Chapter 23 Chapter 23

Chapter 23 Chapter 23
Lena leaned back in her chair, eyes fixed on the stack of documents crowding her desk. Contracts, invoices, design approvals—everything she had postponed throughout the week now sat before her, demanding attention. She exhaled slowly, rolling her shoulders as if that might release some of the tension knotted there.

Work has become her refuge lately. It was predictable. Controlled. Unlike everything else in her life.

She reached for her pen and began reviewing the top document, scanning the fine print with practiced focus. She had barely made it through the second paragraph when a soft knock sounded against her office door.

Without lifting her gaze, Lena spoke. “You can come in.”

The door opened, and Nora stepped inside, her expression unusually bright, like she was holding onto something exciting.

“Miss Rivers,” Nora said, carefully closing the door behind her, “there’s someone asking to see you.”

Lena paused mid-sentence, finally glancing up. “Someone?” she repeated. “Did they give a name?”

Nora’s smile widened. “Yes. His name is Samuel. The man that came here the other time.”

That caught Lena’s attention immediately.

She straightened in her seat. “Samuel?” she echoed, as if testing the name.

Nora nodded enthusiastically. “That’s the one. Should I let him in?”

Lena tapped the end of her pen lightly against the desk, After a brief pause, she nodded. “Alright. You can send him in.”

Nora stepped aside, opening the door wider.

Samuel walked in with the same easy confidence she remembered, though age had sharpened his features and broadened his shoulders. He looked… good. Comfortable in himself. His smile, warm and familiar, spread across his face the moment he saw her.

“Lena,” he greeted, voice steady but unmistakably pleased.

She stood, meeting him halfway around the desk. “Samuel. I didn’t expect to see you here so soon again.”

They shook hands briefly before letting go.

“I told you I’m going to return,” he said, a small smile playing across his lips.

“That it has,” she agreed, gesturing toward the chair opposite her desk. “Have a seat. What brings you by?”

Samuel settled in, glancing around her office with quiet admiration before returning his attention to her. “I was nearby for a meeting and thought I’d stop in. I figured I’d regret it if I didn’t.”

Lena smiled faintly. “That’s… unexpected. But not unwelcome.”

He hesitated, then added, “I was also hoping to ask about Milo. How’s he doing?”

Her expression softened immediately. “He’s doing well. Still full of energy, still asking too many questions. He’s at school right now.”

Samuel chuckled. “I can imagine. Kids grow faster than you think.”

“You’re telling me,” Lena replied. “Some days I feel like I blinked and suddenly he’s bigger than he was yesterday.”

A comfortable silence settled between them, not awkward but thoughtful. Samuel leaned forward slightly.

“There’s actually something else,” he said. “I wanted to remind you about the outing we talked about before.”

Lena blinked. “Oh. That.”

He smiled, clearly hopeful. “You didn’t forget, did you?”

She hesitated. The truth sat heavy in her chest. She hadn’t forgotten—she’d just agreed without thinking, acting on impulse more than intention. Now that the moment was closer, uncertainty crept in.

“I remember,” she said carefully. “Things have just been… busy.”

“I figured,” Samuel replied. “But I thought I’d ask again. Maybe tonight? Nothing complicated. Just a movie, some snacks, and a break from work.”

“Tonight?” Lena repeated, glancing at the clock, then back at the paperwork waiting for her.

“You deserve one,” he said gently. “A break, I mean. You’re always carrying everything on your shoulders.”

She sighed, rubbing her temple. “You’re persistent.”

He grinned. “I’ve always been.”

After another moment, she relented. “Alright. I can manage a few hours.”

Samuel’s face lit up. “Really?”

“Yes,” she said, amused despite herself. “But nothing extravagant.”

“Deal,” he replied. “I’ll take what I can get.”

Lena reached for the intercom. “Nora?”

“Yes, Miss Rivers?”

“I need a favor,” Lena said. “Can you pick Milo up from school today and keep him with you for a bit? I’ll come get him later.”

“Of course,” Nora answered smoothly. “Enjoy your evening.”

Lena shook her head with a small smile as the line clicked off.

Samuel stood and extended his hand. “Ready when you are.”

She grabbed her purse. “Let’s go.”

As they walked through the building, heads turned. Employees slowed, whispered, and stole curious glances. Lena felt it but ignored it. Samuel, on the other hand, looked entertained.

“People seem interested,” he murmured.

“They’ll forget by tomorrow,” Lena replied calmly.

Outside, Samuel opened the car door for her. She slid inside, watching as he walked around to the driver’s seat.

At the theater, they bought oversized popcorn and drinks, settling into their seats as previews began. The movie was light and funny, and to Lena’s surprise, she found herself relaxing—laughing freely, forgetting her worries, even if only temporarily.

Halfway through, Samuel leaned closer. “I’m glad you said yes.”

She smiled, eyes still on the screen. “Me too.”

When the credits rolled, they stepped into the cool night air. Samuel stretched slightly. “That was exactly what I needed.”

“Same,” Lena admitted.

He drove her back to where her car was parked. When they arrived, he stepped out with her, leaning casually against her car as she searched for her keys.

“I really enjoyed tonight,” he said softly.

“So did I,” she replied honestly.

There was a pause. Then Samuel leaned in, slowly, cautiously.

Lena noticed immediately.

“Samuel,” she said, stepping back. “Please don’t.”

He froze, then pulled away, embarrassed. “I’m sorry. I misread the moment.”

“You didn’t do anything wrong,” she said gently. “I’m just… not in that place.”

“I understand,” he replied, forcing a small smile.

“Goodnight,” she said, unlocking her car.

“Goodnight, Lena.”

She drove off, glancing once in the mirror to see him still standing there.

“Men,” she muttered under her breath.

Later, she pulled up outside Nora’s house and tapped the horn lightly. The door flew open, and Milo came running.

“Mom!” he shouted.

She scooped him into a hug. “Hey, my favorite person.”

“Did you take forever on purpose?” he asked as they settled into the car while Lena drove.

She laughed. “No, baby. I wouldn’t do that.”

“Did you go out with Daddy?” 

“No,” she replied. “I went out with a friend.”

“A boy friend?” he pressed.

She smiled. “A friend who happens to be a boy.”

“Was he nice?”

“Yes.”

“Did you eat ice cream?”

“No, popcorn.”

He nodded thoughtfully. “Popcorn is okay.”

“Bedtime detective,” she said as they reached home. She parked the car and they made their way into the house.

The moment they got in, Milo called “Mom?”

“Yes baby?” Lena mumbled tiredly, knowing it could be another question.

“Do you like him?”

She paused in surprise, wondering when her son became so matured to know these things. But then, she answered honestly. “Only as a friend. There’s nothing going on.”

“Okay,” he said. “Daddy would be jealous though.”

She tightened her grip on her bag slightly. “Daddy has nothing to worry about.”

Milo smiled. “If you say so.”