“Wesley," I say, questioning him because he looks different, but in a good way, which I didn't think was possible.
“Yeah, it's me under all this fabric."
“You're in a suit," I say, stating the obvious.
“Are you okay?" Erin whispers into my ear. I nod my head, so she knows to go away. “Okay, good luck." She squeezes my shoulder and walks away.
“New friend?" Wesley asks.
“Yeah—co-worker, friend, same thing. What about you?" I ask, pointing to the guy next to him.
“Yeah, no, not the same thing —I don't know that guy, and I haven't made many friends at my new job, but I'm not looking. I'm focusing, you know?"
“New job?" Maybe I could try forming full sentences at some point here.
Wesley runs his fingers through his gelled hair and sighs through a crooked smile. “Well, your impact on my life was like getting whacked in the face with a sack of bricks, so, first, thank you for that. Second, I got an accounting certification and enrolled in some college courses, then found myself an entry-level job at a finance firm. Believe it or not, I got my first promotion today, so I'm celebrating."
“Are you here with someone?" It doesn't look like it if the guy next to him isn't part of his solo party.
Wesley shakes his head. “Nah, I'm just having a quick drink and patting myself on the back before I head home."
“I'm proud of you," I tell him. It looks like he turned his life around unless he's shacking up with Randy. Then I'll hit rewind and pretend like I didn't come over here to lay the charm on the guy who's supposed to be a stranger in a suit.
“What are you up to these days?"
I can't help the bubbling of excitement that pours out of me when I tell him, “I'm a fashion consultant for a TV set here in the city. It's the job of my dreams."
“Holy crap, Maddy, way to go. That's amazing." He places his hand on my back and squeezes gently. “Wow." He seems as shocked as I did when I first got the job. His reaction is authentic and real, which makes my stomach hurt again. “Oh my God, you finished the book, didn't you?"
I can't help laughingbecause who talks about a book changing their life like it did for us? “Yeah, I did. I started over and tried to look at it from a different angle this time."
“Good for you, really. I'm just so happy for you." Those words do not sound as real as the last ones.
“Thanks," I tell him, matching the fake excitement.
“So—"
“So—"
“You first," I tell him, giggling, sounding as nervous as I feel.
“Okay, I need to know if you ever found out what happened with Virtual Generation? It's like the company vanished without a trace."
“I did. I'm connected to Mick's girlfriend, ex-girlfriend—Minnie, who changed her Instagram handle [email protected] kind of went rogue,and she's dating a guy in a rock band."
“Well, that's fun and new—a little weird too," Wesley says, laughing with hesitation.
“Yeah, she's something. Anyway, I guess Mick filed for bankruptcy, and through my online stalking capabilities, I found out he works for Nick Lane at his figurine production company, which now focuses on sexual fetishes. It's gross and I wish I never pulled up the page online because now I keep getting pop-up porn ads."
Wesley snickers. “I'm sure that's why you're getting those ads, you sicko. Wait, wait, Nick Lane … why does that name sound—holy shit—the guy I saved you from last year?"
“Yes," I say, grinning at the memory.
“Wowwww, life knows how to bring the karma sometimes, huh?"
“It sure does," I tell him. “What about you? What have you been up to?"
“Speaking of pop-up porn ads," Wesley begins. Do I want to know where he's going with this? “I know this is water under the bridge, and I believe life shits on us for reasons we don't always understand,but I want you to know I've had that red spot on my inner thigh since I was born. It's a birthmark. Also, I wouldn't go near that psycho with a ten-foot pole if someone gave me millions. She's a sociopath. She was a little out there when we were together, but after she fell down the rabbit hole chasing her new best friend, cocaine, it was the end. The day you came with me to deliver the milk, was the first time she had been half naked when we showed up. Maddy, I was falling for you, and had no desire to go back to that nut."
