Page 6 of The Catch

Who knows. With my history, maybe I never had a chance at a happily ever after. My love story with Aidan had checked all the boxes, and followed every beatof the script. And yet here I am, in my brother's friend's fancy condo, crying over a man who didn't think that was enough.

I allow myself a few tears. Okay, fine, it's many of them. They run down my face and drip down my chin when I glance up at the ceiling. It makes this the second time I cry about Aidan. The first was right after I confronted him in plain view of producers and morning news anchors and other guests. At least, the way I reacted, with everyone looking at us in shock, I'm one hundred percent confident he hated it. Because I said my piece at the top of my lungs, not caring who heard— wanting everyone to listen to every word. I gave him his sandwich and smoothie in a dramatic fashion, and left. Bawled on the way out.

The embarrassment must have killed him inside.

Good. He deserved it.

With that thought, I dry my face and take the food out of the microwave. It's only when I place the container on the kitchen island that I see the note.

Ames-

I'm sorry I have to go. Anything you need, this is Evie's number. I didn't want to text you now so you can sleep. I didn't know if your notifications were on. Please check in with Evie later. She'll let me know.

In any case, I will let the concierge know you're staying here. Below are the codes you can use if you need to go out— the code Pablo gave you will get you up the elevator, but the new one will get you in here. I'll make a key for you asap.

We'll talklater.

- Saint

PS: I'm glad you came here.

Saint's kindness has me crying again, but I can accept these tears. They fall softly, leaving cold trails that dry up fast.

When my brother left Seattle for work, the two friends agreed that Saint would be there for me. He has been in a hundred small ways, but I had never needed him like this. Not to this degree, at least.

I make myself eat the food. It's a damn good easy dish, if I do say so myself. Despite my loss of appetite and my grayed out senses, I can still make out the depth of flavor that butter and spices added to the food.

My relationship with Saint is a bit strange. When I met him back in college, he was already the popular athlete dating his way through the school. Friendly and self-assured, confident and unassumingly hot, all he had to do was flash those dimples and he got whatever he wanted.

If he had ever directed that smile at me and suggested he wanted something more, I would have given him anything he wanted, too.

But he didn't, and he dated ten times as many people as I did. Which, good for him, I suppose. It never made sense to be jealous. Not that I was. Even back then it was clear we weren't compatible that way. At some point in college, I heard him say he wasn't looking for commitment. Meanwhile, commitment is all I ever wanted. All we could have was a quick something that might have been spectacular, but not what I was looking for.

Besides, I'm pretty sure he sees me more like his friend's little sister, rather than someone he could have fun with then bake something for. He's never made a move, and has seemed happy to quietly help me out when I need it.

The least I can do is do as he asked. I sit at the kitchen island, the food in front of me, and I check in with Evie.

Ames: Hey Evie, this is Ames. Saint gave me your number and asked to check in. I'm okay, but I'm sorry for getting you involved in this

Evie: It's all good! I'm glad Saint involved me. I know you and I have barely spent time together so far, but I'm happy to help with this.

Ames: I'll be okay. I swear Saint thinks he's my big brother, the way he worries about me.

Except my secret is, I couldn't ever see him like a sibling. Especially not when, only a few hours ago, I saw him wearing nothing but boxers and his jewelry. Even through the fog of my catastrophic early morning, that image is seared into my brain. The chain, the glint of his earring, the long, muscled lines of his body. One day soon, I'll get to delight in the memory. But not today.

Evie: Mhh, well, I'll let him know you're okay. He'll be happy to hear it. Oh, and anything you need, even if it's just a chat, let me know. I may have seen a clip going around about you this morning.

Shit! Did someone record everything? At least they can't fire me twice.

Ames: Thank you, Evie. I appreciate it.

I don't make it far into my search on social media when I get the link from Jo.

Jo: YOU THREW A SMOOTHIE ON HIS HEAD RIGHT BEFORE HE WENT ON THE MORNING SHOW?

Uhm, yes. When I said I had given him the smoothie and the sandwich? I may have underplayed it.

Ames: in my defense, I wasn't thinking they'dfire me for it