Part 14:
” Fair point. She unbuckled her seat belt and turned to face him. I had fun. Actual fun. Not business dinner pretending to have fun. Me, too. Even the capsizing part. Especially the capsizing part. She reached over and took his hand, her fingers still slightly cold from the water. I want to keep doing this, whatever this is, even though I’m broke and have a kid and my life is basically held together with duct tape and hope.
Even though maybe because of it. She squeezed his hand. You’re real, Ethan. Everything in my world is carefully managed and strategically planned. You’re just real. You should say something smooth, something romantic. Instead, what came out was, “I really want to kiss you right now.” Viven laughed. “So, do it.” He did.
It was awkward at first. The car was cramped. The gear shift was in the way. And they bumped noses once before getting the angle right. But then it wasn’t awkward at all. It was warm and real and tasted like mango and possibility. When they finally pulled apart, Viven was smiling. Okay, that was worth waiting for.
Yeah, definitely. Yeah. They sat there for a moment, foreheads touching, breathing the same air. Then Vivien’s phone rang, shattering the moment. She pulled it out, glanced at the screen, and sighed. I have to take this. It’s Singapore at 8:00 p.m. on a Sunday. International markets don’t care about weekends, remember? She answered the call.
This is Vivien Hart. Her expression shifted immediately. All business, sharp and focused. She listened for a moment, then said something in what sounded like Mandarin. Ethan couldn’t understand the words, but he could hear the authority in her tone. She hung up a minute later, looking tired. I’m sorry. the the acquisition I told you about.
There’s a problem with the contracts. I need to get home and get on a video call. No worries. I’ll grab an Uber back to my truck. Don’t be ridiculous. I’ll drive you. She slid into the driver’s seat and Ethan moved to the passenger side, but I might need to drop you off and run. Totally fine. Go save your empire.
She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. Some empire. Can’t even make it through a Sunday without a crisis. They drove in silence. the easy comfort from earlier replaced by something heavier. When she pulled up next to his truck in the marina parking lot, Vivien kept the engine running. “Thank you for today,” she said. “I mean it. I needed this.
” “Me, too.” He unbuckled his seat belt, hesitating. “Can I see you again?” “Like soon.” “How about Wednesday? There’s an event I have to go to. Corporate fundraiser thing. It’ll be boring and full of people I can’t stand, but maybe it’ll be better if you’re there. Ethan’s stomach dropped. “Is this a black tie thing?” “Unfortunately, but you don’t have to wear a tux.
A suit is fine.” “Viven, I don’t own a suit.” She blinked. “Oh, right. Well, we can. I’m not showing up to your corporate event in khakis and a button-down. That’s not fair to you. I don’t care what you wear, but everyone else will. They’ll look at me and see exactly what I am. Someone who doesn’t belong. Ethan, I should go.
You’ve got your call. He opened the door, suddenly desperate to be out of the car. Thanks for today. It was great. Wait. But he was already out, closing the door before she could finish. He got in his truck and started the engine, not looking back as the Jaguar sat idling in the parking lot.
By the time he pulled onto the road, she was gone. His phone buzzed before he made it home. Vivien, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have assumed you’d be comfortable with that kind of event. He stared at the message for a long moment before responding. It’s not your fault. I just don’t want to embarrass you. You couldn’t. You don’t know that.
I do, but I understand if it’s too much. He didn’t respond. What could he say? That he was terrified of walking into a room full of wealthy people who’d take one look at his goodwill suit and know exactly where he belonged. that the thought of being Vivien’s charity case made him want to punch something. When he got home, Sarah was waiting with Sophie on his couch.
“How was it?” his sister asked, then caught his expression. “What happened?” “Nothing. It was fine.” “Dad kissed her,” Sophie announced. “I can tell because you have that look.” “What look?” “The I kissed someone look. Your face is all weird.” Sarah studied him. “Sophie, go play in your dad’s room for a minute. But now, please.
Sophie huffed but obeyed, and Sarah waited until the bedroom door closed before turning back to Ethan. What actually happened? He sank onto the couch. She invited me to some corporate fundraiser. Black tie. I told her I don’t own a suit and she said it was fine, but it’s not fine. I don’t belong in that world, Sarah.
So, rent a suit. That’s not the point. Then what is the point? The point is he ran his hands through his hair. She lives in pen houses and flies to Singapore for business meetings. I live in a two-bedroom apartment and get panic attacks about electricity bills. We went kayaking today and it was perfect, but that’s not real life.
