Chapter 51

ELOISE

Mercy’s was a casual bar and restaurant near the office. It was funny how I didn’t feel awkward around him. He was still as attractive as everyone thought, but my feelings of hatred were no longer there.

“How was your trip? I heard you went home,” he asked while we were having dinner and some beer.

“I don’t really want to talk about it.”

“Same old dad?” Chase mentioned, reminding me he knew about the secret of my birth.

I nodded. “But worse. A lot has happened, and I came here with you to clear my head, not to reminisce about it.”

“I’m glad you could find a way back here. I thought your dad wouldn’t let you go. I heard about Malcolm. I’m sorry,” he sympathized.

“Okay, but I don’t believe you asked me here just to hear about my last week. What is it?” I asked nonchalantly as I continued eating.

“I could use a friend,” he said while chewing, avoiding eye contact.

“Is this about work? If it’s not, you can forget about it,” I responded, not wanting to hear any more excuses