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He yells back, “Thank you. For all of this.”
“You’re welcome.”
Neither of us snark or call truce. We just let it all lay exactly where it landed. I don’t want to like him, but I do.
When I come into the bedroom he’s laid out my outfit on the bed. And it’s not any of the occasion appropriate clothes I bought, it’s the damn unhinged beige tulle ball skirt and my emerald green satin halter top from home. It’s one I didn’t buy to impress anyone but me. Chad hated green, but I love it. I put it on and head to the bathroom to apply make up. He appears in the doorway.
“What if I were naked?”
“And?” The left side of my lip pulls up a little as I look back to the mirror. He’s wearing an ash blazer, gold striped Lacoste button-down shirt, gray satin tie loose around his neck, and dark wash jeans. I hate that he looks so good.
As I put on my makeup, he watches. As he ties his tie, I watch. We’re fascinated with each other’s minutiae. He picks up a necklace I laid out and says, “May I?”
Then he puts on my necklace like we’re in a Kay Jewelers commercial at Christmas.
He disappears as I start in on the mascara and returns with two glasses full of red liquid.
“You know that’s not the greatest idea for me. I’m not allowed to drink these at the Little Bird after I stained the rug. I’m only allowed the Sunflower, the blonde version of this.”
“I trust you.” He hands me a Negroni and I sip carefully. “See, you’re a big girl now, you don’t even need your sippy cup.”
I say gently, “Fuck off.” He laughs and sips his own drink. “I’m ready except for lipstick.”
He takes the drink from me as I bend down to pick up the giant ass skirt and it’s caught under my feet. I lean forward and tug and of course I’m off balance and literally do a forward roll to his feet. He looks down as I get up to my knees.
“I thought it would take more than a sip to get you in that position.” He hands me my drink and I gulp.
We stroll into the party looking every bit the enviable couple. I feel stunning. Not something I’m used to, but on his arm it’s hard not to. The gaggle of matching blonde Tri-Delts summon me immediately. I look at Zane. Before we can devise a plan, Birdie floats to us.
“Don’t the two of you look handsome?”
I put my arm around him and smile at her. “Thanks, Mrs. Jackson.”
She scoffs. “We’re past that.”
“Sorry, Birdie.” She motions to a waiter for hideous-looking fruity drinks.
She toasts us. “To the loveliest surprise Zane’s ever given me.”
“Thank you.” And now I feel a little like shit. Is he the ass I thought he was or is he a good guy caught up in jackassery?
Birdie flits off with a whisper. “If you’ll excuse me lovebirds, I must circulate.” Zane kisses her on the cheek, and she walks away.
We ditch our disgusting sugar drinks and walk to the bar in search of gin and tonics. We stand shoulder to shoulder surveying the cocktail party. Only the costumes and location have changed, but it’s the same party these people have been having since I was a little girl. My parents wouldn’t miss a beat in this room. I’m feeling rebellious. I assume it’s because it’s a room full of people I’ve spent a lifetime running from. Zane draws me towards him.
He bends down and lets his breath tickle my ear. “Sorry about her comments. I’ll make sure I’m the dick in the breakup.” I’m relieved to hear a touch of conscience. He sips and asks, “How long do you think we need to stay?”
Chapter 18
Bro
ZANE
Maui
“Having navigated my fair share of these soirees, I have a bulletproof plan to get us out of here,” she says as she surveys the room.
I put a hand on her back. She’s starting to let me do that without flinching and I’m trying not to read into it.
