Page 56 of Sexting My Ex's Dad
“Anyway, I was thinking of setting up a double date for us! How fun would that be? You and Paul, me and my latest fling?” Anastasia suggests, her eyes twinkling mischievously. I didn’t know that she’d even had a latest fling, but I doubt he’d be around long. She has the nasty habit of getting tired of them usually within the first few weeks.
My stomach churns with guilt, but I don’t want to disappoint her. She’s always been so supportive of me, and I can’t bear the thought of letting her down. After a moment of hesitation, I nod in agreement.
What’s one little date?
“Sure, that sounds like fun,” I say, forcing a smile. “Let’s do it.”
“Great!” Anastasia beams, pulling me into a tight hug. “Oh, this is going to be amazing! You can sleep over at my place tonight so we can get ready together tomorrow.”
“Come on,Stella! Let’s find you something drop-dead gorgeous for your date,” she exclaims, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward her bedroom. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and I can’thelp but smile even as my stomach knots with guilt. “I hope you don’t mind wearing one of mine. My wardrobe is just a bit nicer, no offense.”
“No offense taken.”
We spend the next hour trying on dress after dress, Anastasia insisting that each one looks better than the last. Despite my reservations, I find myself enjoying the process – especially when Anastasia pops open a bottle of wine and pours us each a glass, the liquid courage loosening my inhibitions.
I have to be careful it doesn’t loosen my lips too.
“Stella, try this one!” Anastasia urges, holding up a slinky black number that I would never consider wearing in a million years. But as I slip into it, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and am surprised by how confident and sexy I look.
I look like a brand new person. At least I think I do – I can’t tell if it’s me or the wine talking.
“Wow, I actually like this one,” I admit, turning to face her. She grins triumphantly.
“See? I told you!” Anastasia raises her glass in a toast.
As our glasses clink together, my phone buzzes in my purse, the sound jarring amidst the laughter and excitement. “Hold on a sec,” I say, digging through the bag to retrieve it. As I glance down at the screen, I see Elio’s name flashing brightly.
My heart skips a beat, and my fingers hover uncertainly over the ‘accept call’ button. But if I answer, Anastasia will know the truth. I’ve never lied to her before, and I can’t risk disappointing her when she’s so excited about the double date.
“Is everything okay?” Anastasia asks, concern knitting her brow as she notices my hesitation.
“Uh, yeah, everything’s fine,” I reply quickly, swiping left to ignore Elio’s call. “It was just spam.”
“Ugh, don’t you hate those calls?” Anastasia rolls her eyes, and I nod, forcing a smile. The guilt gnaws at me, but I push it aside for now, a plan forming in my head.
I’d meet Paul, beg him to play along, and then we’d mutually agree, in front of Anastasia, that it just isn’t working out.
Foolproof.
32
STELLA
The scent of roses and champagne wafts from the open door of the fancy restaurant. I stand on the edge of the sidewalk, my fingers nervously twisting the hem of the black dress Anastasia and I had settled on the night before.
What am I doing?
When Anastasia had brought up this date, I had no clue she meant the next day! I hadn’t had any time to prepare.
What would Elio say if he found out? Even if I don’t actually feel anything for Paul, isn’t this sort of cheating?Maybe it would be if we were actually in a relationship.Still, it doesn’t feel right.
“Maybe it’s not too late to back out,” I whisper to myself, my eyes darting back and forth between the entrance to the restaurant and the safety of the street behind me.
Is it too late to tell Anastasia I’d gotten sick? Knowing her, she’d bring the party to my condo.
I have to do this.
Where is Anastasia?
