“Artistry,” she emphasizes. “The band? I thought you said a few weeks ago that there might be a reunion tour.”
I nod. “That was in the cards, yes.”
“Not anymore. Apparently the band had this huge falling-out and they’re not speaking. The tour plans have been canceled.”She tilts her head. “I would have thought you’d have been the first to know! I was hoping for the inside scoop.”
“Oh! Oh no, that’s so… I better ring their agent, you’re right. I haven’t seen any of this yet,” I say, fumbling around my desk to find my mouse and, having located it, bringing up Twitter, where I see the news is trending. “Shit. How did I miss this?”
“Like you said, you’ve been busy,” Mimi comments in a sickly sweet tone. “What with your breakup and everything.”
Gabby gasps, placing a hand on her heart. “You broke up with Liam? I’m so sorry!”
My face feels like it’s on fire as I shoot daggers at Mimi for bringing it up before I was prepared. She doesn’t seem the least bit regretful, instead stealing glances at Ryan, who has—it must be noted—looked up from his work.
“Thanks, but I’m fine,” I say to Gabby, flustered and squirming in my seat. “It was my decision.”
“Still, breakups suck,” she states. “Are you really okay?”
“Yes, definitely,” I insist. “We weren’t right for each other. At all.”
“You are so strong. I’m such a mess after breakups! Did he take it well?”
“Um.” I think back on Bianca lounging across the sofa in her lacy underwear. “He took it pretty well, yeah.”
“If there’s anything I can do for you today, please just say,” Gabby says, coming over to give me a hug. “In fact, let me go make you a cup of tea.”
“You don’t need to do that; I’m honestly fine.”
“Hot drinks are comforting. I’ll be back in a jiffy,” she insists, hurrying off.
“She is such a sweetheart,” Mimi remarks, watching her go.
“Now I feel bad for giving her all that Max Sjöberg transcribing to do this morning,” I admit.
“You broke up with Liam,” Ryan says, his eyes fixed on me.
“Yes,” I reply, my voice shaking as I meet his gaze.
“Are you all right?” he asks, his voice even.
“Yes,” I repeat, not breaking eye contact.
He nods. “Good.”
His expression gives nothing away, and he resumes his typing. Biting her lip, Mimi witnesses the exchange and then gives me a baffled, wide-eyed look.
He doesn’t seem particularly happy about the news. Which isn’t good.
Although, he doesn’t seemunhappy,either.
Everything he said on Saturday night had led me to think he’d be pleased that Liam and I have broken up. But what if he doesn’t like the idea of being a rebound? Or maybe he’s still angry at me for leaving so abruptly? Maybe he’s having second thoughts now that we’re here in the office, and he’s realizing it could be unprofessional to embark on a romantic relationship with a colleague? Which is actually a very good point that should be taken into consideration.
That sort of thing does seem less important the more I sneakily obsess over his lips, though.
Can’t he show oneounceof emotion?!What are you thinking, Ryan?
I consider asking if he wants to talk now, but I tell myself it’s not the right time or place. And yet sitting next to him with no idea what is going on isunbearable.
Gabby’s tea turns out to be a lifesaver as it gives me something else to concentrate on. I sip it gratefully, accepting that today is going to be one of those days that I get little to no work done.
