He goes in for a hug and I’m instantly grateful that it’s not more.
“You look gorgeous.” He pulls back and looks me over. “I have a surprise waiting for you inside.”
I’ve had my quota of surprises for this year.
I smile and wiggle my brows. “Give me a little hint.”
He taps the tip of my nose and I instantly know that any spark that might have caught fire between us has been extinguished. Forever.
The finger on the end of my nose is a classic move.
My dad has done it to me since I was a little girl.
He reaches for my hand and I let him take it while I run through the ‘ we should be friends ’ speech in my head.
I’ll need to give it before the end of the night, so it doesn’t hurt to rehearse mentally.
We push our way through the line of people near the front door. I have no idea why Roland thinks he can leapfrog to the front, but I don’t complain because I haven’t eaten anything but a bagel all day.
I’m famished and thirsty. I need a burger and a glass of wine.
“Over there.” Roland points as soon as we enter the restaurant. “Look over there, Linny.”
I do.
My empty stomach sinks.
Jeremy Weston, looking as hot as ever in black pants and a gray lightweight V-neck sweater, is standing in my direct line of sight. Wrapped around his forearm are a woman’s hands.
I can only see her profile, but that’s enough. Tight black dress, sky-high heels, long blonde hair and curves for days.
I look over at Roland and shrug.
Is the man a mind reader? Did he figure out that I’m stuck on West and not him?
“I’m not sure what,” I pause because the only thing I’m sure of is that I don’t want to be here.
“Look again. She’s coming this way,” Roland says, his finger waving in the air again, right toward where West and the blonde are.
I look because I have nothing to lose at this point.
“Oh my god, Linny,” Harmony screams as she races at me. “Surprise.”
I grab hold of her when she takes me in her arms, grateful for the familiar face. I scan the area behind her for West, but he’s gone.
It’s probably for the best. He was with someone else. Why did I think he would chase after me forever? I’ve spent every second we’ve been together pretending I’m not the woman he took to bed in Vegas.
I had one night with the man. That’s all I’ll ever have.
***
“It looks like you two are hitting it off.” Harmony beams with pride, her gaze volleying between Roland and me. “You were holding hands when you walked in. How adorable is that?”
I shoot her a look, but she misses it because she’s too caught up in congratulating herself for setting the two of us up.
“Linny is everything any guy could ever want.” Roland wraps his arm around my shoulder. “She’s beautiful, smart and she loves surprises.”
Harmony giggles. “Linny loves surprises? Since when?”