Page 98 of When Love Is Unexpected

Again, you won't get an argument from me. I agree. I stand against the wall, trying not to make a peep.

"I was sad to hear about their breakup. I thought for sure they'd make it."

"Patricia told me he was her first. When we ran into each other at the picnic, she didn't hold back. She said Sam was the best lover she ever had and that she would have him again.”

"She wanted the career first. Now that she has it, she wants Sam, too."

I stand up straight and hold my breath.

"You could tell she was green with envy when he showed up to the picnic with a model."

"She's a model?"

"Probably not, but she sure could be."

"Why thank you," I mouth, smiling ear to ear.

"Well, I don't know where the model went, but if she doesn't get back to Sam soon, he might leave with Tricia."

Wait, what?! Tricia? My head starts spinning.

"I can't believe she changed her name. She goes by Tricia Duncan now. She thinks it sounds better and will look better on her business cards."

"Well, right before we came in, you saw how they were moving on the dance floor. It's like no time has passed. They make a beautiful couple."

"She might have to change those business cards to Tricia Jameson soon."

"Yeah, I think they're going to get back together. There's a reason why Sam has remained single all these years. I bet he was waiting for her."

I don't even realize my eyes are leaking until the tears land on the front of my dress.

"We should get back out there to watch the drama unfold."

With the lipstick forgotten, I grab some toilet paper and dab the tears away. I also take a paper towel and press it on the tear spots on my dress. Slowly, I walk back to our table. My knees feel weak, but my mind is racing, trying to connect all the pieces.

I scan the room and find the happy couple. He has a hand around her waist. She's dressed in red, and her long, shiny hair is flowing down her back. And, like in slow motion, I watch Patricia reach for Sam's neck and gently pull him down to kiss him. I look away and then walk away, out into the night.

I hear footsteps behind me and turn around to see Jim. "Are you okay?" he asks.

"I'm fine," I say. "Listen, Jim, would you be willing to give me a ride home?"

"No, of course not, but are you sure you want to leave?"

"I'm sure," I say.

"For what it's worth," he says, "I think it looks a lot worse than it is."

"Can we leave now?" I ask on the verge of tears.

"Yes," he says. "Let's go. My car is parked around the corner."

On the ride back to the house, my phone starts buzzing. It's Sam. I ignore it.

I realize I only have the studio keys, so I can't even get into the house to get my things.

"Laila," Jim says, "Tricia is not a good person. She's conniving and a liar."

"You know her?" I ask.

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