“Perfect.”
He kissed the corner of my mouth.“Want a margarita?”
“Hmm...Why don’t you surprise me with something else, boyfriend?”
“Will do.Want to come with me to the bar?Actually, no, wait.”He glanced through the open door.We had a good view of the bar from here, and it was packed.
“Nah, I’ll just stay here,” I told him.
“Good idea.”
“I’ll go sit over there.”I motioned to a few random chairs and small tables that were empty.
The event was well planned, with seating for people to sit down when they needed to.I desperately needed to rest my feet a bit.I should have broken in the heels yesterday because I already had blisters.
As I sat down, I took a deep breath, licking my lips.Yeah, I was thirsty, too, even though I hadn’t talked nearly as much as Knox.I was ready for that drink.
“So, you and Knox, huh?”
I looked up to see Cynthia in front of me.
“Hey, Cynthia.Good to see you again.We noticed you earlier, but I think Knox said he needed to greet some other people first.”
“We, huh?You already do everything as a we?”
She was wearing another suit.It looked good on her; she was very attractive.
“I figured something was up last time when Knox turned me down.But I’m surprised this has lasted.”She fluttered her hand about, which annoyed me.
So I shot back, “Not sure why you were surprised.”
She waved her hand again.“Oh, please.He’s not the kind of guy who settles down, even if he’s introducing you as his girlfriend.It’s surely just a phase for him.”
I laughed.“You’re so sure, huh?”
“Yeah, I’ve known Knox for a long while.Every aspect of him.”Her grin was extremely catty.
“Well, I went to college with him and have known him for over a decade.”
“Honey, I’ve been in his bed longer than you have.I know what keeps his interest, trust me.”
“Here’s the problem, Cynthia—I don’t trust you at all.You’re just bitter because he’s lost interest in you.”
She narrowed her eyes.“I was just trying to be nice to you, woman to woman.Let you know how he plays his cards.Knox will be done with you in no time.”
“I’m not interested in what you have to say.I’m here with Knox, and that’s all that matters.”I had to admit, her comment about him being “done with me” did sting a bit, but right now, it was about putting this woman in her place.
“You’re his new toy, that’s all.This will probably be the last event he attends with you.By the time the next one rolls around, you’ll be old news.I’m guessing your friendship won’t survive this either.”
My stomach lurched because that was a big fear of mine.It was as if she knew.I never wanted to lose Knox as a friend, not ever.
“That’s not really your concern, is it?Besides, you’re the one who’s old news right now.Knox didn’t even glance at you tonight.You think I didn’t see you looking at us?You’re jealous.”
She rolled her eyes.“Fine.Have it your way.I’m just trying to help you out, but I can see you and Knox don’t have much in common.He likes people who challenge him intellectually.”
“I’d truly love it if you didn’t pretend to know what Knox likes.If you did, you wouldn’t be yesterday’s news.”
She gasped but didn’t say anything else.I waited, tilting my head slightly, lifting a corner of my mouth.Did she think she could come here and spew her venom, and I’d just take it?I could give as good as I got.This viper clearly needed someone to put her in her place.
