I cough again to clear my throat and gently grasp Elliot's lingering hand.This can't be happening."Likewise," I force the word out, giving him a weak smile. "Right, should we get started?" Julia claps her hands together, the sound causes my rigid rigid body to flinch. "Kristine has set out some of our files in front of your seats." She motions to the conference table. Brian sits down opposite Julia; Elliot placed directly across from me. I force myself into my chair, not taking my eyes off of him. I feel my face flush with warmth before settling in my cheeks and I take in short silent breaths. Elliot and Brian remove items from their bags, placing computers down on the table beside their notepads and pens. I watch Elliot's movements, as if it's all happening in slow motion. He's in a navy suit, his muscular arms defined through the sleeves. Under the suit jacket, he's wearing a white collared shirt and patterned tie. Elliot's brown hair is casually slicked along the sides of his
I use the spare key and let myself into Kate's apartment, sliding a bottle of wine into the refrigerator. I take off my shoes and blazer, drop my purse on the living room floor, and throw myself onto her couch. I hold one of the throw pillows to my face and let out a scream. After releasing my frustrations, I lay on my side, pull my knees up to my chest, and mindlessly look around Kate's studio apartment. Though small, the room is surprisingly spacious. A large TV is mounted on the faded brick wall, surrounded by pictures of us as children and up through our college graduation. Her full size bed is nestled in the back corner and I have half a mind to crawl into it and fall asleep, though I doubt my racing mind would let me. I dig my phone out of the pocket of my blazer and I notice a missed call from my mom. I unlock the screen and dial her number."Hey, Kris." My mother's cheery voice greets me after the second ring. "Hi Mom, I saw you called. What's going on?" I sigh, rubbing my
"Kris!" My mom exits the house and greets me at Kate's car, which she had so graciously let me borrow for the weekend. Mom throws her arms around me and squeezes my body against her small frame. She stands a few inches shorter than me and her grayed, blonde hair tickles my nose. "Hi mom.," I say, giving her a one armed hug. She pulls away and her brown eyes meet mine, she places a manicured hand on my cheek. "I've missed you," she says. I close the car door and stretch, straightening out my sundress and adjusting my jean jacket. I grab my pink overnight bag from the backseat and follow mom up the bricked front steps into the house. My dad is sitting at the table in the small 80's style kitchen, enjoying a cup of coffee while and reading. I throw my bag into my old bedroom and return to the kitchen, giving my dad a quick peck on the cheek. He looks up at me, his gray eyes peeking over the rim of his glasses that are perched at the tip of his nose. His brown hair is brushed across t
After an exhausting drive back into the city, I immediately set my sights on my bed. I throw myself down onto it, landing onto my pillows and melting into them. I take a deep breath and hold a pillow over my face. I scream into it until my throat is sore and toss it aside. That was enough family time to tide me over until Anna's wedding next month. I've already decided I will not speak to or see them until then. I force myself off of the mattress and change into something more comfortable than the t-shirt and jeans I had traveled in., I settle on a pair of athletic shorts and my favorite off the shoulder, black sweater. Elliot: I've picked up dinner, I'll be over soon for our '"casual'" evening. Kris: Sounds good! See you soon. Elliot: Are you sure there's no sex until after you're done with the case? Kris: Yes... I lay down on the couch and turn on the TV, not even paying attention to what's on, I just need something to fill the silence. I scroll through my phone and check my sc
Monday and Tuesday fly by in a blur. Between my workload and Julia's, I've barely had a chance to process the fact that our last meeting with Elliot and Brian is today. Julia places a cup of coffee and chocolate donut in front of me. My stomach grumbles at the sight of it. "Oh, you know me too well." I eagerly unwrap the pastry and take a bite. "I'm sorry I was out of the office the last two days.," Julia apologizes. "I know it must've made things challenging for you." I give Julia a blank stare. "Knock it off. You know I don't mind." "Yeah but-" I pick up my donut and coffee and exit my office, actively avoiding her apologies. "I can't hear you!" I tease Julia, making my way down the hallway to the conference room. She attempts to match my pace, entering the room behind me. I seat myself at the end of the table, placing my cup and donut beside my notebook. Julia calls the receptionist and asks them to send Brian and Elliot to the conference room when they arrive. She and I rec
"You've been seeing this guy nearly every day for over a month, Kris. Are you sure there isn't something more happening there?" Kate asks as she tears a comb through my hair. I sit in a chair facing the mirror as she navigates how to style it. She peers over my shoulder looking at the image Anna had sent, detailing the specific hairstyle she requested all members of the bridal party have done for the wedding day. "Honestly, Kate. I-I don't think there is. We both agreed this was something casual, neither of us are looking for anything serious. It's simply just fun." Kate stops mid-brush and meets my eyes in the reflection of the mirror. "You're so full of shit." She scoffs. "But, back to the question at hand, am I joining you for the wedding this weekend or is he? Because, obviously, you've got some options right now." I push my elbow behind me, playfully nudging her. She laughs and jumps back. "I do think though that if I bring you to any more family events, they'll all be convi
"You met through work then?" Aunt Lisa asks Elliot. My family approaches the end of their dinner, wine glasses nearly empty, and plates picked clean. I push a stray piece of chicken around on my plate with the tip of my fork, wanting to avoid eye contact with my mother whose gaze I can still feel burning into me. Anna has joined us and is seated on Elliot's other side.He nods and sets his drink down on the white tablecloth. "Kristine was assisting on one of my legal cases, very thoroughly might I add, and, well, here we are." He rests his arm on the back of my chair, his fingers gently rub my back, tracing in circles."We obviously waited until after I was finished with the case.," I interject, dropping the fork onto the plate. I cringe as it clatters against the ceramic. "It-–it wouldn't have been right otherwise. You know, boundaries." "Oh yes, Kristine insisted on being professional about it." He laughs. "I'm so glad you're able to join us." Anna smiles at him. "Had I known you
I watch as Anna walks back down the aisle at the end of the ceremony. She floats hand in hand with her husband, the train of her shimmering white dress trailing behind her, and flower petals flattening beneath their feet. Ben leans over to place a kiss on her cheek as they exit the venue., the guests cheer and cry, overflowing with joy for the happy couple. Myself, the bridesmaids, and groomsmen dance down the aisle as we follow them out of the building. Elliot catches my eye as I pass his row. He sits comfortably beside my parents, my mom chattering excitedly to him and my father. He doesn't seem to be paying any attention to mother's words, as he is too busy undressing me with his eyes. Elliot realizes that I've noticed and winks at me, a smile extending across his face. The butterflies in my stomach return full force, catching me off guard. How does he do that? The rest of the wedding guests trickle out into the garden as the catering staff transitions the room into a dining spac