My throat is dry as I nod.‘Hi.’
‘Nora, right?’she questions, eyes dipping over me not-sosubtly.I stand a little straighter, hating the icky sensation crawling over my skin at the way she looks me up and down, doing a marvellous job of showing her thoughts on her face.
‘That’s right.’
‘You’re with Zayden?’Her lips are a glossy pink, bright and bold, complimenting her dress and hair colour.I never think about colour coordination.I often throw on something I think looks half decent and feels comfortable, then call it a day.This makes me think I should be spending more time on finding better outfits that suit me.
‘I am.’
‘We have a long history, Zayden and I,’ she continues.‘It doesn’t feel quite over sometimes.’
I’m speechless.I genuinely have no words to reply to that, because what woman says that to another woman’s face?
‘It is over, it’s time to accept that,’ I reply, my voice coming out stronger than I expected.‘Whatever you’re trying to do right now, I don’t want it.Keep your misery to yourself.’
With that, I push past her.
‘It’s not over, Nora,’ she says, so quietly, I almost miss it.‘I’m sorry for hurting you.’
I keep walking, ignoring her biting words.I hate that she makes me wonder if they are still in contact at all, and whether anything has happened between them since Zayden and I started.I trust him and don’t think anything would have, but her words sink into my mind, embedding themselves there.
‘Hey,’ Zayden greets me, curling an arm around my waist, tugging me close.‘You okay?’
‘I just had a lovely run-in with your ex,’ I mutter.
‘Ugh,’ he says, distaste lacing his words.‘What did that demon want?’
I press my lips together, finding it sort of amusing that he has this reaction, given what she just tried to do.
‘She tried convincing me you’re basically still doing things with each other and that it’s not over between you.’
Zayden bristles, his eyes forming slits.He meets my eyes, searching, as if trying to see through them into my mind.The air crackles around us as he gets to his feet, taking my hand.
‘What are you doing?’I ask, stumbling after him as I struggle to keep up with his long strides.His hand tightens around mine as he steers me towards the pokies room.Leasa sits there with a couple other people I don’t recognise.She is leaning towards a friend of hers, whispering in her ear as they giggle about something.
Leasa’s eyes widen when she notices us, the colour leaching from her face.
‘If I somehow have not been clear with you before, mark my words Leasa, I do not want anything to do with you.I’m withNora.This does not mean you can target her, harass her, get your friends to bully her.This is not high school.Grow up and get over yourself.I do not have one ounce of respect left for you after the way you have been acting.You’re an embarrassment and I wish you’d leave us both the fuck alone,’ he snarls, voice deeper and more menacing than I have ever heard it.Her friend’s mouths drop open as they stare at us, eyes ping-ponging between the three of us.‘Got it?’he asks, when she fails to reply.
‘Yes,’ she whispers, tears filling her eyes.
‘I mean it,’ he promises, eyes locked onto hers.‘Enough.’
Keeping his hand tight on mine, he twists on his heel and pulls me after him.The moment my back is turned, a giant grin takes over as I recall the look on her face.
‘Wow, Zayden,’ I say, squeezing his hand.‘Thank you.’
‘No one disrespects the girl I’m falling in love with.’
I pull to a halt, staring up at him.‘What?’
Facing me, he cups my face between his hands.‘You heard me.’
‘I don’t think I did.’
‘I’m falling in love with you.’
His eyes are determined as he offers me his gorgeous, crooked grin.My insides melt at his words.I’ve never felt like this before.Never felt so seen before.So loved.Sotreasured.
