BLAIR
I haven’t seenWyatt in four days, and I miss him. I hate that I miss him, too. I’m swinging between trying to understand that he’s busy with work and feeling like this is déjà vu.
I get a twinge in my gut that something is off here. I’ve been giving Wyatt space because what he’s focused on is confidential. As much as I want him to share what’s going on, he can’t. I wonder if he’s feeling stressed. I rub my hand across my forehead, and the tension sinks into my shoulders.
ME
Free for lunch today? I hear you’ll be nearby
WYATT
I wish! At my office today. Lance rescheduled today’s meetings.
I try not to let the disappointment come through my next message. Thank God he can’t see my face right now.
ME
Bummer! Let me know if you have any time to catch up this week. Miss you!
I hate how fake and cheerful I sound. Technically, I have no reason to be upset. It’s my insecurities trying to sabotage me. I grab my purse and text Jess to meet me down the street for lunch. I need to process.
I grab a table on the patio, and I can tell I’m in a terrible mood when I look up and immediately feel angry about how great Jess looks. It’s not fair how flawless and naturally beautiful she is. She’s wearing black joggers, her panda Nike dunks, and a black sports bra with a tan trench coat over it all. Her hair is tied in a loose ponytail, and she’s only wearing a little mascara and lip gloss, but she looks like she stepped out of the pages of a magazine.
“It’s so unfair how hot you look.”
“Someone’s in a mood.” Jess pulls out a chair and grabs a sip from my wine glass as she sits down.
“I miss Wyatt.”
“Easy. Call him.” She smiles at me as she takes a bite of her pastry.
I roll my eyes and let out a huff. “I did. He keeps blowing me off.”
“Say more.” She digs into the bread as she looks around for our server.
“I had dinner with Naomi the other night, and she mentioned they are cutting a ton of staff at TWA before the deal closes.”
“I told you!” She points at me.
“I think Wyatt knows something and is avoiding me so he doesn’t violate any attorney-client privilege. I think my name is on that list.”
“Fuck, Blair. Really?”
“Lance has been extra about signing Sophia. He was weird about finding Wyatt in my office, and now Wyatt has ninety-nine excuses about why he can’t see me. I’m definitely on the list.”
“What are you going to do?”
“About Wyatt or the job?”
“Both.”
“I can’t even process the job part yet because nothing is real until it happens. But I’m afraid Wyatt is going to check out again.” I’m trying not to panic and think he’ll ditch me like he did before, but I don’t really know how much power or influence his father has over him now. I know it was a big deal for Wyatt to get this assignment from his dad.
“Ok, then let’s break this down.” She leans in and puts her hands on my face, forcing me to breathe. “First, you’re right. He can’t tell you anything right now.”
“I know.” I hesitate before I admit this next part. “What if it’s a mistake to trust him?”
We’re interrupted by the server and then by Stella and Brandon as they walk by our table on their way to the coffee shop next door. We take a minute to say hi and catch up, and then Stella directs our attention across the street.
