“Are you sure? I still have—”
“I’m sure, Oliver. Thank you.”
“Good night, Mr. Stone,” he says before turning to leave.
When I look back at Cassius, he’s watching Oliver with a strange look on his face.
“You were saying?” I prompt.
Cassius stares after Oliver before bringing his attention back to me.
“Does he like you or something?”
I huff a laugh. “No one in this office likes me, Cassius. What were you saying?”
“What was I saying? Oh, right. The way we live. I was going to suggest something, but it’s stupid.”
“I’m sure it isn’t.”
“It is.”
“Tell me anyway.”
He stares at me, so I step toward him, brushing some hair away from his forehead.
“You are a smart man. Wise well beyond your years. I’m sure whatever idea you have, it’s wonderful.”
Shaking his head, he says, “It’s not.”
“I’d really like to hear it anyway.”
He sighs, chewing on the inside of his cheek before giving in and telling me what I want to hear.
“I was going to say that my sister’s birthday is on Saturday. We’re having a small party. Me, my sisters, and a couple of Chrissy’s friends. She’s turning fifteen, so it won’t be a big thing, but maybe you coming by would be nice. You know, so you can see the difference.”
“The difference in how we live?” I ask to be sure.
He nods. “Yes. That. I told you it was stupid.”
I can’t help but smile… and read between the lines.
“I’d love to celebrate your sister’s birthday with you and your family, Cassius. Thank you for inviting me.” I kiss his cheek.
The more time I spend with him, the more the lines blur… and the less I care.
Cassius helps me organize some papers when we get back to my office. I finish the coffee, which gives a burst of energy, but I can’t say it’s any better than the coffee we have here. I’ve had gross coffee and I’ve had good coffee, but it’s not something worth rating. If it’s good, then it’s fine for me. That’s all I need.
“Are we good to go?” Cassius asks, looking around the office. Maybe for something else to do.
“I don’t know. Are we?” I say with a smirk as I get an idea.
“Um… I don’t know. Did I forget to file something?” He looks around frantically, but he won’t find anything. He did everything I asked of him—as he always does.
“No, but there is something I’d like to do before we leave.”
“Oh, okay. Yeah, no rush.”
I move around my desk and wrap my arm around his waist, tugging him to me. He gasps. I smile.