I’m still not talking, so Richard scoffs. “That’s what I thought.”

We glare at each other for a few more seconds before he adds, “Are you handing in your notice?”

He knows. “No, I’m not. Yeah, I went to an interview, but I didn’t accept the offer.” That seems to throw him a little. “So you can take your self-righteousness and stick it… well, I’m sure I don’t need to tell you where.”

“The great Blair Walker will be staying with us another day. How exciting.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? I just told you I didn’t take the job. Why do you have to be a dick about it?”

“Because since the first day you signed your contract, you’ve been waiting for the moment you could get out.”

“That’s not true. I’ve busted my ass off to create something from nothing for this magazine and I’ve given it one-hundred percent. You can’t deny that. And, yes, Northwestern offered me a job at a magazine with a better name, better pay, and better benefits. So I went and listened to what they had to say. Shoot me.” I raise my hands in surrender. “But I turned the offer down because I believe in what we’re building.”

My volume has gone up a notch and I’m uncomfortably aware that everyone outside must be able to hear us. If our body language wasn’t already clear enough. Stupid glass walls!

“If you say so.”

Richard’s dismissive attitude sparks more anger and frustration. He wants to pretend nothing has happened between us? He wants to ignore his feelings? I’ve let him so far, but now he’s pushed all the wrong buttons and I’m furious enough to tackle the real problem between us.

“Are you mad at me for the job offer, or are you mad at yourself because you can’t admit what’s really bothering you?”

“And what would that be?” Richard sneers.

“That you got scared you’d lose me for good, and you’re too afraid to admit you have feelings for me.”

“That’s a bit presumptuous on your part.”

“Then tell me it isn’t true! Tell me I’m wrong. I mean, if you’re not too afraid.”

“Careful, Walker. You’re taking it too far.”

“You can puff out your chest all you like, the fact remains you’re too much of a coward to admit the truth.”

Richard jumps up from his chair. “Who are you calling a coward?”

“You, it’s what you are!”

“It’s better if we end this conversation now before either of us says something we can’t take back. You want the truth: I can’t stand to look at you right now.”

“Oh, the coward wants to run away. How surprising.”