Page 26 of Forgettable in Every Way

“It’s just, the way he looked at you during lunch didn’t seem all that friendly.”

“That’s just his way. You should have seen him in New York, always giving me false hope,” I said dramatically. “It’s why I told him I didn’t want to see him again. I need to get over him, and there’s the little matter of the photo album I gave him the day he fell in love with Penelope.”

Calista’s eyes widened. “Photo album?”

I took another sip of the coffee, and with my free hand, I pressed against the uncomfortable hospital chair. “It’s so embarrassing,” I whimpered. “I took pictures of all our outings in New York, and then, like a dolt, I made a photo album for him and wrote all these absurd captions telling him how I really felt about him, and spelled out my hope that he felt the same way. Which, obviously, he didn’t. He must have had such a laugh with Penelope over it.”

“Did he ever say anything about it?” Calista asked cautiously.

I shook my head. “But it’s probably why he keeps mentioning being friends, so I know he’s never seen me the way I’ve always seen him.”

“If that’s true, then for your sanity, you did the right thing by pushing him away.”

“It is true. I mean, look at him. He can have any woman he wants. And I’m just ... well ... me.”

Calista whipped her head my way and stared me down. “Excuse me, Ms. Supermodel. Don’t you dare sell yourself short. He would be so lucky to have you, spy girl.”

“I’m not a spy,” I said lightheartedly.

“Until you prove otherwise, that’s the story I’m sticking with. Because I know for sure you’re not a software developer. I’ve seen your condo.” Calista was the only person who ever visited me, and I loved her for it.

“I have developed software.” I smiled.

“Government spy programs?” she quipped.

“Maybe,” I teased her.

Her eyes widened.

“I’m joking.”

She narrowed her gorgeous, hazel eyes at me. “I don’t think you are. Regardless, you’re a cool girl, and any man would be lucky to have you. That includes Simon.”

“I’m not a cool girl.”

“Uh, let’s list the facts. You have an amazing job, you play the piano and apparently sing, you’re beyond kind, and you help your family, who are so undeserving of you. And let’s not forget, you might be a princess. You sound pretty cool to me.” She took my hand. “Jules, I say this with love, but I think somewhere along the way, you have forgotten who you are. Maybe it’s time you see yourself.”

I sat stunned for a moment. Her words sank into the depths of my soul.

Calista bit her lip. “This is just a hunch, but maybe the reason people don’t remember you is that you don’t show them who you are.”

I rubbed my head. Her truth bomb was blowing my mind. But not as much as the earth-shattering epiphany that the last time I truly knew myself was in New York with Simon. And perhaps even the last couple of days, as uncomfortable as they had been. Something about Jack brought me to life. Even singing with Simon today felt like me, even if I berated myself for it.

Calista, noticing the horror that had washed over me, took my hand. “What is it?”

“You’re right.” I knew it with every fiber of my being. I had forgotten who I was. “The problem is that I discovered who I was with Simon. As ridiculous as it sounds, he introduced me to my true self. Does that sound stupid?” I don’t subscribe to the belief you need someone to make you whole, but the day I met Simon changed my life. Changed me.

She squeezed my hand. “It doesn’t sound stupid at all. When you find your person, they become part of you. When Tristan left me, I didn’t feel the same.”

“Well, thankfully Tristan never stopped loving you. Simon doesn’t want me like that, and I can’t be around him knowing that. Especially knowing that I bared my heart to him and he didn’t care.”

“It’s his loss. You tell yourself that until you believe it,” she demanded. “While you’re at it, tell yourself you’re a cool spy girl and one of the best friends Calista Monroe could ever ask for.”

My eyes filled with moisture. “Right back at you.”

Calista put her arm around me and gave me a squeeze. “I wish I could stay longer, but my shift starts soon. You’re not the only superhero,” she teased. “I have to go save lives. Or, you know, stitch a few people up, prescribe antibiotics, maybe help a Viagra-gone-wrong patient or two.” She laughed before saying more seriously. “I’m here if you need me.”

“Thank you, Calista.”

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