Then I walk across the hall to my office and put my things down, then sit behind my desk, opening my laptop so I at least appear to be working. In the corner of my eye, I keep track of India's office and see her stand up and talk to Blaine. He stands close to her, his arms folded, and talks to her. She's standing with a frown on her face and I wonder if she’s mad that I've turned up unexpectedly.
Was she planning on getting some afternoon delight with Blaine in the office? There's no one else here, so they could have been fucking like bunnies. She didn’t expect me to show up – that's for sure.
Something like jealousy roils in my stomach. It's the first time I felt like this since… since the night at the convention when Marina invited a date to our team function.
I'm jealous.
I hate the idea that India might consider getting back with Blaine.
I want her to myself. All of her for me and me alone.
I don't want to even think about her with someone else.
Finally, Blaine leaves and India comes into my office. I remain seated behind my desk and let her lead the way.
"So, why are you back?" she asks and sits at the chair across from me.
"Disappointed?" I can’t help but say, my tone a bit too acid.
"Why would you say that?" She frowns, crossing her arms.
"Well, you and Blaine were…"
"We were what?"
"Alone in the office. On a Sunday. With me out of town…"
She stands and I wonder if I've gone too far.
"Are you insinuating that there's anything happening between Blaine and me?"
"Not insinuating. Asking."
"There's nothing between us except ill-will on my part and arrogant assumption on his."
That makes me feel better. It also makes me feel like a bit of a heel.
I lean back, exhaling, not realizing that I was holding my breath and was so tense.
"So, you're not happy to see him?"
She shakes her head. "Not even a bit. In case you forgot, he left me."
"He asked you to come."
"As a business partner. And a fuckbuddy. Nothing more. It wasn't good enough for me."
I nod. I already knew that. I wanted to hear her say it.
"I came back because I was worried that you were getting back with him."
"What on Earth gave you that idea?"
"Marina said—"
"What did Marina say?"
I take in a deep breath. "Marina said that she thought Blaine realized what he lost when he left you. I figured if you still felt the same way about him, you might want to get back together with him."