Page 111 of From the Moment We Met

“You didn’t see the way he watched you, the way he lit up when you were around; he looked at you as if you were the most precious creature in the world.”

“What am I supposed to do with that information, Ben?”

Leaning down to kiss her cheek, he whispered. “Anything you want, my love.”

Lilly walked to her car, releasing a resigned sigh as she fell back against the seat. Her mind and heart were a jumbled mess. Various accounts of the situation, Jacob’s perspective, and her own emotions tumbled about in her head until she couldn't think or feel straight.

Her phone buzzed. It was Enrique. He was supposed to join them for their communal pity party, but a last-minute consult kept him late at the hospital.

“Hello, Dr. Torres.”

“Good evening, Ms. Staver. Are the shenanigans still in full swing? I just got to the pub, and I don’t see you.”

“We left a few minutes ago. I didn’t think you were going to make it. Give me a sec, and I’ll come in for one more drink.”

“Are you sure? If you want to head home, I understand.”

His voice was soothing to her ears and her ego needed bolstering. “I’m positive.”

Lilly walked back into the pub and found Enrique at a corner booth. Even in scrubs, he caught the attention of all the female patrons, but he was charmingly oblivious. She slid across from him, forcing a smile.

“I ordered you another whiskey.”

Now her smile was genuine. “You know me too well.”

Enrique shook his head, leaning against the seat, his dark eyes probing. “No, I don’t know you well enough. So? Are you going to fill me in?”

Lilly huffed, slumping her shoulders. “I’m sure Ben already filled you in on the debacle that is my life. But please don’t say ‘I told you so’, I realize I was an utter idiot.”

“You’re not an idiot, far from it. You look for the best in people and sometimes that compassion is taken advantage of by unscrupulous people.” Enrique took a sip of his whiskey, shooting the waitress a dimpled smile.

“You have dimples,” Lilly noted.

His smile—and dimples—widened. “I do.”

“I don’t know why I never noticed, perhaps you should smile more.”

“Perhaps you shouldn’t change the subject.” Enrique swirled the whiskey in his glass, clearing his throat. “Are you in love with him?”

Lilly released a sound somewhere between a laugh and a strangled cry. How the fuck was she supposed to answer that question? “No, I was in love with the idea of him.”

Enrique raised his brows but stayed silent.

“The idea of a talented, handsome, intelligent man choosing me over anyone else when he has thousands of more appealing options. I thought I was special, but I see now that it wouldn’t have worked out. His sole focus is his career. My career is important, but love will always win that hand for me.” Lilly scratched her thumbnail into the veneered surface of the table. “I’m a silly, romantic sap that should have known better.”

Lilly gasped when Enrique clasped her hands, his thumbs moving in small circles over her skin. “He should have known better. He was an idiot to let go of a woman like you. I hate that this happened—”

Lilly rolled her eyes, letting out a chuckle. “Sure, you do. You couldn’t stand him.”

“Lilly, I saw through his nice guy facade. Now there is a chance he’s a decent person, but his priorities are beyond screwed. He’s a climber on the ladder of success, and he’ll walk over anyone who gets in his way. I don’t think he loves Victoria, but she can bring him the success he craves. It’s like a drug for some people.”

“How do you know so much?” Lilly leaned forward on her hands. She hungered for the knowledge her friend possessed.

Enrique chuckled. “That woman you met? Emma?” Lilly nodded, and he continued. “She’s the female version of Jacob. I was always second-best to her job or her coworkers or her networking, and I finally said enough and left.”

“Wow, she seemed so interested in you that evening, desperate to spend time with you.”

Enrique ran his hand through his dark hair. “I became far more enticing when I was no longer available.”

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