79

~Aoife~

Xander and I arrived at the office building, where he seemed eager to discuss my personal matters.

“Can we be friends?”

I stopped in my tracks and looked at him, knowing how peculiar this request would sound. But I had to go along with it.

“Sure,” I replied, though I was still upset with Alex for his inappropriate question. How could he ask Xander something like that? Yet, I couldn’t bring myself to blame Alex entirely.

“Can we go for lunch?” Xander asked, seeking some form of connection.

I needed clarification on what he wanted from me. Why did he come last night and ask all those questions? However, I reminded myself that he would be leaving the city in a month.

“Xander, I have some work to do, so...” I trailed off, implying that I couldn’t join him for lunch.

He understood my response and let it go before he walked towards his new office.

I went to meet Brandon, who was waiting for me.

“How are you, Aoife? I’m so sorry I couldn’t come to meet you earlier. I got caught up