Page 50 of After Everything
"Seems like it might not be completely over."
I stopped walking. "What do you mean?"
Connor stopped too, facing me. His expression was kind, not accusatory. "I mean you were distracted the entire second half of dinner. And I don't blame you… running into your ex is never fun. But Emma... if you're not ready to be dating, or if there's still something unresolved there, I'd rather you just tell me."
My first instinct was to protest. To say I was completely over David, that seeing him meant nothing, that I was absolutely ready to move forward with someone new.
But Connor deserved honesty.
"I am over him," I said slowly. "I really am. Seeing him tonight was just... unexpected. It threw me off. But it doesn't change the fact that I had a really good time with you."
"But?"
I smiled slightly. "There's no but. I'm just still recalibrating, I guess. Getting used to the idea of dating again. Of being open to something new." I looked at him. "I like you, Connor. I'd like to see where this goes. If you're patient with me while I figure my shit out."
He considered this, then nodded. "I can be patient. But Emma… I need you to be honest with me. If that changes, if you realize you're not ready or there's something else going on, just tell me. Okay?"
"Okay."
We kept walking. After a minute, Connor's hand found mine. I let him take it, his palm warm against mine, his grip gentle but present.
This was good. This was what healthy looked like. A man who communicated clearly, who asked for what he needed, who didn't play games or hide things or make me guess what he was thinking.
A man who wasn't David.
We walked along the river for another twenty minutes, talking about easier things: work, friends, the podcast Connor was obsessed with. When he dropped me off at my apartment, he walked me to the door but didn't push for more.
"I had a really good time," he said.
"Me too."
"Can I take you out again? Maybe next weekend?"
"I'd like that."
He smiled, leaned in, and kissed me. It was soft, brief, respectful. The kind of kiss that promised more but didn't demand it.
"Goodnight, Emma."
"Goodnight, Connor."
I went inside and locked the door behind me. Kicked off my heels, hung up Connor's jacket, poured myself a glass of water. Went through my normal nighttime routine on autopilot.
When I finally climbed into bed, I picked up my phone. No messages. No missed calls.
I pulled up my email instead. The one from earlier in the week was still there, sitting in my work folder.
From:Emma Peterson, NP-C To: David Harrison Subject: RE: Maria Rodriguez - Medical Documentation
Mr. Harrison,
I'm available to testify at the hearing if needed. Please send me the date and time once it's confirmed.
Best regards, Emma Peterson, NP-C
He'd responded within an hour.
Ms. Peterson,
