Page 73 of Changing Rules

“My company has an office in New York. I’m there on occasion, and I know a guy who manages a few buildings.” She moves closer, beaming like a naughty kid. “I’ll check with him, see what he’s got available. I can give you his number so you two can discuss all the details. How does that sound?”

“Like a fairy tale.” I laugh. For the first time since Xander brought up Stacey this morning, I feel a glimmer of hope.

“Cool.” Jess winks. “And while we’re at it, let’s exchange numbers.”

“One second.” I dig my phone out of my purse and realize I have five missed calls from Xander.

Jess and I sit outside for another fifteen minutes, talking about her job and my upcoming studies. I can only imagine she wants to return to the party, but I’m grateful she took the time to cheer me up.

When we head back inside, I’m calm and relaxed.

“I’ll let you know when I’ll be in New York again. And please, call me whenever you want. Or text me.” Jess nudges me with her shoulder as we step inside the crowded restaurant. “About anything, not just the apartment.”

“Thank you, Jess, really,” I say, raising my voice over the chatter and upbeat music.

Xander storms our way, his face a mask of concern. Stacey is right behind him, though she’s wearing an annoyed pout. The pang in my chest at the sight of her douses the calmness I’d hoped to cling to.

What if Audrey’s right about the two of them?

“I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” He stops in front of me and takes my hands in his.

“Hi, Alex,” Jess says from my side.

He nods, a tight smile on his lips. “Hey.”

“You had this guy worried, Isabella.” Stacey’s voice is sugary-sweet, but the slight crease between her eyebrows makes me think she’s unhappy that he’s been searching for me.

She steps up beside him, her shoulder brushing his.

Though my hackles raise, I keep my expression neutral. “Jess and I were out front, talking.”

“Alex thought you left,” Stacey says. “But I told him you wouldn’t have. It’s Audrey’s party, and it’s?—”

“I’ll talk to you later.” Jess gives my elbow a gentle squeeze before she leaves.

Xander, who’s still holding my hands, tugs me to a nearby table and guides me into a chair. To my displeasure, Stacey sits on his other side.

This party is going to be the death of me, isn’t it?

“No, take it back.”Stacey laughs with her head thrown back. She puts her hand on Xander’s arm, her thumb drawing circles over his sleeve. “You don’t mean it.”

He chuckles. “The best Guy Ritchie movie isLock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.”

“No!” she practically shouts, her face lit up. “Haven’t you seenSherlock Holmes? The first one was phenomenal.”

“I love it too, but my opinion won’t change.” He sips on his drink and leans back in his chair. “Bella knows it’s my favorite.”

Oh, you finally remembered I exist?That’s what I want to say. Instead, I bite my tongue and simply nod.

“I shouldn’t be surprised.” Stacey shrugs, her focus still fixed on him. “Your taste in some things could be considered questionable.”

The pit in my stomach widens, and I frown. Is that a dig at me?

“Questionable?” he barks. “Isn’t your favorite TV showThe Office?”

“Don’t you dare, Alex.” She grabs his wrist this time, her fingers pressing against his skin.

I narrow my eyes at the contact. Seriously? Why can’t she stop touching him?

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