Ex-change

Chapter Eight: When The Past Walks In

“What do you mean?” I asked Damien, stopping myself from falling back into thoughts of Eric.

“You don't really have a choice,” he started, holding up a document I hadn’t noticed before. “I took permission from Mr. Callahan.”

If I’d been drinking anything, I would have choked.

“You took permission to stalk my ex?”

He gave me a look like I was being dramatic. “Correction—our exes. And it’s not stalking if it’s for work.”

I wasn’t sure whether to feel relieved or annoyed. On one hand, it wasn’t something worse—like some new twist involving Eric. On the other hand, it meant I’d have to confront reality. And that reality was Eric.

Still, some part of me was relieved. Because not knowing anything about the man who might be the father of my child? That was scarier than facing him.

“So, do I have your consent to start our field trip tomorrow?” Damien drawled.

I rolled my eyes. “Like you care about consent.”

He just smirked. “You’re right. I don’t. See you tomorrow.”

I didn’t respond, and he strolled out like he’d just won something.

“That went really well,” Jenna’s voice chimed in from behind me.

I jumped. “Why are you always just there?”

She grinned. “I see the light in your eyes is finally back now that our dear Damien Carter has decided to start saying hello again.”

“What do you mean?” That was the second time I’d used that phrase today.

“I mean, you’ve been walking around like a zombie, and now you’re... well, still miserable, but with slightly more flair.”

I snorted. “Wow. Thanks.”

She gave me a pointed look. “What I’m saying is, since you’ve decided to leave me in the dark about your whole life, I have to get creative with my observations.”

My stomach twisted with guilt. “I didn’t mean to. The timing was just... always wrong.”

She didn’t look hurt, but with Jenna, that didn’t mean much. If she was upset, she’d never say it outright.

“When have we ever cared about timing when it comes to our friendship?” she asked. Before I could answer, she continued.

“I know things ended with Eric the moment they did, but I waited for you to tell me. And you didn’t. A stranger found out before I did.”

Her voice wavered just enough to make me feel like an absolute jerk.

“I’m really sorry, Jen.”

She smiled a little, but it was sad. “You only call me that when you want me to forgive you.”

“What can I say? I know how to work my way into your heart.”

Her smile widened, but she still looked unconvinced. “What else are you hiding from me before I find out myself?”

That’s Jenna—she always knows when I’m holding back.

“Jenna, the thing is…”

“Now, ladies!” Mr. Callahan’s voice boomed. “Enough chitchat and back to work!”

I wasn’t sure whether to be grateful for the interruption or annoyed that I hadn’t managed to say anything. Maybe it was fate telling me to keep my mouth shut—or maybe it was just me being a coward.

The next morning came way too fast. It felt like I’d barely blinked, and suddenly it was time to go. Jenna’s text popped up as soon as I rolled over in bed:

I haven’t forgiven you yet, so you have to let me join today’s field trip.

I replied, No problem, the more the merrier.

The subway was unusually quick, which meant I got to work earlier than expected—just enough time to steel myself for whatever chaos Damien had planned.

The first thing I noticed was a red Tesla parked directly in front of my company. It wasn’t exactly subtle. But what really caught my attention was Jenna—dressed head-to-toe in a sleek black suit, complete with a matching cap and sunglasses. She looked like a secret agent who took her fashion cues from Vogue.

Before I could even open my mouth, she practically jogged over, snatched my bag, and rushed to open the back door for me.

I hesitated. “What’s going on?”

She didn’t answer, just gestured for me to get in.

Inside, I found Damien sitting comfortably, dressed in a midnight blue three-piece suit. His usually messy hair was slicked back, making him look like a CEO straight off a magazine cover. Even I couldn’t deny how good he looked. But that didn’t stop me from asking the question that had been bothering me since I saw the car.

“What are you doing?”

Jenna, now settled in the driver’s seat, replied, “The real question is: What are we doing?”

Damien cut in. “And the correct answer is—this is how we’re going on the field trip.”

I stared at them both, trying to process it. “You do realize that driving a Tesla and dressing like this isn’t exactly low-profile? Eric’s going to know we’re stalking him.”

Damien scoffed. “For someone who always has a witty comeback, you’re a little dense.”

Jenna jumped in before I could snap back. “This morning, Eric’s having breakfast with his girlfriend at a high-end restaurant. I’m your bodyguard-s***h-driver, and you and Mr. Carter here are a couple.”

Damien gave me a knowing look. “What you saw earlier was us getting into character in case anyone noticed us.”

They made it sound so casual, like we were just popping to the store for snacks. But this was meeting the man who’d ended things with me brutally right after making love—meeting him with another woman on his arm.

“I know you’re about to object,” Damien said, reading my face. “But you don’t really have a choice. Treat it like a job. Looking like you’ve moved on is one of the most effective ways to get a rise out of your ex.”

I hated to admit it, but he was right. I wasn’t trying to hurt Eric—I just wanted him to acknowledge his child. And if this was the best way to make him face reality, then so be it.

Trying to shift my thoughts, I asked, “Where did you get the car?”

Jenna flashed a quick smile in the rearview mirror. “Thompson senior. He’s willing to pull out all the stops to keep his only heir in check.”

With that, she started the engine, and we drove off in silence.

The car glided to a stop in front of the restaurant, and Jenna adjusted her cap, giving me a nod through the rearview mirror.

“We’re here,” she announced.

Damien stepped out first, straightening his suit jacket before leaning down to offer me his hand. His smirk was firmly in place, daring me to ignore the gesture.

I hesitated, but his expression didn’t budge. With a resigned sigh, I placed my hand in his, and he helped me out of the car like we were some high-profile couple arriving for a date. He didn’t let go until I was fully upright, and even then, his fingers brushed mine longer than necessary.

“See? Was that so hard?” he teased, still smirking.

I shot him a glare. “Don’t push your luck.”

He just laughed under his breath as Jenna joined us, trailing a few steps behind like a proper bodyguard. The hostess at the entrance barely gave us a second glance before leading us to a reserved table by the window. I sat down, trying to ignore how aware I was of Damien beside me.

A waiter appeared, professional and poised. “What can I get you to drink?”

“An Americano for me,” I said, forcing a smile.

Damien didn’t hesitate. “Espresso. Double.”

The waiter nodded and left, and I took a moment to scan the restaurant, trying to seem casual. Damien leaned back, looking completely at ease.

“You’re doing great,” he said in a low voice, just for me. “Relax.”

“I am relaxed,” I muttered, even though the tension was building in my shoulders.

Damien gave me a skeptical glance. “You look like you’re about to bolt.”

I opened my mouth to snap back when movement at the entrance caught my eye. My heart plummeted.

Eric had just walked in.

And he wasn’t alone.

The woman by his side was stunning—tall, elegant, effortlessly beautiful in a cream dress that hugged her figure like it was made just for her. She smiled up at him as they were led to a table a few spots away. I forced myself to keep breathing, even though my chest felt tight.

Damien noticed immediately, his hand moving under the table to squeeze mine. It was a subtle gesture, but enough to anchor me.

“You okay?” he whispered.

I didn’t trust myself to speak, so I just nodded. But the longer I watched Eric laugh and lean in toward his girlfriend, the harder it became to stay calm. I couldn’t do this.

“I’ll be right back,” I mumbled, pulling my hand away and pushing back my chair.

Damien looked concerned but didn’t stop me as I made my way to the bathroom, focusing on keeping my breathing steady. Each step felt heavier, my pulse pounding louder with every passing second.

Just as I reached the door, the dizziness hit—fast and hard. My vision blurred, and the ground seemed to tilt beneath me.

The last thing I heard before everything went dark was Damien’s panicked voice calling my name.