I didn’t want to feel sorry for him. I wanted to be angry. If I felt bad for him, I’d cave and try and contact him, which would lead to him either ignoring me or saying something insulting or hurtful, neither of which I could handle right now.
“I’m okay. I’ve started my shifts at that grocery store I was telling you about. So, what’s your news? I hate to make it quick, but I have to get back to work. Do you need help with something?”After everything she’d done for me, I wished I could stay on the phone for as long as she wanted me to, but it didn’t sound like whatever it was, was life or death, and me keeping this job was important. Being able to afford that rental so I could leave Momster’s was essential if I wanted to keep my sanity and the tiny bit of self-confidence I still had.
“I’ve gotten an award from work—Young Lawyer of the Year.”
“Oh my God, that’s fantastic! Congratulations.” I grinned, happiness climbing to the top of the trash heap of emotions clogging my body. “You totally deserve it. Do you get like a trophy or something?”
“That’s why I wanted to speak to you. I have to let them know this afternoon about my plus one to the prize-giving event. I would love if you could come with me.”
I swallowed. I didn’t want to say no to her, not for something like this, but I’d try. “Why aren’t you taking Ernie or your mother?”
“We’re off again. Argh, he’s just… boring. And I didn’t want to ask Mom because then Dad would feel left out. My brother’s in Florida for work, so he can’t go. Please, please, please come. It’s free dinner and drinks. It’s next Saturday night, so you can be home by Sunday afternoon. I miss you, Faith. Pleeeeeeeeeease come. I really want to share this moment with you.”
I stared at the fridge, at the handwritten sign on it that said “No urine samples to be left in fridge.” Apparently, they’d had to put it on after the second time someone did it.
I yearned to beg her not to want me there, but how could I make her feel guilty for wanting her best friend there to celebrate with? It was the least I could do, and it wouldn’t even begin to pay her generosity back. “Okay, I’ll go. But I have nothing to wear. I imagine it’ll be fancy.”
“Yes! I’m so excited. It’s black tie, but I have something you can wear. It’s a green halter neck that would look stunning on you. Just bring yourself, and I’ll dress you. I also have two women coming todo hair and makeup. It’s all taken care of. You just have to get your ass here on Saturday morning. Let me know what time your train gets in, and I’ll make sure I’m home. Oh, and I can drop you home on Sunday, boxes and all, even though I’d still love you to come back and stay eventually.”
When I’d left, she’d insisted I take my key, but I placed it on the side table in the entry hall. I wanted to convince her I was never coming back, at least not to live. Maybe I wanted to convince myself too.
Well, there was no way to say no now. And once I got my boxes, I’d have no need to go back in a hurry. As upset as I was to return to the city, I was surprised to realize, I was more upset that I really was done. My dreams for a life in New York, a life with Curtis, a life doing the job I loved were dead. I put on my best fake-happy voice through my suddenly dry mouth and tried not to choke on the words. “I’ll see you in a few days. I can’t wait.”
Hopefully, she didn’t hear the lie.
At least it was unlikely I’d run into Curtis, but I’d run into his ghost everywhere.
The excitement I’d felt at signing the lease this afternoon and trying to move on had dimmed to nothing. Past me had a lot of explaining to do. She’d assumed because getting over Mark hadn’t been so bad, it wouldn’t hurt that much to lose Curtis. That I would be fine in a few weeks. But past me had made one fatal error.
She hadn’t realized I’d fallen in love.
CHAPTER 36
FAITH
The limo Amy’s company paid for rolled slowly along Broadway toward Soho. Even though it was nighttime, the brightness from shopfronts and the windows above surrounded us. The only hint it was dark lay above the buildings, the sky a velvety backdrop to the city that never sleeps.
Despite not wanting to see Curtis, my eyes quickly tracked each person on the sidewalk as we drove. What if I saw him with someone else? My stomach cramped, the ache quick and sharp. I took a deep breath.Don’t be stupid. You’ll never see him in a city of millions.A delivery rider on an e-scooter whizzed past, breaking my focus, and thank God for that.
I looked at Amy, who sat opposite me, stunning in a silver, sequined dress that showed a fair amount of cleavage and fell to her ankles. Her assistant, Kayley, sat next to her in a shimmery black dress, her red hair falling in pretty waves to just below her shoulders.Amy bit her bottom lip and tapped her fingernail on her champagne flute.
“Are you worried we’ll be late?” I asked.
“Ah, no. We should be on time.”
“You’re not nervous, are you?” Usually, she was the epitome of cool, calm, and collected. If she were an animal, she’d be a sunbathing lion with not a care in the world. Being at the top of the food chain would do that.
She tilted her head to the side. “Kind of, but I’ll be fine. What about you?”
I smiled. “Me? I guess I’m a bit nervous for you, but I’m excited more than anything. I’m so proud of you.” Since I’d gotten to her place just after midday, we’d hung out, then gotten ready, and I’d steered clear of the Curtis topic. So far, so had she, which was a relief.
Kayley glanced at me, then turned to Amy. “We’ll be there soon. Are you ready?”
Amy nodded. “Yep.” Her eyes met mine, and she seemed unsure about something. It took a moment, but certainty filled her eyes. “I want you to know that you’re my best friend in the entire world, and even though a lot has happened in the past couple of months, I know it’s all going to work out for the best. I also miss you and wish you’d come back.” She screwed up her face. “I know you don’t want me to pester you, but you’re destined for so much more than where you are right now.”
“You mean this limo? Wow, my future must be bright.” I grinned. I didn’t want her to think I was upset, especially not on her special night.
“Ha, you know what I mean, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there were many limo rides in your future.”
