During a robbery you’re surprised when the criminals seem to recognize you and retreat in fear. Only later you learn that your high school sweetheart now runs a global crime syndicate and has you placed on a “no harm list”. You decide to pay them a visit after all these years.
“This is a far cry from your high school plans,” You say, setting the cup down on the coffee table with a clink and leaning back against the leather couch. “Whatever happened to the doctor dream?”
The smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “Died after I got rejected from the program.”
You take a sip of tea. Earl Grey. Even after all these years, he still can’t get the milk-to-tea ratio right. “If it helps, my career didn’t really go the way I planned either.”
“I’m guessing you didn’t run for President.”
“Was too busy with my law firm.”
“That’s still an impressive job. You must be very proud.”
You make a noncommittal noise and stare at your tea. More people should drink tea.
“What else have you been up to?” he asks, stirring his coffee absentmindedly.
You wave a hand. “Oh, nothing too amazing. Making friends, picking up new hobbies. Did some travelling the year after we-“ you pause, clearing your throat. “The year after high school. And you?”
“Work keeps me pretty busy.” He shrugs, gaze flickering to your left hand. “Been seeing anyone?”
Funny, you were just fighting the temptation to ask the same thing. “Had a couple of relationships, but nothing serious. I’m a wild spirit,” you shoot off a pair of finger guns. “Can’t be held down for long.”
Your ex laughs, breaking some of the awkwardness of the situation. “That much hasn’t changed since high school.”
There’s a part of you that wonders whether you should be more careful with this man. The blood and tears of thousands paint his hands, regardless of how deceptively well-manicured they are. The thoughts should make you queasy. They should make you want to run from this man whose eyes are a thin barrier for the darkness and chaos within. Still, your smile is genuine as you look back at him. “I’m glad we were able to meet. Catch up a bit. It’s been a long time.”
“How could I not, after the way you contacted me?” His tone turns serious. “For the record, contacting someone through their personal assassin is generally a bad idea.”
You shrug, almost spilling your drink in the process. “Well, it’s not like your number is easy to find. It’s almost like the powerful crime lord doesn’t want to be found.”
At the mention of his work, his fingers twitch and his gaze drops. “Almost.” Your ex repeats softly. The two of you lock eyes. “Did you tell anyone who I am?”
The unspoken threat in the murmur is almost enough to awaken your fear instinct. Almost. His hands fold, and you are distracted by the scars lining the knuckles. You sip your tea.
“I forgot to tell you, I became a complete idiot recently.” You give an exaggerated roll of your eyes. “Of course not.”
This time, the smile does reach his eyes. “That’s good. There aren’t enough complete idiots in the world – I’d hate to dispose of one.”
You chuckle, probably far too amused at a joke about your own demise. “I know quite a few at work if you ever feel the urge. This visit is a nice break from idiocy.”
His smile fades again as he gently places his coffee on the table. “On that topic, why did you want to meet?”
“I came because I have a question to ask.”
Your ex tilts his head and folds his arms. You know that look. That’s the expression he would always give the aggressive mall kiosk salespeople.
Even knowing this is what you came to ask does not make the moment any less nerve-wracking. Your fingers tighten around the cup. “After the robbery, I started thinking about you, and about high school, and about what a great team we were-“
“You want us to get back together?” He asks, and you are shocked when an emotion that is not disgust or contempt briefly breaks through his guard.
“What- No.” And yet… the thought is not automatically repulsive. “I want a job.”
His arms unfold. You press on. “I’m bored with paperwork, and I’m done being apathetic. Life is too short to live without a little danger.”
“A lot of danger.”
“I know the legal system like the back of my hand and spend all day getting paid to manipulate people. I’m stubborn and clever and charming and a little bit of an ass. Give me a job that will make me feel alive again.”
He regards you for a moment, tilting his head and pursing his lips. There is no plea for you to reconsider, no attempt to argue you out of this – he knows better than that. Your ex straightens his back and holds out a hand. For the first time, you see the crime boss behind the face of your old love.
“If you do this, there’s no going back.”
You look at the coffee, forgotten on the table and wonder how similar the colour is to dried blood. You glance at hands that have no right to be so scarred for someone so young. You stare into eyes that hold hundred of memories from a better time.
You finish your tea and shake his hand.