Page 195 of My Real Love Affair

“Can I get you started with anything?” The server appeared, a young woman with kind eyes and a genuine smile. “Some patatas bravas? Maybe some wine?”

“Just water for now,” I said, forcing a smile. “I’m waiting for someone.”

“No problem! Just wave me down when you’re ready.”

She walked away, and I suddenly felt bad. She’d been nothing but sweet, and I’d barely looked at her. But I couldn’t focus. My nerves were completely frayed, my mind spinning in endless circles since this morning.

I was a terrible actress. I knew a lot of influencers liked to use their platforms to launch a career in Hollywood. Not me. I was a terrible liar. And a worse actress. Austin had known something was wrong. I did a horrible job faking it. And now he was probably sitting in his penthouse wondering if things were over.

I didn’t know. Maybe they were.

I pulled out my phone and stared at Summer’s number for the hundredth time. I had texted her an hour ago, agreeing to meet.

This was probably a bad idea. What was I even doing here? I should have gone straight to Austin with the envelope. Should have trusted him to explain. He had been honest with me from the very beginning. I supposed it was my own self-doubt that was messing with my head. Nearly a month apart and then he was suddenly begging me to give him another shot.

Was that Austin talking or his family encouraging him to pick back up with the charade?

I felt her before I saw her. I didn’t know why, but I just knew she had arrived. I looked up and saw her standing just inside the doorway.

Summer was a beautiful woman. Tall and slender, she moved with the kind of effortless grace that came from a lifetime of knowing she was beautiful. Her hair was glossy and gorgeous. Her outfit was a cream silk blouse tucked into high-waisted trousers. It was effortlessly chic. Looking at her now, she was exactly the kind of sophisticated, elegant woman I would have imagined Austin being with.

Every male head in the bar turned as she passed. The bartender straightened up as Summer glided through the space like she owned it.

And then she was standing at my table, smiling down at me.

“Melody?” Her voice was smooth, cultured. “It’s so good to see you again.”

The feeling wasn’t mutual. And I had just gone over my acting skills. There was no point in pretending otherwise.

She slid into the booth across from me with fluid grace. I found myself acutely aware of every difference between us. Her slender frame versus my curves. Her polished elegance versus my more casual style. The way she took up space with confidence while I felt myself trying to shrink.

When someone makes you feel icky, trust your gut.

Cleo had told me that once, years ago, when I’d been dealing with a brand rep who gave me bad vibes. She’d been right back then. The guy had turned out to be trying to scam me. And she was right now.

Summer made me feel icky. Immediately and undeniably.

“Thank you so much for meeting me,” Summer said with a practiced smile. “I know this must be overwhelming.”

“It is,” I said carefully.

The server appeared again, beaming at Summer. “What can I get you?”

“Oh, you’re a doll. I’ll have a glass of white wine and…” She glanced at my untouched water. “Actually, bring us a bottle. We’re celebrating.”

“Celebrating?” I asked once the server left.

“Girl power.” Summer leaned forward conspiratorially. “Two women refusing to be used by powerful men. That’s worth celebrating, don’t you think?”

I didn’t respond.

Summer sat back, studying me. “First, I want to apologize for all the shady ways I tried to get that information to you. The emails, the texts, showing up at your doorstep. I wasn’t sure how to contact you without Austin finding out. You two have been practically inseparable lately.”

My guard went up immediately. “How do you know that?”

Summer’s laugh was light and airy. “Babe, you post everything online. The yacht trip? The Broadway show? Dancing at that club? Everyone knows you’re spending time together. It’s all very public.”

Right. Of course. Not a stalker. Just someone who’d been watching my social media closely. That should have made me feel better, but somehow it didn’t. All it did was highlight how easy stalking had become in the digital age. I had done all the legwork for her. All she had to do was log in.