Page 22 of Changing Rules

“It’s Stacey!” Audrey blurts, her eyes dancing. “Can you believe it?”

Stacey as in Xander’s college girlfriend? As in the only girl he ever truly dated before me?

Nausea washes over me. A hot, slimy energy finding its way under my skin.

His expression is suddenly unreadable. I haven’t seen him like this, ever. He’s stunned speechless, and that only makes me more uneasy.

Shit.It’s obvious Audrey wants me gone, but I never could’ve imagined she’d use Xander’s ex to try and chase me off.

CHAPTER 7

KNOCK ME OVER

BELLA

A year and one month ago

July

Xander clears his throat. “Stacey?”

“Yeah, your college girlfriend.” Audrey bobs her head a little too enthusiastically.

I don’t exist to her right now, but the truth is…I don’t exist to him either.

He sits up straighter, his movements jerky. “I didn’t even know she was still in Boston.”

“She wasn’t.” Audrey breaks into a proud smile. “She lived in DC for three years, and she’s changed so much. She’sgrownso much.”

My heart pounds in my chest like a drum, making it hard to hear her as she gushes.

“When she moved back, she and her mom opened their own event company, andoh my God—it’s a tremendous success. I’d been asking around and heard only good things about their firm. Wanting the best of the best, I, of course, scheduled a meeting. When I saw Stacey, I couldn’t believe the coincidence. Of all thecompanies, of all the people I could’ve hired, I chose her. It’s a sign, Alex.”

Sign of what?I open my mouth, but no sound comes out.

My phone rings in my lap, like the universe knows I need an excuse to flee.

Needing fresh air, I stand. “I’ll be back. I need to take this.”

Neither Xander nor Audrey respond. Hell, they don’t even look at me. So, without looking back, I stride to the entrance.

I press my phone to my ear as soon as I’m outside. The night air hits my skin, sending tingles down my spine. I close my eyes, hoping it’ll soothe my nerves, and say, “Hello?”

The moment the voice on the other end of the line registers, my blood freezes. So much for the universe giving me a break.

“Wow, I was sure you wouldn’t answer,” my mother sneers.

“Then why are you calling me?” Opening my eyes, I force myself to breathe steadily. Her timing could not be worse.

“Stop being a bitch, Isabella. I didn’t raise you to be like that.”

“To be like what?” I press my fingers to my left temple to relieve the piercing pain that’s making my vision blur.

“I definitely didn’t teach you to lash out at your own mother.”

That one makes me chuckle. Is she for real?

“Seriously, what do you want? I’m not in the mood for your bullshit.”

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