You Wanted Space! We’re Done, Dr. Whitmore Chapter 10

You Wanted Space! We’re Done, Dr. Whitmore Chapter 10

The ceremony wrapped.

I ducked backstage to change for the reception.

Then the seating chart imploded.

They bumped me to the kids’ table.

The flower girl grabbed my hand and towed me over, her little voice high and earnest.

“My mom said all the grown-ups at this table are single.” She jabbed a finger sideways. “That’s my uncle.

You two can swap tips on being single.”

Surrounded by a sea of small faces.

One man stuck out.

White hair. Impossible to miss. Silver chains dangling from his glasses. Dressed like he’d just stepped off a

runway and decided to crash a wedding..

Too editorial. Too intentional. Like a Vogue spread that accidentally wandered into a banquet hall.

Our eyes locked.

A beat of silence thickened.

“My godfather’s father’s sister’s nephew’s wife-that’s your best friend?”

So this is what he sounds like outside the office.

I managed a tight smile.

“Mr. Sterling. Fancy seeing you here.”

Chase looked down, adjusted his collar. Then gestured at his white hair.

“I’m dodging the family pressure to settle down. This way, they can tell I’m still young.”

I nodded seriously.

“Very young.”

My mind drifted to that five-figure overtime payment I’d let slip away.

I ventured carefully-

“So-is there still a chance to earn that overtime payment?”

Chase pulled off the ridiculous glasses. The look he gave me was half-smile, half-tease.

“Too late. My mom already chewed me out.”

I couldn’t hide the disappointment on my face.

He caught it.

Paused.

Then added, “Next time, maybe.”

A beat.

“My godfather’s father’s brother’s nephew is getting married soon too.”

What followed was a winding explanation of his family tree-convoluted, absurd, way too detailed.

From there, the conversation slipped into something looser.

We talked about which flowers worked for which weddings.

Getting chased by a dog as a kid.

His cat’s obsession with the chandelier.

The best snack at a convenience store. He had opinions. Strong ones.

I realized something.

This man–the one they called “Junior Emperor”-wasn’t as untouchable as they made him out to be.