Seth tries to do his job the best he can. Yes, he’s the head of the company; yes, his meetings include playing poker; and yes, it works out fine. This time is no different, even though the news is more worrying than usual. But he’s going to take it one step at the time and be just fine. It’s more of the same in the end -- talk to these people, arrange that meeting, and don’t panic anybody. The stakes are higher, but it’s nothing he hasn’t done before. And he gets to spend time at the fire station with Connor. Seth should be good.<br><br>And there’s nothing out of the ordinary on Connor’s end. It’s a normal day, spent doing normal things, with the normal people. He happens to love his life and, though some things could be better, they could also be way worse. Connor is satisfied, and nothing is going to change that.<br><br>Everything is going according to plan. There’s no reason to believe that anything has to change. Right?

Out of Nowhere

“Don’t compare yourself to Robert, you’re completely different!” Seth protests. “He was a so-and-so guy who couldn’t keep his work and his sex life separate. You know why I’m weird about anything resembling office romances. You and I have never worked together. Not to mention, you’re you. I haven’t budged from your side from the start.”


Connor clenches his jaw. “Oh, but I can hate you with time?”


“If you’re forcing yourself to do something you really don’t want, you will!” Seth takes a calming breath. His heart monitor is going nuts and he doesn’t want to be interrupted right now. “It isn’t about me or anybody else, it’s about you. Put yourself first for once. If you aren’t interested, then you’re not.”


Chapter 15