Water sprays everywhere, and Louisa startles as the majority of it pours down the front of her black dress. My jaw drops, and some sort of incoherent apology falls from my lips. I reach for the napkin on the table and try to hold it out for her.
“It’s fine,” she says, clearing her throat and shaking her head at me. “I, um, I’ll just go find my friend. I’ve got it, thanks.” With that, she spins on her heels and walks away from me, leaving me standing there like an idiot.
I’m starting to think this is just how things go for me.
Raking my fingers through my hair, I make my way to the exit, knowing good and well the evening is over for me. There’s nothing worse than ruining someone’s night. With a sigh, I slip through the crowd of people to the door, my chest feeling heavy.
Why can’t I find someone?
I reach for my cell phone as I step out into the chilly February air. I glance around the street, which is full of happy people. Well, mostly happy people. I’m not sure if anyone is really outwardly happy in New York City. I dial Parker’s number, knowing that he’s probably with Amy, but still.
“You must not have had a successful night,” Parker answers, an amused tone in his voice. “There’s no way you stayed for only thirty minutes and had any sort of success.”
“It was a complete disaster. The only good thing about tonight is that I only have to walk a block back to my apartment.”
“Maybe next time will be better,” Parker hums, clearly preoccupied. “You can tell me all about it at work tomorrow. I’ll see you then. I’m exhausted.”
“Uh…” Before I can say anything else, he hangs up the phone. I shake my head at the audacity, but honestly, it’s not surprising. I know Parker is dealing with his own feelings for Amy, and he’s just not the kind of guy who will drop his guard all that easily.
I slip through the front door of my apartment building and head for my mailbox. There’s rarely anything other than junk, but it’s the first of the month…
So I’m sure there’ll be a bill or two.
Shoving my key in my box, I turn it and then breathe out when there’s only one envelope in there. I retrieve it, furrowing my brow as I see the pink gel pen writing on the outside. Surprised, I rip it open, not even bothering to look at who it’s from. I’m met with a pink card…
With a groundhog on it.
Weston,
Thank you for the housewarming gift. You’ll be glad to know I replaced the creepy bear. But I didn’t buy new artwork, I painted it.
It turns out your gift card did more than redecorate my wall. It kind of gave me something back.
So … thank you for that. Truly.
Also, I was in a hurry and this was the first card I could find, so…
Happy Groundhog’s Day! I hope he comes out to stay. I’m over the cold.
Best,
Brittany
P.S. Is this weird? I don’t have your phone number, but was able to find your address.
A wide grin spreads across my face as I shut the card and place it carefully back into the envelope. As it turns out…
Thisisan amazing night.
Chapter Thirteen
Brittany
“Happy Valentine’s Day!” My newest coworker, Harlee, beams as soon as I step out of my office.
I raise my brows, something about her words settling wrong in my stomach. “You too.” I force a smile. It’s not Harlee’s fault that I happen tohateValentine’s Day now.
But I’m a little in my feelings today, given that this is my first Valentine’s Day as a single person inyears. And while it’s been over a month since the breakup, I can’t help but wonder what Cal’s up to, and if he’s found someone else by now. Ever since he kicked me out, he’s been totally silent. It’s amazing how quickly someone can just close the door right in your face and then pretend like you don’t even exist.
