Chapter 2
Sophia’s petite figure trailed right behind him, both of them laden with bags from Whole Foods. They looked exactly like a young couple settling into their first home together.
Just then, Aunt Marie came down to greet me and caught sight of the scene. She was about. to speak up when I cut her off. “Mom sent over some care packages from Boston. Make sure
check the expiration dates – she tends to go overboard.”
I deliberately avoided looking at Nathan, though this time he surprisingly took the initiative to explain..
“Ellie, it’s not what you think. Sophia’s old neighborhood had some safety issues, so I helped her find a new place. I had no idea your aunt lived here too. What’s with all these packages?”
As I directed the delivery driver where to take the boxes, I replied with practiced indifference, “You don’t need to explain your work relationships to me. My mom went a bit crazy with the shopping; we’re not sure when we’ll be back this way.”
Seeing that I hadn’t jumped to conclusions, Nathan visibly relaxed.
“That’s fine. Back Bay isn’t far from downtown. Just let me know whenever you want to
visit.
He still had no clue I was moving back to Boston permanently, and I had no intention of telling him.
Aunt Marie was about to say something, but seeing how attentively Nathan was hovering around Sophia, her expression darkened.
The four of us stood in uncomfortable silence until Sophia, feigning exhaustion, finally
broke it.
Nathan immediately told the delivery driver to pause, saying they had fewer items and should take the elevator first. Seeing their grocery bags, I stepped aside to let them pass.
Nathan looked momentarily surprised, then hurriedly stepped into the elevator.
Chapter 2
As the doors closed, I couldn’t help but see my former self in Sophia. When Aunt Marie first
moved out, Nathan had been just as attentive with me running errands, taking care of all the details, moving my things into his place with a bright smile while calling me his “future
Mrs. Blackwood.”
Watching the elevator ascend, Aunt Maric sighed heavily.
“Are y
“Are you sure you don’t want me to talk to him? You’ve known each other forever. It would be a shame to throw it all away over a misunderstanding.”
I shook my head. “There’s no misunderstanding to clear up. Nathan never lets those linger overnight. If he hasn’t explained himself by now, that tells me everything I need to know.”
Nathan and Sophia really didn’t have that much to carry; they could have easily managed it in one trip. But even after I’d finished delivering everything to my aunt’s place and said my goodbyes, they were still nowhere to be seen downstairs.
Out of courtesy to an old friend, I pulled out my phone and sent him a quick message. asking when he’d be back. Almost immediately, he replied with a voice message. When I played it, Sophia’s sweet voice came through. “Ellie, Nathan’s helping me set up my WiFi and smart home system. The place is brand new, so there’s a lot to configure. You should
head
wait around on our account!” – don
Just as I was about to close the app and order an Uber, she sent another message.
“Oh, and Ellie? Please don’t read too much into this. Nathan’s just being helpful because he feels bad that I’m all alone in a new city.”
Thinking of my own parents who’d moved closed the chat.
y years ago, I swallowed my retort and
After getting into the Uber and staring absently out the window at the Chicago skyline, Nathan called.
“Ellie, what’s with the attitude toward Sophia? She’s my employee, and I’m just helping her get settled. The company’s corporate housing isn’t ready yet – isn’t it normal for me to help
out?”
“Since when did you become so petty? At her birthday party, you claimed you weren’t feeling well and wanted to leave early. I let that slide, and now you’re causing drama
1 could hear Sophie’s soft win in the background.
Her demeano now was nothing like the sweet, innocent junior employee Nathan had
described
Taking a deep breath, I finally understood her game but was too exhausted to call her out.
You’re right, my bad. I was just asking. Don’t worry about it – I’m already heading home. Don’t rush back on my account.”
