Chapter 48

My relationship with Russo had been tense for a far longer period of time than it should have been, which is what led me to the decision that I needed to establish some boundaries between us. The lack of distinction between our personal and professional lives was causing greater hardship for both of us, and I could no longer maintain the pretense that he cared about me in any capacity other than as a coworker. I was forced to come to the realization that our private and work lives were becoming more interwoven with one another.

In the middle of the night, when I was in my room, there came a knock at my door, and I answered it. When I opened it, there was a delivery person waiting there with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. I was quite impressed. The very thought of speaking caused a lump to form in my throat, and I got the distinct impression that they were Russian. I appreciate the thoughtfulness of the gesture, but I am unable to accept it at this time. Putting some distance between