Page 2 of Embracing Easy

Standing up taller, I square my shoulders.

To hell with that.

I’m firm in my belief that they aren’t any better than me.

Or so you’d thought. The doubt whispers in my mind.

But now—looking at John with her—maybe they were right all along.

As if affirming my doubts, he smiles down at his companion.

He’s… happy. Really happy.

I smile sadly, realizing that it’s been a long time since I’ve seen that look on his face.

Right.

Pushing off the wall, I know I have to end this charade—end our engagement.

I skirt the tables that separate us and stop beside his booth and wait.

Still oblivious that he’s been caught, John whispers something in the pretty blonde’s ear, and she giggles. Okay, seriously. They’re too perfect and it’s kind of disgusting.

I clear my throat.

John’s head shoots up and his eyes widen comically.

“Fuck!” He yanks his arm away from Barbie as if it’ll change what I’ve already seen. “It’s not what you think, princess.”

Barbie’s head whips around so fast it’s a wonder she doesn’t give herself whiplash. “Princess?”

The high pitch of her voice is like a record scratching and I flinch.

Yikes. Looks like I’m not the only one he’s been playing for a fool.

“Out of town until tomorrow, huh?” I ask, surprisingly more annoyed that he lied to me than actually catching him doing… whatever it is he’s doing here.

“I…” His mouth flaps open and closed like a fish out of water.

“Yeah?”

“I… Alexis. Please, let me explain.” To his credit, he looks genuinely apologetic, although I’m not sure why.

Neither of us is happy.

I hold up my hand to stop him. There’s no reason for him to tell me any more lies.

“It’s okay, John,” I nod to the woman beside him with tears welling up in her eyes, “I can see that she makes you happy.”

John’s shocked face falls, showing the real regret that he feels.

“I’m so sorry, Alexis. I—” He drops his head.

I feel the first pang of hurt. Not because we’re over, but because I cared about him.

“I know.” And I do, but there’s still no way in hell I’m going to stick around here and hash out all the reasons this is a blessing in disguise.

Regardless of the way we’ve drifted apart, I would never have disrespected him by sleeping with someone else.

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