Page 82 of Stanton Unconditional

CHAPTER 13

Natasha

Today was my first day back at work since we found out about Gran. I worked from eight until four and have just arrived at the hospital to see her. I have purposely worn my black high-waist skirt and my cream silk blouse, sheer stockings, patent pumps. Hair up, glasses on. Going for the secretary thing I know he likes so much. If he’s going to hate me anyway, I may as well look good and rub his damn face in it.

Last night I wracked my brain all night about that text on New Year’s. Did he send it from Cameron’s phone? Is that true, does he still love me? Maybe Adrian sent it playing matchmaker. Only one way to find out. Test him and, boy, is he going to be tested. I undo my top button. I’m feeling more myself today, more confident. I think I had an epiphany in the shower this morning. Finally, it’s only taken six painful months. I have had enough of trying to hold us together. If he really doesn’t care, why should I? Next time Jesten asks me out, I’m going. Stuff it, stuff him.

I walk down the corridor and see everyone sitting in a group, their backs to me. Bridget turns and sees me first, her eyes widen, and she smirks a knowing smile. You got it sister, I’m back.

I walk up gracefully and take out my phone. “Hi,” I smile at the group.

Cameron smiles. “Hi, Tash.” “Hi,” the others collectively say.

Joshua looks up the length of my body and snaps his eyes away angrily. Robert walks over and puts his arm around me. “How is my beautiful Natasha today?” he smiles broadly.

I smile. “Good thanks, back at my new job today. Glad to return to some normalcy.”

“New job?” He frowns. “Where are you working now?”

I smile and from the corner of my eye see Joshua’s head snap back to me. “I have left the Sexual Psychology Clinic. I now work in the hospital system, just regular psychology.”

He smiles. “Really?”

Cameron butts in. “Wow, Tash, big move. What made you move from what you were doing?”

I shrug. “Sick to death of dealing with infidelity and broken relationships.”

My eyes flick to Bridget and she winks at me. Take that, asshole.

My phone rings. I got one less problem without you. I got one less problem without you.

“Excuse me, Robert.” I pull away to answer my phone as I look at the screen. Abbie, let’s play one of her charades. Game on.

“Hello, Natasha Marx,” I purr as I hold my finger up to Robert. I walk away from the group and fake laugh.

“What are you doing?” Abbie snaps.

“Being you,” I smile.

“What?”

“I’m doing a little market research, seeing if you know who is still interested or not,” I whisper as I turn away from the group and face the window.

“Oh my God. Loving it sick. Fake laugh, make him think you are talking to a guy.”

I frown. “Oh God, so desperate,” I whisper.

“Trust me, this shit works.” She giggles. I laugh out loud. “Now make sure he can hear you and say yes you will see me on Saturday night if you’re there because you don’t know what you are doing yet, but thanks for the invite.”

“What, that’s ridiculous,” I whisper as I frown.

“Just say it,” she snaps.

I turn and walk back to the group, on the way saying, “I’m not sure yet. I might see you Saturday night. Thanks for the invite. Bye.” Oh shit, I stuffed it up. My phone immediately beeps a text and I stop mid step to check it.

It’s Bridget.

Joshua just cracked his neck at you.