My gaze drops to my hand."Why a contract?""Because it will keep things clear for both of us."
He looks at his watch and lets go."Sorry, but I have to go."He moves away, and after grabbing his water bottle, he strolls towards the door.
"Oh, one more thing.The offer stands until ten tonight.If you haven't signed and returned it by then.The deal is off."
I gaze at the envelope in my hand, and the second he leaves the room, I open it and pull out two papers.“H-he wasn't joking,” I stammer as my eyes wander over the document."He wrote a fucking sex contract."
15
COLE
Seconds after ringing the bell of the classic federal-style house on Boston's most elegant block, my chest tightens.Every visit here scratches at memories I've spent years trying to bury.The front door opens, and I force a smile at Jeremy, the lines around his eyes deeper than I remember, but that familiar sparkle still there.
"Cole!Come in."
"Hey, Jeremy."My voice sounds steadier than I feel."How are you?"
"I'm fine.Getting a little older, but don't we all?"
The hallway seems to close in as I follow him inside.Trophy cases line the walls, each gleaming award a reminder of expectations I could never quite meet.My fingers itch to touch them, muscle memory from years of polishing them as punishment for not being "good enough."
Jeremy's hand on my shoulder anchors me to the present.He's been here since I was five, the one constant source of warmth in this cold mansion.While my parents chased perfection, Jeremy offered understanding and the occasional stolen cookie.
"Your mother has mentioned you many times these last weeks."His voice carries a gentle warning."She misses you."
I cock a brow, tension knotting between my shoulders."I've been busy with work, and the only thing my mom misses is the chance to play matchmaker at her dinner sessions."
Jeremy's knowing look makes me shift uncomfortably."Even if her actions don't always show it, she loves you."
I let out a heavy sigh, dragging a hand over my face."I know."
"A strong espresso?"
The offer brings a genuine smile to my lips.Jeremy's coffee has been solving problems in this house for decades."If you make it, sure.Where can I find her?"
"In the study.She's busy arranging a dinner party."He chuckles at my frown."I'll bring your coffee together with your mom's cappuccino in a few minutes."
Each step down the familiar hallway unearths memories I'd rather forget.The trophy cabinet looms to my right, and despite my best efforts, my eyes are drawn to the gleaming metal and glass.State Championships.National Awards.Each one representing hours of practice, countless lectures about excellence, and never quite measuring up.
My mother sits at the oval-shaped table dominating the study, her perfect posture a testament to years of rigid expectations.When I slam my hand against the wooden door, she jumps, hand flying to her chest.
"Oh, sweet Jesus, Cole.Was that necessary?"
"Good morning, Mother."A familiar bitterness coats my tongue."And to answer your question, yeah, it was.You were so focused on that piece of paper, I thought it would be an excellent way to let you know I've arrived."
She stands, automatically adjusting her tight hair bun before approaching.My jaw clenches as she starts plucking invisible fluff from my jacket, a habit that's always felt more about control than care.
"Seven weeks, Cole."Her voice carries decades of disappointment."Always an excuse."
I let out an exasperated huff, stepping back and removing her hands from my jacket."Mom, I was busy."
"Too busy to visit your mother?"Her eyes, so like my own, meet mine."I have to call you to check if you're still alive."
"Mom!"
"Oh, Carmen, go easy on him.Your son is a hardworking businessman."
I can't help but chuckle at Jeremy's timely intervention, watching my mother's annoyance at his interference.He sends me a slight grin before turning back to her.
