Page 27 of Changing Rules

Stacey:

I’m good too. Headed to lunch in 15

Lunch? That could be the perfect opportunity for me to talk to her in a casual atmosphere.

Me:

Mind if I join you?

Stacey:

Sounds good. Do you need my address?

Me:

Yes, please

A second later, she drops a pin to her office.

Me:

Looks like it’ll take me 20 to get there. Will you wait for me?

Stacey:

Sure. Call me when you get here

Me:

See you soon

I toss my phone onto the passenger seat and drive straight to her office, windows down, the hot July wind blowing in my face. I breathe slowly, clearing my mind of all the doubts I’ve had.

It’s going to be fine. It’s just one lunch.

I’ve just pulled up in front of Stacey’s office when my phone buzzes, and Isabella’s photo appears on the screen. I hesitate, torn about what to tell her. I don’t want to lie to her, but I don’twant to tell her about this lunch with Stacey over the phone either.

Still, I answer.

“Hey.”

“Hi,” she says, her tone subdued. “Where are you? I thought you’d be home by now.”

“I kinda lost track of time. I’m just now getting out of the gym.” I grip the steering wheel harder, my knuckles turning white. Hedging around the truth leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. “What’s up?”

“I baked salmon for lunch. Thought you’d appreciate it. I made it with lemon and that seasoning you like.”

“I’m sure it’ll be delicious,” I say, cringing. “I’ll grab lunch in town, though. I’m really hungry.”

I’m met with only silence. “Okay,” she finally says. “Is everything alright?”

My stomach ties itself in a knot. “Yeah, sure. Why do you ask?”

“You sound a little tense.”

“No,” I huff, going for casual. “I’m good.”

“Okay.”

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