Page 137 of Anti-Hero

“I’m a first-year associate, Collins, not a name partner. Not all of us start out owning the place, like Kensington.”

I stiffen when he mentions Kit, and Perry notices.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to … it’s just—he and Flynn are best friends. Igrew up an only kid. Always wanted a brother. And the closest thing I have, he wants nothing to do with me. So, I’m alittlebitter about the guy who Flynn does want to be around. Nothing personal about Kit.”

“I’m sorry, Perry.”

He nods in acknowledgment. “Ignore my pity party. I just wanted to check in. Say hi. Finding everything okay?”

Macie reappears before I can reply. She pauses, blushing when she spots Perry. “Hi, Perry.”

“Morning, Macie,” he replies, giving her a shy smile that suggests her interest is reciprocated.

They stare at each other for a few more seconds, before Macie remembers me.

“Uh, Collins, there’s someone here to see you.”

“To seeme?” I clarify, confused.

Outside of my family, the only people who know where I work are Kit, who’s currently in Phoenix for a meeting, and Margot, who I texted with this morning and made no mention of stopping by my new office.

“Yes. It’s Crew Kensington.”

Apprehension unspools in my chest. “Oh.”

Perry’s studying me, his forehead furrowed. “What is?—”

“He’s being rather insistent,” Macie continues. “Should I show him?—”

“Uh, no. I’ll go.” I stand, smoothing the wrinkles in my pencil skirt with both hands. It’s held together by safety pins, and I’m wearing my boxiest black sweater with it.

I let my new supervisor know about the pregnancy shortly after accepting the position here, wanting to be as up front as possible. The firm offers eighteen weeks of paid parental leave for all employees,including supportive staff in non-attorney positions. I don’t have to hide my pregnancy anymore, but I’m not ready to announce it yet either.

Not until Kit’s family knows at least. And theydon’tknow, right? That can’t be why Crew is here.

Macie has disappeared, but Perry walks with me toward the lobby.

“My cubicle’s at the other end of the floor,” he states. “I promise I’m not stalking you.”

“I believe you,” I assure him, smiling. Then add, “Macie’s really nice.”

Perry clears his throat. “Yes, she is. She showed me around my first day too.”

“Do you want me to find out if she’s single?”

The tips of Perry’s ears turn pink. “Oh. I, uh … we work together, so … that’s a bad idea.”

“It’s notalwaysa bad idea. Sometimes, it works out. Sometimes, it’s … really nice, spending so much time with the person you love every day.”

“You’re in love, huh? Guess that means I should officially retire my crush.”

I glance at him, startled. Both by his joking—at least, I hope he’s joking—and by the realization that four-letter word slipped out.

Perry smiles. “I’m kidding, Collins. Was I interested? Yes. But I realized friendship was all you were interested in pretty fast. I’m happy you’re happy.”

“Thanks, Perry,” I say sincerely.

We’ve reached the lobby. Talking to Perry was a welcome distraction, but my apprehension returns in full force now.

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