I groan. “You two are no help at all.”
“In all seriousness, Lexi.” Ali fixes her gaze on me again. “I remember the way you practically levitated through the farmers market the week after you met. You like him. Like,reallylike him.And based on the songs he’s written about you, it’s pretty clear he feels the same way. So do something about it.”
“Yeah, I don’t know. Things are finally starting to go right for me. I’ve just started a new job, I’m earning a paycheck so my dad no longer has to help me out. And I have a date tonight with Ethan, my very nice, handsome coworker.”
Chloe tilts her head and gives me a quizzical look. “Ethan, huh? I’ve never once heard you mention this person.”
“No? Well, he’s great. We work together, we have a lot in common, and he’s really… really nice.”
“You said that already,” Chloe observes with a wry smile.
“Hmm, who should you choose?” Ali muses. “A dead-sexy rock star who’s written multiple love songs about you, or a coworker who’s exceptionallypleasant? Wow, what a nail-biter.”
Chloe reaches out to take my hand.
“I know you’re worried about getting hurt. I get it. I’m not so sure about this either. I don’t like the way Jake disappeared on you, and after what happened with your dad, I can definitely see how that would be triggering.” I let out a shaky breath and twist my body away from her, studying an invisible spot on the wall. Hot tears prick my eyes as she continues, undeterred.
“But ever since you lost your mom, I’ve watched you play it safe and avoid any situation where things aren’t completely within your control. I know routine makes you feel safe, Lex, but maybe it’s time to go off script for once. Take a risk and see where it leads.”
I bite my bottom lip, forcing myself to stay collected. Deep down, I know she’s right. And besides, it’s not like Jake and I need to figure everything out right this second. The guy is asking for a few hours of my time, not my hand in marriage.
“Well,” I say after a minute. “I did invite him over for dinner tomorrow night.”
Ali claps her hands together and squeals. “Oh my god,yes.You should recreate that scene fromSex and the City,the one whereSamantha makes all of that sushi and lays across the kitchen table with it spread across her naked body.”
“And on that note”—I stand up, grabbing my tote from the floor—“I have a date to get ready for.”
“Hope you’re going out to eat,” Chloe quips. “The next man you cook for might write a Pulitzer Prize–winning novel about the experience.”
Lifting a hand over my head, I flip her the bird as the door closes behind me.
EVEN THOUGH I ARRIVEten minutes early, Ethan is already waiting for me outside the theater. He looks as handsome as ever in a blue button-down that highlights his broad shoulders and a pressed pair of khakis. When he sees me, his eyes light up, and I immediately feel a confusing pang of guilt. I haven’t done anything wrong—Jake and I are not together—so why do I feel so traitorous?
“It’s not often I meet someone who arrives earlier than I do,” I observe wryly.
“Punctuality is important,” he says, pressing a kiss against my cheek. “My dad always says you can’t respect someone if you disrespect their time.”
“Your dad sounds like a wise man.”
Ethan smiles, brushing a hand through his blond curls. “You look beautiful, by the way.”
“Thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself.”
He beams in response. “You ready?”
DESPITE MY TEASING ABOUTBritish love triangles, we end up seeing an action flick and sharing a bucket of popcorn. We’re still hungry afterward, so Ethan suggests stopping for frozen yogurt. As we head out of the theater, he slips a hand around mywaist, and I flinch involuntarily.He’s not Jake,a voice whispers. I’m shocked by my body’s response. What is going on with me today? Would I feel this way if Jake hadn’t reappeared less than twenty-four hours ago?
Ethan notices my reaction. He pulls his hand away. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to—”
“No, it’s fine! I don’t know why I’m so jumpy.” But my voice rings false, even to my own ears. It’s too bright and entirely unconvincing. I clear my throat and try again, as I take his arm and motion him to keep walking.
“Actually, I had sort of a weird night last night. I didn’t get enough sleep. Also, I, um… ran into my ex. The one I was telling you about.”
“Oh.” Ethan slows his pace, his frown deepening. “So, are you two, like… seeing each other again?”
“No, no. Definitely not.” My declaration doesn’t feel entirely accurate, given that I’ve invited Jake over for dinner tomorrow night. But Ethan seems happy enough with this answer, his expression brightening.
“Well, I’m glad to hear that. And I’m fine taking things slow if that’s what you need. I like hanging out with you, at whatever pace makes you feel comfortable.”
