would she have invited me for coffee last time, wearing the lovesick expression of a woman deep in denial? Watching her after the pangs of unrequited love gave me a twisted sense of satisfaction.
When Jared returned from his call, he said, “Testing’s sick. I’m heading back to Hachester after dinner. Do you want to come with me?”
Jared, clearly displeased, didn’t argue.
After sorting through work emails, I decided to grab a late dinner. But just as I was about to leave, Nathan called.
“I passed by your building and saw your lights on…” Amusement colored his voice. “You’re back?”