As the day went on, it wasn't a surprise that I didn't receive a call or text from Hero. I did, however, get an email from Cole reminding me of our lunch date. 

This worried me. If Hero ever caught wind of my emails and saw that, he'd be pissed. It wasn't a date. It was more of a meeting. Reuniting of friends.

Things didn't have to be weird. 

Half an hour before I was due to clock out, I heard a commotion outside of my office. Peeking out, I saw that half the employees were gathered around Brendan's desk, holding a three-tier cake and blowing into paper horns.

They were shouting their congratulations, with Jo blushing in return. 

Oh wow. Had the office really planned a party?

I rushed out, finding Josephine, jumping with her in the air like an adolescent five year old. 

"I can't believe this is happening!" I exclaimed. "This is amazing!" 

"I know." Jo smiled, finally pulling away. "This was all Tawnee's doing."

As she said this, Tawnee walked around the corner, receiving applause and screams. When she saw me and Josephine, she hugged us both. 

"The wedding is mere days away." She gushed. "I hope you two are ready." 

I giggled, patting my best friend on her back. 

"Are you kidding me? She's more than ready. This moment has been a long time coming." 

With one last hug, Tawnee left down the hall. As if he knew she'd gone, Cole materialized, eyeing the activity around him. 

"Ready for lunch?" He asked, his hands full with two bags of food. 

I nodded. "Yeah." 

I was aware of Jo's sharp expression as I led the way to my office.

As we both settled into seats and cleared off my desk, we began tearing into our styrofoam boxes. 

"So, I heard Josephine Langford is getting married." Cole began. "I always thought she was a bit young." 

I cleared my throat. "Oh, she is. We're the same age- nineteen." 

Or was she? Just because my birthday had passed didn't mean hers did. 

"Her fiance is Niall Horan." I went on. 

Cole's eyes went wide. 

"Wait... my cousin? How did I not know this? Jeez.... I need to go purchase a suit, don't I? Are you going to be there?"

I opened my bag of chips. 

"Of course I am. Josephine is my best friend. I wouldn't miss it for the world." 

Cole smirked. "Well, knowing my aunt, she's going to expect us all to have a plus-one. Would you want to go together?"

I huffed, already expecting this kind of question. 

"Um... I.... have a boyfriend I'm serious with. We're going together." 

Cole set down his sandwich. 

"I thought you two weren't talking?" 

I clasped my hand together, feeling out of my element. 

"I mean, we're not, but he's just going through some things right now."

Cole took a moment to breath before replying.

"Kristina, I don't mean to pry, but... how are things really going for you guys? Are you happy? Is he happy? I've only observed from the outside so I haven't seen much, but your relationship doesn't look healthy. I know who Hero is. He's not the type to settle down." 

I closed my eyes, already feeling pain from this statement. When I had first met him I'd thought the same exact thing. 

"Hero's more than just cut and dry. There aren't many people that know him very well. I'm lucky to be one of those people." 

"Kristina," Cole went on, "this is off the record. You're making excuses for him. From what I see, he's not trying as hard as he can to make it work. You know deep down that he can't offer you any more than he already is. You're a catch. You deserve better." 

I wanted to holler and scream at this response. How did he know how hard Hero fought for this relationship? He didn't know what he went through and what went on behind closed doors. 

"Call me crazy, but I don't care that he can't offer any more." I shrugged. "Like I've said before; he and I are meant to be. I'm the only one who can get to the heart of him and him for me. Even if we stay boyfriend and girlfriend for the rest of our lives, I'd put up with it." 

Cole groaned angrily. 

"No, Kristina, I won't accept that. You're settling. Have you really never thought of the possibility of us giving it a shot?"
 
I nearly refrained from rolling my eyes. Oh, not this again. Did he need closure or something? 

I sighed. "I won't deny there were feelings present at one point, but not what I feel for Hero. No one will be able to make me feel the way I do for him. I now understand my feelings for you. I love you as a friend." 

Cole raised both brows. 

"And that is why you have to meet me in secret?"

This nearly knocked the breath out of me. Crap. He had a point. I still felt that impending guiltiness coursing through me. 

When I didn't answer, Cole took ahold of both my hands. 

"Do you know what I could offer you?"

When I tried to walk away, his hold only grew tighter. 

"With me, Kristina, you wouldn't have to worry about sneaking around. You wouldn't have to ask to see anyone or worry I'd get into constant fights. I would be able to offer you more. I'd gladly give you the marriage you deserved in the future where you wouldn't have to work a day in your life. You'd have the freedom to be your own person."

What? What had gotten into him? What were we doing? How did we get here? 

"I'm sorry." I snapped, yanking my hand out of his. "It isn't going to happen for us." 

As if inspired by pure jealousy, Cole bit back. 

"Why are you so adamant on suffering? Is it really the aspect of the money he inherits from his parents?" 

I gasped totally flabbergasted. No. I was so sick of this.

"Cole! Why would you say that!" 

I didn't bother waiting for him to answer. I kicked at my chair, keeping a distance from him. 

"I think our work relationship has turned inappropriate. I think you should leave." 

Cole silently nodded, gathering his trash. 

"I only want the best for you." 

I didn't bother looking at him as he left.

Poor Cole.

I suppose lol.

Thank you all for reading.