Page 106 of Not That Into You

“Not exactly.”

“Then what?” Claire asks.

Hayley scowls. “She’s leaving New York.”

Chapter 29

Monica

“Why didn’t you tell me your mom needed surgery?”

My chest constricts with guilt as I study Claire’s concerned expression. I mentioned my mom was having back pain, but I didn’t update her about the need for surgery.

Moments ago, when I explained why I was leaving New York—temporarily—she and Gina were distressed, and Alli had said my next drink was on the house before she headed back behind the bar.

“I guess...” I sigh. Why hadn’t I told Claire? “I know it’s not logical, but part of me felt that if I said it out loud, it’d make it real. I know that sounds weird.”

Claire’s expression softens. “No, I get it.” She looks down at her glass. “I just wish you weren’t dealing with all that on your own. Has the surgery been scheduled yet?”

“Yeah. I talked to my mom earlier today.” I finally got her on the phone for a few minutes over her lunch break. “She said it was scheduled for next Friday.”

“That’s soon. But that’s good, right?”

I shrug.

“Is it a risky surgery?”

“All surgery is risky. But this is pretty routine, so the risks are relatively low. Still...” My mouth flattens. I’d rather not think about the potential complications.

Claire squeezes my hand. “I’m sure it’ll be fine. And I bet your parents will be happy to have you home.”

“We’ll see.”

My mom wasn’t thrilled when I told her I was going to be staying in Dayton for a while. She insisted she wouldn’t need any help and seemed to think she’d be able to bounce back from surgery within a day. Which is ridiculous. No matter how stubborn my mom is, she won’t be able to get around for at least a week or two.

“So, if you’re going to be away for a while...” Claire lifts an eyebrow. “What does that mean for you and Cameron?”

Gina and Hayley go quiet and turn their attention to us while I stifle a groan. I should’ve known they’d circle back to Cameron. “We’re keeping things casual. We’ll see where things go.”

Hayley frowns.

“Oh, boy. I’m sure that won’t get complicated,” Claire says, sarcasm heavy in her voice.

“It won’t.” It can’t. “I’m leaving next week.”

“Are you going to continue pretending to be his girlfriend?” Hayley asks.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, you spent last weekend acting as his girlfriend in front of his family and friends. Will that continue?”

“Um... No?”

“But you’re together?” asks Claire.

“Not really. I mean, sort of. But we’re not serious. And it’s not like we’re going to have dinner with his family or anything.”

“Are you sure?” Hayley asks. “You’re not going to the Coronet Society Dinner next week?”

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