“Oh yes, they told me about it,” Nova said. “I wasn’t planning on going, though.”
“Why not?” Lucas asked.
“I won’t know anyone there,” she replied.
“You know us,” Sebastian added with a grin. “And it might be good for you to meet some other supes while you’re in town.”
Why that would benefit her, I couldn’t guess. Sebastian had his strange interpretation of how the world worked. I didn’t say anything while I listened closely.
“Not sure it’s a good fit for a talentless witch,” Nova replied, and then took a sip of wine.
“You don’t have to be skilled in magic to go to a ball,” Sebastian replied.
“Right, just give it a go,” Lucas added.
“I didn’t bring anything to wear, but I suppose I could go shopping.” She glanced at me as if waiting for my reaction.
“Can’t hurt,” I said—a man of many words.
Nova blinked a few times and then she tilted her head. “I don’t see how this is repaying any of you.”
Sebastian’s smile widened. “I’m getting to it.” He flashed a quick look at me before returning his gaze to Nova. “Here’s the situation. Diego’s ex is going to be at this ball, and he’s not happy about that.”
I glared at him. Why was he bringing Diana up? “I already told you I’m not going,” I declared.
Sebastian raised his index finger. “But if Nova comes with us, she can pretend to be your girlfriend.”
Was he insane? I raised both hands. “No way.”
Sebastian pointed at me. “Calm down, drama king. Hear me out.” After I nodded, he said, “Eventually, you’re going to run into Diana again. You might as well be prepared for it.” He gestured in a circular motion toward me and then Nova. “Knowing her, she’s likely to be there with a guy.”
True. I swallowed the bitter taste that coated my tongue. Diana was man crazy, which I’d learned the hard way. One guy just wasn’t enough.
“Having a hot woman at your side shows her that you’ve moved on,” Sebastian added.
“What do I care what she thinks?” I replied with a dismissive shrug.
“It will be good for you,” Lucas added. “It’s better than staying in these four walls or going to work, which is all you do. These balls are fun.” He laughed and added, “Not as fun as mine.”
“Jeez, Lucas. Female company.” I glanced at Nova.
She appeared unscathed and smiled. “After living in a co-ed dorm, I’m familiar with the male fascination with their own anatomy.”
“So what do you think, Nova?” Sebastian prodded.
She bit her bottom lip. “I don’t know. I mean, Diego and I barely even know each other. How would we even begin to pretend that we’re dating?”
“He’s a guy. You’re a girl,” Lucas explained with a decisive clap. “I’m sure you two can figure it out.”
Nova stared at the table. She then raised her gaze to meet Sebastian and Lucas’s before dragging it to mine. “Sure, I guess I could do it. If you’re up for it, Diego. Helping each other out and all.” She shrugged. “No big deal.”
Our eyes locked. My insides turned as stone hard as a gargoyle’s as my unbeating heart seemed to echo in my ears. Her cheeks turned pink, and she glanced away.
“No big deal,” Lucas repeated with a mile-wide grin.
To me it was a colossal one. Facing the woman who’d deceived me had as much appeal as eating dirt. Sebastian’s insane idea did have one upside, though. If Diana was there, it would be easier to face her by having a someone as hot as Nova at my side. It would show her that I moved on, even if I couldn’t declare with certainty that it was true.
“So we’re all in agreement.” Sebastian slapped his hands on my thigh.
