Even so, he would have preferred to miss it. “I guess it just seemed so sudden.”
“Not really. I’ve known Jared for over two years. And honestly? The last time I ended things with him, I kept wondering if I’d made a huge mistake.”
“Funny how you never mentioned that to me before,” Drew muttered.
“I was trying to move on. But once I reconnected with him, it was obvious he was always the right one for me. I just couldn’t see it before.”
Never mind that I got caught in the middle.
“I didn’t mean to hurt you,” she added. “But when you know, you know. Right? You have to follow your heart.”
Rather than let her words eat away at him, he struck back. “True. That’s why I’m glad I found someone who accepts me for who I am.”
She pulled her hand away quickly, but not before an irritated look crossed her face. Knowing he’d blindsided her, he savored the moment. There were times when a little pettiness was incredibly satisfying.
“I didn’t realize you’d started dating again.” She turned away from him and signaled to the woman behind the counter. “I’ll have my usual. A green smoothie with avocado, apple, and extra protein powder.”
Drew drank up his smoothie, feeling better with every sip. “I figured it was time to get back out there. Wasn’t that what you told me to do after you left?”
She responded with a tight smile. “It’s better than wallowing in self-pity. Is she anyone I know?”
“Rosie Gonzalez from the Duchess. I used to be her personal trainer. I think she took a few of your spin classes last year.”
“The name doesn’t ring a bell, but I’m sure if I saw her, I’d remember. Is it serious?”
Her question put him on the defensive. “Does it matter? You’ve moved on, so why shouldn’t I?”
“Oh, Drew.” She released a drawn-out sigh. “This isn’t about me. I just hope you’re not leading her on. Not when you can’t offer her anything.”
Not this again.He clenched his hands. “I offered you plenty.”
“In bed, sure. But you never gave me your whole heart. That’s why I went back to Jared.” When he opened his mouth to protest, she held up her hand to stop him. “I tried to make it work with you, but you’re emotionally stunted. I’m not sure you’re capable of giving more.”
She’d told him that before, and he’d tried to change, just for her. After years of casual hookups, he’d been ready to let someone in. To open himself up to a real relationship. But he’d still had a hard time breaking down his walls.
And then she’d gone and destroyed his trust.
“Are you bringing Rosie to the wedding?” she asked.
“Yep. So you can put me down as a ‘yes’ and include her as my plus-one.” The words should have empowered him, but they felt hollow. Even now, three months after Evelyn had ended things, she still had the power to diminish him.
She grabbed her smoothie and stood up. “I’m glad you’re coming. But if you’re bringing Rosie to get back at me, take her feelings into consideration.”
After Evelyn left, he crushed his empty cup and threw it in the trash. She was wrong. He wasn’t using Rosie. When he’d proposed this scheme, he’d done it to benefit both of them. They were embarking on it together, with a clear plan and no romantic expectations.
There was no way either of them would end up getting hurt.
Five
51 Days UntilChristmas
For the past year, Rosie had endured countless Sunday dinners where her parents had purposely seated her beside a potential date. Each time, she was forced to make small talk as she fielded the usual questions. Where do you work? Where did you go to university? What do you do for fun? And so on, until the evening felt more like a job interview than a relaxing dinner.
Last month, she’d gotten paired up with Julio—a family friend who was a self-professed film snob. He immediately mocked her love of action movies and told her he preferred foreign films because “they engage me on an intellectual level.”No, thanks.
The month before that, her dad had invited a guy her age—a friend’s son—who’d sounded promising. Until he’d dismissed Rosie’s job at the Duchess and denounced hotels as a total rip-off. “I’m more of an Airbnb guy,” he’d said.Hard pass.
But tonight, with Drew as her date, she wouldn’t have to muddle her way through an awkward conversation. Though she’d felt a little guilty about lying to her family, all her remorse vanished when her parents greeted her warmly, thrilled to meet her new “boyfriend.” It didn’t hurt that Drew had brought them a box of chocolates from Purdy’s—a family favorite.
