CHAPTER EIGHTY–ONE – The One They Didn’t See Coming
Laura McKenna stepped out of the conference room, her heart still racing from the adrenaline of her presentation. The Integration project had been her baby for the past few months, and she’d just nailed the pitch to the executive team. As she walked back to her desk, her colleagues gave her thumbs up and nods of approval.
a
“Knocked it out of the park, Laura,” Aiden O’Connor said, leaning back in his chair with a grin.
“Thanks, Aiden. I think it went well, but you never know with these things,” Laura replied, trying to downplay her excitement.
She’d barely sat down when her phone buzzed. Ryan Callis‘ name flashed on the screen. Laura’s stomach did a little flip, as it always did when she saw his name.
“Hello?” she answered, keeping her voice level.
“Laura, it’s Ryan. Got a minute?”
“Sure, what’s up?”
e you free this afternoon?”
“I was hoping we could meet for coffee. There’s something important I’d like to discuss with you. Are you
Laura glanced at her calendar. “I can squeeze in a coffee break around 3. That work for you?”
“Perfect, Let’s meet at Café Luca. See you then.”
The call ended, leaving Laura curious and slightly anxious. What could Ryan want to discuss that was so important?
The rest of the afternoon crawled by. Laura tried to focus on her work, but her mind kept wandering to her upcoming meeting with Ryan. At 2:55, she grabbed her purse and headed out.
din.
Café Luca was a cozy little spot just a block from the Sivarra Tech offices. Laura spotted Ryan as soon as she walked in. He was sitting at a comer table, two steaming cups already in front of him.
“I hope you don’t mind, I ordered for you,” Ryan said as Laura approached. “Vanilla latte, right?”
“You remembered,” Laura said, sliding into the seat across from him. “So, what’s this important thing you wanted to discuss?”
Ryan took a deep breath, his fingers tapping nervously on the table. “Laura, you know julia and I are getting married in a few months.”
“Of course. Congratulations again,” Laura said, her smile only slightly forced.
“Thanky
kyou. Well, I’ve been thinking a lot about who I want standing beside me on that day. And… I’d like you to be part of my groomsmen party.”
Laura blinked, sure she had misheard. “I’m sorry, what?”
Ryan leaned forward, his eyes earnest. “I know it’s unconventional. Groomsmen are usually guys, but Laura, you’re one of my closest friends. You’ve been there for me through thick and thin. I want you by my side when I take this next big step in my life.”
Laura sat back, stunned. “Ryan, I… I don’t know what to say. Are you sure about this? What does Julia think?”
“Julia’s on board. She knows how important you are to me, and she respects that.”
Laura took a sip of her latte, buying time to process. “But won’t it look weird? Me standing up there with all your male friends?”
Ryan shrugged. “Who cares how it looks? It’s about having the people who matter most to me there. And you matter, Laura.”
The sincerity in his voice made Laura’s heart ache. She thought about all they’d been through together, from their college days to their unexpected reunion, to working side by side at Sivarra Tech.
“What would I even wear?” she asked, a small laugh escaping her.
Ryan grinned. “Whatever you want. A dress, a sult, whatever makes you comfortable. We can coordinate with the other groomsmen it
you like
Laura took another sip of her latte, her mind racing. Part of her wanted to say yes Immediately, to grab onto this chance to be close to Ryan, even if it meant watching him marry someone else. But another part hesitated, knowing how complicated and potentially painful it could be
“Can I think about it?” she finally said.
Ryan nodded. “Of course. Take all the time you need. I just want you to low how much it would mean to me to have you up there.”
They finished their coffees, chatting about work and other mundane topics. As they stood to leave, Ryan caught Laura’s hand.
Ser
THONE THE CHE
Che The Date Coming
212
Whatever you decide, Laura, I’m glad you’re in my life.”
Laura squeezed his hand briefly before letting go. “Me too, Ryan. I’ll let you know soon about the groomsmen thing.”
She walked back to the office, her mind whirling. By the time she reached her desk, she’d made her decision.
The next morning. Laura arrived at work early, determined to catch up on the work she’d neglected yesterday. She was so focused on ber computer screen that she didn’t notice Zaya Patel approach until her coworker tapped her on the shoulder.
“Earth to Laure.” Zava said with a laugh. “You okay? You look like you’re a million miles away.”
Laura blinked, coming back to the present. “Oh, sorry Zaya. I’m fine, just… processing some stuff.”
Zave perched on the edge of Laura’s desk. “Anything you want to talk about?”
Laura hesitated, then figured she might as well share the news. “Actually, yeah. Ryan asked me to be part of his groomsmen party for his wedding.”
Zaya’s eyes widened. “Seriously? That’s… unexpected.”
“Tell me about it,” Laura said with a wry smile. “I was pretty shocked when he asked.”
“So, what did you say? Zaya leaned in, clearly intrigued.
“I said yes,” Laura admitted. “I thought about it all night, and… well, he’s my friend. If this is what he wants, I’ll do it.”
“Wow,” Zaya said, shaking her head. “That’s going to be interesting. You’re braver than I am, that’s for sure.”
Their conversation was interrupted by Aiden, who strolled over with his usual easy grin. “What’s going to be interesting?”
