“Of course you can. Why can’t you?” She laughs and bumps against my shoulder as she does. The contact is jarring, like a reminder of why I’m here.
“Well, I just don’t usually?—”
“Oh please. I make a habit of doing things I don’t usually do. You should try it. There’s an adventure just waiting for you!”
“An adventure, huh?” My smile lifts because her enthusiasm is infectious.
“An epic one. Let’s meet up at my place first. It’s just a few blocks up Michigan. We’ll have a little aperitif, and you can meet my fiancé!” My blood runs cold with her words.
“Oh no, I don’t think I can handle that much adventure. How about I meet you there? Do you know the address?”
“Okay! I’ll text it to you! The reservation is for eight. Type your phone number in, and I’ll link you.” She holds out her phone, and I suddenly realize I should have snagged a burner phone for just this moment. It’s a risk, giving Jesika my real phone number, but the likelihood that she shows Dean is slim to none, so I do as she instructed and quickly type in my number. A moment later, my phone buzzes with her incoming message.
“Oh, it looks great.” The thumbnail that pops up is dark and moody, like an intimate cocktail bar and the perfect vibe for intimate conversations.
“Told you, you’re gonna love it! The passcode this month is 5-2-5-7, they change it the first day of every month. I used to date one of the bartenders there—not great in bed, but worth it for my monthly text with the passcode forBrando’s.”
“That sounds so cool. I love places like this. You know me so well already.”
“I’m super great with people. I think we’re soul sisters, I have a feeling.” She winks and then sips the last of her drink. “Ihave a business meeting in twenty minutes. It’s only a few blocks away. Do you want to walk with me?”
“No, I have…some stuff to do today.” I can’t reveal more because, in truth, Ihavebeen walking with her the last few mornings. She just hasn’t realized it.
“Okay, well, I’ll see you tonight, then?” Her eyes are warm and hopeful as she regards me.
“I can't wait.” I glance down her form and then add, “I love those boots.”
“Oh, thanks. I’ve had them forever. They’re vintage Versace.” She smiles sweetly.
My eyes round. Of course they’re vintagesomething.“They’d look so great on my blog.”
Her eyes narrow, and I know instantly my mistake.
“I thought your blog was about dog fashions?” Her eyebrows scrunch together.
“Yeah, it is. It’s both. You know how they say dogs often look like their owners?” She doesn’t reply but gives me an odd look. “It’s kinda like that.”
“Oh.” She nods. “Well, see ya later, then?”
I force a grin and wave, watching her walk away as I realize I just dodged my first bullet with Jesika, and I can’t afford any more. I’ll have to be careful with my words and even more careful with my thoughts. Jesika is as vain and superficial as I imagined she’d be, but she’s not dumb.
And underestimating her could prove to be a costly mistake.
Chapter Fourteen
Do you want to schedule a video call for your session this week?
I cringe when I realize I forgot to reschedule my appointment with Kelly Fraser, LLP. I’m not even sure how long I’ll be in Chicago, and I know if I miss too many appointments, she’ll start to push about why. I’ve told my therapist a lot about my life. I’ve opened up about my marriage, but I can’t tell her this—that I’ve come to Chicago with revenge on my mind. Heck, I don’t even know what that means, really, but I know I need to figure it out. I just keep thinking that all the closure I need is in seeing them together. If I see them, if I know they’re really in love, then maybe somehow I’ll be able to go back to California with my head held high. I’ll grant Dean the divorce he wants, and then I can move on from this painful part of my life.
I have plans this evening, but maybe at the end of the week?I reply quickly, then put down my phone and take in my reflection in the vanity mirror. My hair is curled into soft waves, my eyeliner is winged and thick, and my cheekbones are contoured to a fine chisel. I look like I should be on a reality showabout wealthy housewives. I don’t feel like myself at all, but maybe that’s the point.
Friday works for me.I add.
Great to hear you have plans! Reaching out and embracing community is so essential for healing. Looking forward to chatting on Friday—around 3, maybe?Kelly’s text is immediate.
Perfect,is all I reply before tossing my phone on the bed.
I don’t recognize myself in the mirror, but I imagine that I do look like someone Jesika would be friends with now. Where before I was mousy and plain, I’m now sparkling with polished perfection. My skin has so many layers of makeup, I look practically airbrushed. If I were one for showing my real face on social media, this would be the time for a selfie.
