“Good thinking.” I flipped my palm up on the table. “We probably should. Just in case.”
Thank God Kira was too busy answering questions about her relationship to address whatever was happening in mine.
I felt sorry for anyone who would have to face Britney in court. She interrogated Xavier like he’d just robbed a bank, not dated our friend. Still, her questions came from a good place. Kira didn’t exactly glow when Xavier was around—nothing like the way she used to light up with Landon. Before that idiot wrecked everything, of course.
Out of the corner of my eye, a familiar figure sat down at a table and I jumped.
Holy shit.
Victoria was here. Why was she going out to a bar on a Saturday night and why did it have to be the same one I frequented?
Anxiety spiked in my chest, but I tried to tame it. I was doing so well from a work perspective. My numbers were up. Page views, clicks, comments—everything up, up, up.
But I guess it didn’t matter how well you did at your job. A negative boss could still endlessly make your stomach curdle just at the thought of actually doing the work you’re good at.
“You okay?” Noah squeezed my hand. “Looks like you just saw a ghost.”
I forced a laugh to break through the bubbles in my stomach. “Victoria is here.”
Noah’s gaze followed mine. Victoria was seated at a smalltable with a man who looked to be in his fifties. She looked good—really good—in a black dress that, frankly, reminded me of a longer version of the one I was wearing.
“Do you want to leave?”
“No.”
He turned back to me, a confused look on his face. “Isn’t it weird that she’s here? I mean, what are the odds she shows up the one night you and I do?”
I wasn’t sure how Noah factored into Victoria’s sudden appearance, but whatever. “I’m sure it’s just a coincidence.”
“You should go talk to her,” Noah suggested, leaning in a little too eagerly. “Maybe this is your chance to level the playing field. You know, so you can stand up for yourself.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. He had to be joking. “No way. What if she finds out I’m starting a blog?”
I’d really be in trouble then.
“She won’t.” He stood, proving he was very much serious. “I’ll go talk to her then.”
“Excuse me?” I grabbed his bicep and yanked him back down. “What is wrong with you?”
“You’re tense just being in the same room as her. This is something you need to deal with.”
“I don’t need to do anything, Noah,” I snapped, my hand dropping to my glass. “There’s no reason to confront Victoria tonight.” I took a slow sip, letting the silence linger. “And please don’t ever fight my battles for me.”
Britney tried to pour some levity into the situation. “Don’t think you’re off the hook from my questioning, Hansley.” She pointed a manicured finger at his chest. “It’s your turn to prove to me you’re good enough for our Macey.”
“Can’t prove what isn’t true,” said Noah, simmering down. Victoria forgotten. “But I’m trying.”
Britney sighed. “Good answer. I’m still questioning you, though. What is Macey’s favorite color?”
“Light blue.”
“What’s her favorite food?”
“Mint chocolate chip ice cream.” He pulled a disgusted look.
“And her biggest fear?”
Noah paused in contemplation. He looked down at me and said, “Confrontation.”
