Page 71 of Destined To Fall

“Vivienne?”

I look up from my cell at the sound of Maxwell’s voice. I almost forgot he was in the car with me.“We’re here.”

“Oh, right. Ready?”

“Are you? You seem…distracted.”

“Nope. Not at all.” I smile, gathering my clutch and sending a last text before stepping out of the car.

J: Is that a yes?

V: No.

J: Is that a no?

V: No.

Oh, crap.“I can’t talk—”

“Woman, I know your schedule,” Laura hollers down the end of my cell.

“Mm hmm, yeah, that’s great, but I have this thing—”

“What thing? It’s Sunday night. You never have a thing I don’t know about.”

“Sure I do.” I round the corner on Tremont and see Jeremy standing out in front of Loews, dressed to impress in a dark leather jacket, tight-fitted black T-shirt, and slacks.

“Whatever. Is this why I don’t see you anymore?”

“What do you mean? We talk all the time.”

“I haven’tseenyou in over a month. Since coffee and our shopping spree and the mysterious texting.”

I come up to Jeremy, but before I can shush him, he opens his big mouth.“Hey, you.”

“Who was that?”

“Oh, look, my coffee is here. Got to go. I’ll call you later.”

Jeremy laughs as I abruptly end the call.“What was that about?”

“Laura.”

“Ah.” Jeremy offers his arm, and I smile, putting my arm in his before heading into the complex.“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re hiding me.”

“Good thing you don’t know any better. What are we seeing?”

“I forget what it’s called—the one with Will Smith.”

“Good choice.”

“Nice skirt. Or is that a belt?”

My cheeks pinch as I try not to grin.

L: I met a boy. A man, not a boy. Oh boy, is he so not a boy.

V: What? I’m walking out my door with a bottle of wine.

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