Page 34 of Falling For Us Again

She leads me to a tall lean man with his back turned to us as he speaks on the phone.

He turns when he hears footsteps approaching, and a smile curls his lips. He’s good-looking with curly brown hair and a perfect set of teeth, and he has a warm smile.

“Yeah, I’ll let you know when I‘m done with it. Thanks,” he says before ending the call.

“Hi baby.” Lola says as they kiss, and he wraps an arm around her waist. “This is Jenna.”

She makes the introduction, and I exchange pleasantries with him.

“Lola got me into reading your books. You’re very talented. I thought she was kidding when she said you two used to be close friends back in high school.” Brian says, a hint of admiration in his voice.

I give him a polite smile, not wanting to be too friendly with someone who cheated on my best friend. I wonder what Dylan thinks of him. I push that thought away. I don’t want to think about Dylan today.

“Yes. She was my best friend.”

After a few minutes of small talk, he says “Anyway, it was nice to meet you, Jenna.”

“Same.” We shake hands.

“Alright,” Lola says, “let me take you to her seat.” She slips her hand into mine as she guides me to an empty easel. “It’s all I could do to keep a straight face from the stiff smile you gave him,” she says with a laugh.”

“I mean, he’s ok, but you’re like a goddess. How could he cheat on you?”

Lola chuckles. “You can be my hype woman any day.”

“Well, it’s true, but let’s not dwell on that today. Today is all about you and this beautiful event you planned. You’re so talented, Lola.”

She fans herself with a hand, her face glowing in delight. “Why thank you,” she giggles.

“I look around the studio as if seeing it for the first time. Wow,” I breathe out, my eyes scanning the room. “This is so beautiful Lola; you did an incredible job. I love it. You should be very proud.”

“Aw, thank you for saying that, and so should you. I tell everyone I’m best friends with a famous artist. I milk it for all it’s worth.”

We laugh softly.

She hands me a glass of champagne as I settle into my chair, an empty easel before me. A few other people gather around the surrounding easels next to me.

"Relax and have fun, Jenna."

I nod, feeling a bit more at ease. The room buzzes with chatter and laughter, and I take a sip of wine. I find myself wondering if Dylan will be here...

“Jenna,” An unfamiliar voice calls my name.

I turn to meet the person, but I don’t recognize the face.

“Jenna, you remember Ian, right?” Lola asks.

“Ian?”

She nudges me with her hips. “The senior who used to have a crush on you. He was always all over you, but you never gave him the time of day.”

The recognition hits. “Wait, I remember. He looks so different. Good different.”

“He’s even married now,” Lola whispers. “Anyway, have fun and mingle.”

Lola crosses the room back to meet Brian, and he whispers something that makes her laugh. Well, if she's this happy, maybe I should consider giving Brian a chance. I tear my eyes away from them.

I return my attention back to the man walking towards me with his arms around a petite brunette.

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