“You see, Dominic is…” She tilts her head, softening with faux affection. “…a lot. He likes things a certain way.”
“Well, he likes me.” I tilt my head.
“I’m just saying. You haven’t been with him long, and it takes time to learn what he responds to. What he needs.” A small pause. “What he likes.”
My throat tightens. She watches the discomfort bloom, then smiles—sympathetic on the surface, cruel underneath.
“It’s no shame if you don’t know him well yet,” she murmurs. “It took me months to figure him out when we were together.”
The floor drops out beneath me.
Together.
She finally said it. My heart bangs against my ribs too fast.
“Luckily, I’m a fast learner,” I say, shrugging.
Valencia’s jaw tightens. She presses on, more direct. “You really are sweet. But Dominic isn’t. He’s fire. He needs someone who won’t burn out.” She steps closer. “And I know his fire, Jessica.”
“Stop.” The word is raw, sharp.
“Oh dear. Did I upset you?” She blinks innocently.
“Are you done?” I manage, pulse pounding in my ears.
I stare at her, trying to breathe, trying not to collapse under the image of her with him.
“I’m giving you insight,” she says, tone growing colder. “Dominic is unbendable. He doesn’t adjust for anyone. He doesn’t compromise.”
“Is there a point to this monologue, or are you just listing his LinkedIn skills?”
She pretends not to hear.
“Dominic is impossible sometimes,” she continues, almost dreamily. “He’s force. He’s—”
“A human man?” I offer blandly.
“He is not like other men.” Her eyes flash.
Jesus. She talks about him like he’s a mythical creature, a dragon she once rode into battle.
“He’s unpredictable,” she says, getting more animated, as if describing an ancient monster. “He can make you feel like the only woman alive and then act like he doesn’t see you. A man like that—”
“Valencia,” I interruptsharply.
She freezes, thrown by the tone. I tilt my head, offering a smile.
“This has been… really enlightening,” I say, tapping my lip as if trying to remember something. “But my boyfriend is waiting for me, so…” I gesture toward the door. “…I’m gonna head back.”
Her expression cracks. Fury, disbelief flashed across her face at my use of that word.
Then, for the final twist, I lean in. “I don’t know what you did to make him act like that with you. But he takes very good care of me.”
For a split second, she looks like she might lunge. Her fingers tighten around her clutch.
“Enjoy it,” she whispers. “While it lasts.”
“Have a lovely night,” I reply softly.
