Free Twist of Fate by Jaime Whitley Page A

strep throat every time it goes around. Whenever I have to leave him, it breaks me a little inside. However, I’m the only means of support for us, so I have to work. Luckily, I have Megan to stay home with him.
    Since work has increased substantially, Joe decided to hire an assistant to help me out. To say Declan is a godsend is an understatement. He worked previously at a different agency, so he already had a feel of what this field is like. There was hardly any training needed on my end, and he jumped right into the work load without any arguments. He has also turned out to become a good friend. Megan has adopted him into our little group and now he goes wherever we do.
    “Hey, girl.” I turn my head to see Declan enter the lounge.
    “Good morning, Declan, how was your evening?” I grab two plates and hand him one.
    “Eh, uneventful.” He shrugs his shoulders and pours us some coffee.
    “I thought last night was date night with Chris?”
    “Oh it was, but someone got their panties all in a twist because an ex texted me. I mean really, I don’t have any control over who texts me. It’s not like I ever text him back, so it shouldn’t matter. So, I told him to go home.”
    “You kicked him out? I thought he was the one . ”
    “There are plenty more where he came from. If he wants to be with me, then he can grovel on his knees with an apology, and while he’s down there--” He’s grinning at me, but I cut him off, holding my hands up for him to stop before he goes any further.
    “Okay, I get it. Someone really needs to teach you all about a little something called too much information.” I toss a bagel at him before placing a bagel on my plate.
    We are heading to our desks when Declan asks me, “Have you heard from Silas at all?”
    “Yeah, he sent me a text the other day, but I never responded with Ezra being sick and all. I’ve been so busy with work, writing, and things at home. I feel like I haven’t had a moment to myself in a while. After this rush is over, maybe I’ll talk to Joe about taking a long weekend and take Ezra somewhere fun.”
    “You can always use my beach house. I usually rent it out in the summers, but I figured this year I would actually use it. At the rate Chris is going, I don’t see myself vacationing with him this summer.”
    “I just might take you up on that offer.”
    We both get to work and as soon as I turn the answering system off, the phones go crazy. Declan and I help the main receptionist when we can, but still need to keep our main focus on Joe. We don’t have time to go out for lunch today, so we ordered in for the three of us. Once the food arrives, we all head to the lounge to eat. Before I get there, I send Silas a quick text.
    Me: Hey. Sorry I never responded. I’ve been swamped at work.
    Silas responds right away. I take a seat at the table between Joe and Declan as I open the message.
    Silas: It’s ok. I know what you mean. Work never slows down for me. I was wondering if maybe we can get together. I would like to see you again.
    Before I can respond, I notice that both Joe and Declan are looking over me at my messages, like a bunch of nosey teenagers. “Do you guys mind?” I shake my head at them as they act like a bunch of teenage boys.
    “Oh no, honey, don’t let us interrupt you. Text him back.” neither Declan nor Joe take their eyes off my phone.
    “You two are really something,” I say as I roll my eyes.
    “We can’t help it. This whole thing with Silas is like a real life soap opera. I’m just waiting for the big dramatic twist to play out. You know, like when Kendall found out that Zach was still alive on All My Children. That was an OMG moment,” Declan says as Joe just laughs at him. Knowing that I won’t win this round with them, I text Silas.
    Me: Sounds good.
    Silas: I’ll see when I’m free and text ya.
    I put my phone away and look over at Joe and Declan, who have gone back to eating their lunch. “So Joe, is Laura ready