Page 55 of Scoring with my Bestie's Ex

After a very long day, I’m happy to receive an invite for supper from Bella. This morning had been filled with practice, and the rest of the day was spent working on the charity dance.

I’m just getting back to the city after visiting Castleton for some last-minute logistics. It’s been a long drive, and I’m ready to be done.

Bella and I seem to be in a good place. We’ve both made it clear that it’s not a good time for a romantic relationship for either of us.

Which has in turn taken off the pressure and allows us to just see what feels natural.

I arrive at her apartment, and she buzzes me up. The smell of frying garlic and onions makes my stomach rumble.

“Smells good,” I tell her as I come into the kitchen. “What can I help with?”

Bella beams at me. “Just wash up. It’s all ready.”

She grabs oven mitts and pulls pre-sliced garlic bread from the oven. I head to the bathroom to wash my hands and face. By the time I’m done, there are two settings with Caesar salad, garlic bread, and seafood linguini.

“It looks delicious,” I tell her, taking a seat.

“Thanks. We need to save some leftovers for Mike and Ellen. They’re going to be here in a couple of hours.” Bella brushes her hair away from her neck. “Oh, did you want any wine?”

I shake my head. “I don’t really drink except when on vacation. But you can have some if you want.”

Bella shakes her head. “I’m having an early morning tomorrow, and wine makes me too sleepy.”

We dig into our food. It tastes just as good as it smells.

“I did something today,” Bella announces after a little while. “I went to Steven’s apartment and gave him back his ring. And I confronted him about the way he used to treat me.”

My stomach drops at first, but she looks so happy that it can’t have been that bad.

“How’d it go?”

“Honestly? There was less fighting than I thought there’d be,” she says. “He did act like I was coming back to him at first, but he cut it out pretty quick. I got to tell him how his behavior was toxic and he can’t blame me for the things he did.”

“You mean like switching out your wedding dress?” I ask.

“Among other things.”

I watch her as she fidgets with her silverware. She’s practically glowing.

“I told him that I’m starring in my own fashion show. When he started to ask me if I was sure I was ready, I told him it didn’t matter because the experts in the field think I’m ready. That him up fast!"

She laughs.

I grin at her. “I’m happy for you.”

“I know it seems like I’ve already put all this behind me, but I realized I needed to cut out everything that reminds me of Steven,” Bella says. “I haven’t even thought about that ring in forever, but it was still there.”

“So now you got rid of it.”

“Yeah. And I told him that I’m blocking him on everything. If he tries to get anyone to contact me on his behalf, I’m blocking them, too.” She grins, triumphant.

As she beams, I twirl some linguini onto my fork. “How did he take that?”

“Surprisingly well,” Bella answers. “He even admitted that he shouldn’t have messed with the dress. He apologized and didn’t try the ‘I’m sorry but’ technique.”

I raise my brows in surprise. “That’s a twist. I thought he’d continue to blame you for everything.”

“Honestly, I thought he would, too,” she admits. “But I think it ended well. He took the ring back and agreed never to try to contact me again.”

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