Page 97 of Play to Win

“That’s awesome, Lace.”

I really am enjoying the course and my job, although customer service jobs have their frustrations.One day a group of teenage girls came in and started applying makeup straight from the testers without using applicators, contaminating them all.Then there was the woman who came in and licked all the lipsticks, and when I asked what she was doing told me that she didn’t buy lipstick she didn’t like the taste of.So gross!

It’s nice being busy and feeling like a productive, contributing member of society.Much as I appreciate Théo and all he’s done for me and his offer to forgo rent, I’ve learned that I can’t rely on anyone else to look after me; I have to look out for myself.

Right now I’m having fun talking to girlfriends about it and listening to their stories about their jobs and Taylor’s frustrations at living with her parents who think that even though she’s twenty-four years old she should be coming home by eleven o’clock every night.

I wish I could talk to them about what’s happening with me and Théo, but how do I tell them that I’m afraid I’m falling in love with my husband?I can’t tell Everly, that’s for sure; but we’re getting to be friends, and this feels like a big barrier between us.I’m not the kind of person to keep secrets or not say what’s on my mind, and this is hard.

“Have you seen or talked to JP?”I ask Everly.

“Um ...yeah, actually.I saw him and Emma the other night when I was having dinner with some friends.”

I frown.“You saw him and Emma?”

“Uh ...yeah.”She gives me a strange look.“Why do you act like that’s a surprise?”

“When was it?”

“Thursday night.At Valentina.Why?”

I set my hands in my lap.“Emma texted Théo a few weeks ago and told him she and JP had broken up.”

Everly’s eyes expand.“What?”

“Yeah.That’s weird, huh?”

“Why’d she say that?Was she trying to get Théo back?”

“Yes.”I smile grimly.“He told me about it.He told her they were done and then he blocked her number.”

Everly blinks.“Well.If they did break up, they’re back together.”

“Wow.”

“I’m starting to think she might be a bitch.”

I burst out laughing.“Yeah, I already decided that from the way she treated Théo.”

Everly leans forward.“Did she cheat on him with JP?We always were curious how they got together so quickly.”

“Ugh.I don’t know if I should talk about it.But yes.”

Everly scowls.“No wonder Théo’s so pissed at JP.Dad was right.JP shouldn’t be with her.What an asshole.”

“I agree.”I sigh.“But Théo’s over Emma.I just wish he and JP could make up.He misses his brother.”

“Maybe we could help that along.”

“Uh ...I don’t know.I don’t think I want to get involved.”

“Come on.You’re family now.”

I hold up my hands.“Don’t be dragging me into all your family drama.”

Everly laughs.“There’s enough of it.”

“I know.”I tip my head.“Théo’s told me some of it.It’s sad that you all grew up not liking each other.”

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