“I, on the other hand, tried to keep things civil, because I know that’s what you want, Freya,” Leo says, his eyebrows raised at Ruby. “I said that I hoped he enjoyed the weekend.”
I nod, biting my lip. “Did he mention me at all?”
“He asked how you were,” Leo says.
“We told him that you were doing great,” Ruby says smugly.
“That was it? Nothing else was said?”
“That was pretty much it,” Leo confirms, allowing me to breathe a sigh of relief. “He said he was heading out for dinner, so he’d see us tomorrow at the wedding.”
“He won’t come back out here then?”
Leo grins. “Highly unlikely after Ruby’s comments.”
“Thank god.” I exhale and then turn to smile gratefully at them. “You two are the best.”
“At least the first sighting is done with now. It wasn’t too bad either,” Leo comments happily. “It could have gone a lot worse.”
“Yes, that’s true,” Ruby says dryly. “She could have dived into the plant pot.”
“Three piña coladas,” the waiter announces, appearing at my side holding a tray of delicious-looking cocktails, all with little colorful umbrellas in. “This looks much more comfortable than behind the tree.”
I laugh nervously, as Ruby and Leo sit up in surprise. “Ha ha, yes, sorry about that.”
“You ordered these from behind the tree?” Ruby asks, taking hers. “Impressive.”
“Enjoy and let me know if you need anything else,” the waiter says, flashing me a grin, before tucking the tray under his arm and walking off.
Ruby watches him go. “You see? Everyone here seems to be a model.”
“You should hear him say the word ‘umbrella.’”
“He did say to let him know if you needed anything else, Freya. You know what I think?” Ruby asks, smiling mischievously and taking a sip of her drink. “We might just have a suitable candidate for that good-night kiss.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
The strange thing about being at an event with your ex is that you know where they areat all times.
When Matthew and I were together, I would go to a party with him and then we’d get chatting to people and naturally drift off in different directions, not needing to be stuck to the other’s side like glue all night. I just left him to it and didn’t really think about where he was until we needed to find each other at the end of the night to go home. But when we’re not together as a couple, I know exactly where he’s standing and who he’s talking to at every minute of the bloody day. I’m so aware of his presence, even when I try not to be.
I’m not even facing him right now, but I know he’s standing in a cluster of people a few meters away. I can see him in the corner of my eye and if I lean back ever so subtly, I can see him more clearly.
“What are you doing?” Ruby asks me, looking me up and down.
“What do you mean?”
“You’re standing weirdly.”
“No, I’m not.”
“Yes, you are. Sort of leaning back and twisting sideways, like you’re about to try a yoga pose,” she insists.
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Are you trying to look sexy and flexible?”
“What?Why would I try to look sexy and flexible?”
