With previous boyfriends, it never took long for me to bounce back, to move on to my next boyfriend. Looking back, I guess I was hoping to find the one that ruined me for anyone else. The irony was that he was always right beside me, I just didn’t know it yet.
Christy dragged me to two pole dancing classes, but I would break down in tears anytime I thought about how I danced for him. How I realized that night that I was in love with him, and that he held my heart.
Everly has called several times to check in on me, and I did my best to put on a brave face. I never once told anyone about what was going on between Gabe and me, but I know she suspects something, my ever-observant sister.
Kate, my brother’sfiancée, had even called to ask me to help with her and Tanner’s engagement party. Of course I said yes. I love the two of them together, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know Kate for the two years they have been together. We’ve exchanged a multitude of phone calls, and I’ve stopped by their apartment after work several days to help her. It’s been one of the only bright spots since things ended with Gabe.
After several weeks of hard work, it’s time for the event Vance had me planning. Not feeling like putting in much effort, I went with a modest floor-length black satin dress with a slit to my mid-thigh. I pulled my short hair back with wisps of curls loose and kept my makeup light. I plan to leave as early as possible without drawing attention to the fact that I’m leaving early. It’s going to be a delicate balancing act.
Entering the grand ballroom of the hotel I walk right up to the bar and order red wine. Taking the glass with me, I mingle through the crowd, stopping to chat with acquaintances along the way, trying to see all the important figures before I sneak out and head home.
These events are usually my bread and butter, allowing me to chat and charm everyone, but tonight my sole focus is getting out of here as soon as possible. The pull of large comfy pajamas and a Nora Ephron movie with copious amounts of wine is calling my name.
Stopping in with Chrisy, I give her a big hug before letting her know I’m going home. I’ve been here for a couple of hours and made sure to get some pictures with my boss, but now it’s time to go. I can already feel the fake smile beginning to fall from my face, unable to hide my discomfort at being here any longer.
I’m almost to the doors when I spot Kyle. Of course, I knew he would be here—I’d been the one to send out the invitations—but I’d hoped that I wouldn’t see him. I felt nothing as he approached me with two drinks in his hands.
“Kyle,” I nod as I continue to try to walk past him. He gently touches one of his elbows on my arm, nudging me to stop.
“Hey, Mel. Wait.” Rolling my eyes, I turn around to face him, a vacant expression on my face. “I just wanted to see how you were doing?” Kyle shifts on his feet as his eyes rake up and down my body.
Is he fucking serious? He wants to know how I’m doing? He lost that right when he broke up with me all those weeks ago.What a prick.
Before I can tell him off, a small blonde bombshell walks over to us, linking her arm through his.Chloe.The secretary looks up lovingly at Kyle as he hands her a drink. Not able to help myself, I blurted out, “So, when didthisstart?” I gesture between the two of them, a voice full of piqued interest.
Kyle clears his throat while Chloe chirpily answers for him. “Oh, we started dating right after New Year’s Eve. After you two broke up.” That cheesy grin plastered on her face makes me want to punch her.
Are you fucking kidding me?
Shocked laughter escapes my throat as I glance between the two of them. Voice laced with sarcasm, I turn to Kyle. “Oh, how wonderful. I’m so glad that you found time in your busy schedule to cheat on me.”
Chloe with those big doe eyes looks clueless as her gaze shifts between Kyle and me. “What are you talking about?” she murmurs.
Oh, this is good.
Turning towards Kyle, I cross my arms over my chest. “Yes, Kyle. Please explain how you lied to her, and you were seeing both of us at the same time?”
The idiot just stands there, mouth agape, looking like a fish out of water. I can’t help it, laughter bubbles out of my chest. “You know what, asshole? I don’t need to hear anything from you, even though that’s what I wanted for weeks after you dumped me. But now I see that I was nothing to you. Your words don’t matter to me.” I turn on my heels and start to walk away, before stopping once more and facing him. “Actually, I think I should thank you. Because of you, I was able to learn what it’s like to be loved by someone. Really loved by them.” Looking my ex-boyfriend up and down, I scoff at him. “You pale in comparison to the man I love. So, thank you for being a giant dick to me. I’m happy as fuck that I was ‘too much’for you because you can’t handle me in the first place.” With that, I hold out both hands, quickly flipping him off as I stride out the door and make my way home.
Damn, that felt good.
***
Several days later, I’m driving into the city for Kate and Tanner’s engagement party. I took my time getting ready, trying to put off the inevitable. Gabe will be there. He’s my brother’s best friend, so it only makes sense that he would show up. I haven’t seen him or spoken to him in three weeks and the distance between us is killing me. Just the thought of being in the same room fills me with dread. Not because he’ll be there—I’m dying to see him—but because of how I know I’ll spiral back down when I can’t see him anymore.
Taking one last look in the mirror of my car, I give in and head into the apartment building, taking the elevator to their floor. My hands run up and down my long-sleeved cocktail dress, the deep purple shade complimenting my skin. The scoop neck dips lower than I like, but it’s still presentable.
Kate greets me at the door, a huge smile on her face. “Oh my gosh, Mel, thank you for your help.” She gives me a quick hug before ushering me inside. I made sure to get here a bit early, wanting to help Kate set up for the party.
“You’re welcome. You know I love planning a party.” Setting my things on the seat next to the door, I glance at the decorations already in place around the room. “Wow, you’ve been busy.” There are twinkle lights hanging from one wall, white candles are lit, and cutesy engagement signs expertly placed around the room.
She laughs, waving me off. “That would be me making Tanner put things up,” she teases. My brother’s so in love with her that I doubt she even had to ask him twice—he’d do anything for her.
“Still, it looks fantastic,” I praise. Kate’s so put together it makes me a bit jealous. She’s stylish in a white babydoll dress, signifying that she’s the blushing bride. Clapping my hands together I say, “Put me to work, boss. What do I need to do?”
We work together to make the appetizers, including the delicious bruschetta she made at their housewarming party.
Why don’t mine turn out as good as hers?She gave me the recipe and I’ve attempted to make them, but they seem to never turn out right.
