Page 21 of Fake It 'til You Make It

‘A baseball player?’ I think of his broad shoulders and height – I guess that fits, not that I have the first clue about baseball. ‘I still think the sound is too rhythmic.’

As the suited man waits for me to take off the short tweed jacket I have teamed with a plain black dress and my new white Dior shoes, Dee places her hands on my shoulders in the manor of a kindergarten teacher reasoning with a toddler. ‘He’s a pro-athlete, who’s apparently recovering from injury, which is code for has nothing better to do, and just look at all these images of him. He’s with a different woman in every one.’

Reluctantly, I glance at the phone Dee is now holding up for me to see. I can feel myself squinting as I look at the man in the images. He’s quite often wearing shades. Most often in full baseball kit. Frequently mid-action on a baseball field. So I guess that’s why he doesn’t always look immediately like the guy I’ve met, but the resemblance is definitely there. It’s him alright.

‘You should totally get in on that action. That’ll cure you of your heartache.’

The front of house guy tells us to follow him to our table.

‘Thanks, but he’s not my type.’

She looks at her screen and wiggles it close to my face as we walk. ‘He’severyone’stype. Those are the kind of arms and shoulders that can strip you bare on a hot day and make you sweaty even on a cold day.’

She raises her eyebrows – once, twice. I snort. Actually snort.

‘I like tall and weedy, not tall and muscly.’

‘Nooooo, you liked Andrew and since you’ve always been destined for him by our families, you’ve never thought to explore what else might be on offer. Like… hello! This guy!’

I shake my head, bemused. ‘What would a guy like that want with an unemployed auditor, who, thanks to six months’ advance rent and a new wardrobe, is basically broke?’

Dee rolls her eyes. ‘You are a woman living in her dream apartment block, with a completely stunning new look.’ She twizzles the ends of my new long bob. ‘Who is just waiting to find a career she’s passionate about and a man to use for wild sex.’

A guffaw breaks from deep inside of me. ‘You were earning top sibling marks until that last comment.’

We’re walking side by side, given the restaurant is spacious. This place is one of the best eateries in Manhattan, according to its website, and evidenced by the fact they don’t pack the tables together and oversubscribe.

‘Ladies!’ Meredith stands from a round table, where she’s sitting with Nate, and gives us a cheery wave. ‘Wow, Abbey, you look…’ She holds her arms out in front of her as she looks me up and down. I step into her hold to end the uncomfortable inspection.

‘You look lovely, as always, Meredith. Thanks for making the reservation.’

She gives me an airy wave, as if to sayit’s nothing. We both know she loves to organize dinners and dinner parties. It’s part of her role as Nate’s wife, as she sees it.

‘Abbey,’ Nate says, like an architect might greet a client. Then he gives me a glancing kiss on the cheek. Ever the affectionate big brother.

I quickly scan the round table, counting the places on itsimmaculate white linen cloth, and wonder aloud as I clock the six Louis XVI upholstered chairs. ‘Are there others joining us?’

Meredith winces, then her lips rebound up again, as Nate says, ‘Drew is joining us.’

‘Andrew?’ I repeat in disbelief. Nate is one of few people who call him Drew.

‘You two are still friends?’ Meredith asks, like a person who has never been dumped before, let alone cheated on.

But, of course, to them I’ve simply parted ways with Nate’s childhood friend amicably.

They probably think I’d love to get back with him. In fact, they’re probably trying to set us back up – that’s the kind of thing Mom would put them up to.

And it’s not true. I don’t still want to be with him. I couldn’t. But I can’t deny my stomach is currently tying itself in a bow at the thought of seeing my ex.

Oh God, this is going to be a long dinner.

‘Are you okay?’ Dee whispers, firing daggers at Nate.

‘I’m fine. Surprised but fine. I guess I can’t avoid him forever, right? He’ll be invited to Mom and Dad’s vow renewal in a few weeks.’

‘I was hoping he wouldn’t have the audacity to?—’

I cut her short because, as I take my seat, I remember there are two extra spaces at the table. ‘Who else is coming?’ I ask to anyone who’ll answer because I’m too busy staring at the two spare place settings, suddenly feeling disoriented.

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