Page 99 of I Hope This Finds You Well

I continue. “Caitlin’s fiancé knew me, back then. He used to terrorize me and Ellie. He was at the party too when she died. I’m pretty sure he’s the one who started those rumors in the first place.”

Cliff’s fingers ball into little fists at his sides, but still, he says nothing.

“Caitlin told me she’s going to email Gregory about... deeply personal things.” I swallow. “About Ellie. And I just—I know it has nothing to do with work, but it would ruin my life here.”

Cliff’s head shakes. “You don’t know that.”

“Ido,” I push back. “I’ve been here before. It doesn’t matter what’s true. No one will look at me the same. I just—I don’t want them to—”

“Did you hit send on the email?” Cliff’s voice is firm.

I shake my head once, staring at my feet.

“Okay, then I didn’t see anything. Just close the draft and walk away.”

My face juts up. “Are you serious?”

He looks up at the ceiling. “What am I going to do, go to Greg about you?” He shakes his head. “I just can’t do it.”

My breath halts halfway in my throat. I can’t believe it. “Thank you.”

A few beats of silence pass. He grabs a tissue off Rhonda’s desk and hands it to me, and I gratefully wipe it over my already drying tears.

“What were you doing here?” I finally ask.

His lips tick downward. “Well, I came to get my car from the building, but my tongue was still wine dry in a way that only blue Gatorade can cure.” He gestures toward the back hall, where the vending machine is. “Can I get you one?”

And I let out a welcome chuckle, relieved to have the energy shift. “No thanks.”

Cliff steps closer. The scent of his soap warms my cheeks. “Jolene, I know things have been weird and we’re still keeping our distance...” His gaze draws to mine and my chest loosens just a bit, hearing his voice. “But I’m sorry I was so awkward at the theater—”

“You don’t need to apologize forthat,” I interrupt.

He swallows heavily. “Right...” His gaze lingers as his fists clench. “That’s the thing. Between Larry’s breakdown and what happened with us... everything... I’m like the worst HR guy.”

More heat flashes across my skin as I remember our kiss, but I force a teasing grin. “Yeah, I mean you were doodling when we first met, during a disciplinary meeting. That was a red flag.” His lips twitch into a half smile, and I look at him with sincerity. “Cliff, I need to apologize to you, though. I’m sorry I read your texts. And I’m sorry I overreacted about that message to your old boss. That wasn’t my place.”

The slight clench of his fists seems to loosen. “Thanks.”

His reply does nothing to ease my guilt. I wish I could go back in time. Would I have stopped myself and my email plans if I’d known him just a little earlier?

“It makes sense,” I say, “going back to Vancouver, if that’s what you want to do.” The truth of my words hollows me out. He deserves so much better than this place.

Cliff’s eyes soften. “I don’t know...” He presses a hand to his temple. “I’ve been thinking about my career a lot lately. Honestly, you’ve made me realize some stuff.”

I huff a laugh. “I should be an HR person.”

Cliff throws back his head. “Please don’t.” Then his lids drop, more serious. “I’m taking it day by day, but I’m trying not to lose myself to this job. Who I am and what I do in this world are more important than where I work. Even if it’s Supershops.”

I put my hand to my chest. “Cliff, I think you’ve just said something illegal in this office.”

His mouth twists with amusement: a tiny smile for just me in this dim room. “You know, you’re the only person here that’s been real with me, right from the get-go. I can tell when someone’s kissing ass or faking nice. But you were giving me shit about my cat doodle from day one, asking me who I’d kill for money by week two. It was nice to have someone see me as a person.”

“Same, with you,” I say—the most honest statement I’ve made to him.

Cliff bends toward me, holding out his hand to help me up. “I miss my carpool buddy. Can we be friends again?”

My heart squeezes when I look at him. I can definitely be fine with him as just my friend. I have to be.