Our Way

“When was this?” I frown.

He frowns as he thinks back. “Last August, I think.”

I was in Paris with the girls for a month.

“But then something happened, and just out of nowhere, he would never stay over anymore.”

I swallow the lump in my throat. That’s because he was in my bed.

“It dragged on for a few months. I would get to see him for a few hours here and there. Nothing substantial.”

Zavier was Nathan’s booty-call.

“Anyway, the long and the short of it was that I fell in love with him and he didn’t fall in love with me.”

“Did you ask him why?”

He shrugs. “Said something about how he never got over his first love.”

My heart drops. “Ah.” I smile sadly as I desperately try to hide my emotions.

“But then he met you.” He smiles happily. “So he obviously did in the end. Tell me everything.”

“Well…” I pause, still rattled by his last statement. “We just moved in together.”

“You did?” he says excitedly. “This is great.”

He seems genuinely pleased for me, and I don’t feel threatened by him.

“He’s a really great man.” Zavier smiles as he sips his drink.

“He is.” I think for a moment. “So… you and him are still friends?”

“No.” He shakes his head. “He cut all ties the moment I told him that I loved him.”

“Oh.” I put my hand on his thigh. “I’m sorry. That’s shitty.”

“Yeah, well, what are you going to do?” He shrugs. “Shit happens.” He smiles. “How did you two meet?”

“We were best friends for ten years.”

He frowns as he listens.

“And then one day, he professed his love for me.”

His eyes hold mine. “I see.” He thinks on that for a moment. “That makes a lot of sense now.” His brow furrows and he looks at the ground as if putting a missing piece in a puzzle.

“Eliza!” Henry calls from across the bar. “You’re up.” He points to the bar, and I laugh.

“Excuse me,” I say to Zavier. “I have to get my drunk and disorderly boss another drink.”

He chuckles as his eyes linger on Henry dancing around a pole. “Oh, I feel sorry for you having to sit next to him tomorrow in the conference. He’s a mess.”

“I know.” I stand.

“It was nice meeting you, Eliza.” Zavier leans up and kisses me on the cheek. “I wish you and Nathan all the happiness in the world. Take care of each other.”

“Thanks.” I smile. “It means a lot.”