“We’re currently searching for freelance videographers for the next project we’re doing,” says Pauline, one of my coworkers. “And this creator comes highly recommended. I think she worked with you on a previous project?”

Celeste’s eyes look back at me from the center photo, her expression the perfect mix of wistful and charismatic. Along with her picture are four photos she took, two of which are from our project.

“We also have her video work on file, but I figured you’ve already seen it, so I didn’t bother forwarding that email,” Pauline adds when I don’t respond right away.

I’m surprised to realize that, with how busy I’ve been lately, I haven’t thought about Celeste in a while. Despite the quieter pace of life in the suburbs, socially and professionally, I’ve been busier than ever. I’ve been dividing my time between helping Kiara and Val plan their wedding, throwing myself into work, and making new—as well as reconnecting with the old—friends here in SoCal. It’s been chaotic, but the good kind that helps me fall asleep exhausted every night but wake up feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle the day in the morning. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been this happy.

But now, with my ex’s face right there in front of me, I’m so caught off guard that my voice barely comes out when I say, “We did.”

Pauline covers her mouth with her hands. “Oh dear. Did you not like working with her? We can remove her from the list, then, no problem.”

Slowly, I trace Celeste’s photo with my fingers. I take a breath, and then another, trying to gauge how I feel about her now that the initial shock is fading away.

“No,” I finally say. “Let’s bring her in and see what she has to say. She’s one of the best media artists I know. We probably won’t find a better person for the job.”

We schedule a meeting with Celeste for the following Monday. Technically, meetings with freelancers are done in the conference room with the whole team, but I tell everyone that I’d like to handle this one on my own. And my coworkers are all busy enough with other projects that they’re more than happy to let me take charge.

After how emotional things were the last time we saw each other, I have no idea how things will be when we meet again. So I can’t help but tense up a bit when she enters the conference room—early, of course. Her hair is longer, flowing gracefully down her back like a silky black waterfall. But other than that, she looks the same. Still unforgettably hot and irritatingly sexy.