Page 30 of Fireworks & Forehead Kisses

“I don’t think we should get married because I’m punctual.”

“I said you were hot.”

“That’s my appearance. The only thing you said about me, what actually makes me, me, is that I’m on time.”

“You’re really good in bed.”

“That’s sexual chemistry. That’s not me.”

“Well, what do you love aboutme?” she asked defensively.

Her tone ended the conversation. I was willing to have a civil discussion with her, but after what she’d just done, I didn’t feel she had any right to get an attitude. This was over, and I didn’t owe her any explanation or closure.

“I never claimed to love you.” It might be petty of me to point that out, but it was the truth. “You’ve always known that. Youhave never had an issue with that before. All you cared about was my status and getting the ring on your finger. You can keep the ring. You have until September to find another place to live.”

“What? You can’t do this!”

I stood, and she did as well. She put her hands on my chest and tried to stop me from leaving.

“Serena, we’re done. Don’t make this harder on yourself.” She knew that when I decided something, there was no changing my mind. She lowered her arms. “I’m leaving for Japan in two days. I’ll stay at the hotel until then. You will be gone by the time I get back from my trip. That’s six months. Goodbye.”

I stepped around her and went up to our room, my room, to pack my things.

“It was a mistake. One mistake!” She called after me. “Why would you throw away seven years for one mistake? You’ll regret this! I’m the best thing that has ever happened to you! You’ll never find anyone better than me!”

If that was truly the case, then I’d rather be alone.

11

ASHLEY

I double-checkedmy reflection in the mirror for the hundredth time as I stood in the executive suite at the Wolfe Hotel, thanks to the generosity of Stella Wolfe. After finding out that I got the interview, she insisted on putting me up in her hotel. I figured that I would be staying in a regular room, but this place was fancy with a capital F. It was a hundred times nicer than anywhere I’d ever stayed before. There was a separate room with a king-sized bed, a Jacuzzi tub, a stone waterfall walk-in shower that was larger than my apartment in San Francisco, and plush robes and slippers I couldn’t wait to put on after my interview.

My reflection stared back at me, and I had to admit that I wasn’t looking too bad. The room wasn’t the only gift Stella had graciously given me. She’d surprised me with an all-expense-paid trip to the salon connected to the spa downstairs. The ladies gave me a blowout, and I’d gotten my makeup professionally done. I was wearing a navy dress that fell just above my knees; it had a scoop neck, was form-fitting, and featured inch-thick straps on my shoulders. It accentuated my curves and was by far the classiest dress I owned. I’d thought about going businesscasual or even casual, casual; but I figured cocktail attire was more appropriate. My shoes were simple black heels with an ankle strap, but they went a long way in showcasing my toned calves, so I felt like I looked as good as I was going to get.

Suzie Q made the five-hour drive with no issues, thanks to Mr. Stick Up His Ass. I was glad that I’d gone ahead and thanked him for all the work he’d done, even though I hadn’t asked him to do any of it. And that I’d offered to have him deduct the amount from my salary, even though he’d declined. So, my conscience was clean, which was a big thing for me. I don’t know how people could look themselves in the mirror when they’d taken advantage of or hurt someone…I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.

It was hard enough for me to stay in this room and get my hair and makeup done for free. I felt like it wasn’t right, but Stella had not given me a choice. And she wasnota woman to argue with.

“Okay, you got this,” I told myself before grabbing my clutch purse.

My fingertips grazed the doorknob when I realized I didn’t have my key. I doubled back and grabbed it. My appointment was at 4:00 this afternoon. It was three-thirty now. The address I was going to was only one block away, so I had plenty of time, but I didn’t want to be late, or rush while walking in my heels.

When the elevator doors opened, I glanced up and saw a woman standing in it. I smiled and stepped inside, then glanced down to see that the lobby floor button was lit up. It wasn’t until the doors closed and I saw her reflection in them that I recognized the person standing beside me.

“Fatima?” I said as I turned toward her.

She lifted her head and blinked at me. “Ashley?”

Fatima had been a senior at San Francisco State and had lived in the apartment above me the first year I lived in California. She was studying hotel management at the time.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, looking visibly shocked to see me.

I was equally surprised. “I’m actually going to interview for the showMarried by the Matchmaker.”

“Oh, wow! I love that show! That’s amazing!” She smiled brightly, but then the smile dropped. “Wait, so did things not work out with Garrett?”

Fatima knew how serious things were with Garrett. He had moved with me to San Francisco. The two of them quickly bonded over their love of the board game Settlers of Catan and the video game Stardew Valley, both of which I was never into.

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