Page 16 of Cinderella Screwed Me Over
“Yeah, rookie mistake.”
The elevator stopped on the first floor. When the doors opened, I automatically scooted toward Drew to allow space for whomever or however many were coming in.
Of course it was Jake. Because he waseverywhere.
Our eyes met and the air around me thickened. No, I definitely couldn’t deny the obvious chemistry between us, as he’d put it. Now to decide what to do about it. I lifted my hand to wave, the wordhion my tongue, when Drew said, “I can’t believe you’re calling me a rookie. I taught you how to do it. Then again, you’re the one who’s taken it to the next level. Like when you slapped that guy in front of everyone at the wedding and told him you never wanted to see him again. Nowthat’sdriving the point home.”
Jake’s eyebrows shot up as he settled into the corner.
The elevator suddenly felt way too small. And way too hot. “Yeah, but that guy deserved it. He said disgusting things to the whole wedding party, hit on the bride, all the bridesmaids, and then came back to me. He was a special circumstance.”
“Don’t be ashamed,” Drew said. “That was good stuff. I tell everyone that story. It’s what keeps my friends from hitting on you.”
I thought about explaining to Jake that I wasn’t really a mean, horrible person, but I knew it would come out wrong. And why did I care anyway? I didn’t want to date Jake.
Of course, I didn’t want him to think I was an awful person, either.
And okay, maybe I did kinda sorta want to date him. Hell, I was more confused with every encounter, and if we were going to keep seeing each other every time I turned around…
“Chinese food never fills me up,” Drew said. “I say we eat the leftovers now, then I’ll make a real breakfast tomorrow morning.”
The elevator landed on five and the doors slid open. I thought about waving or saying good-bye to Jake. But in the end, I just decided to walk out with the small bit of dignity I had left.
Chapter Six
The sound of pots and pans clanging together woke me up. I squinted at the clock and pulled my covers over my head. Drew had gotten chatty last night and we ended up laughing and talking while we ate leftover Chinese food. It’d been fun, but I’d had a hard time falling asleep. Even after a solid six hours, I still felt exhausted.
Whistling accompanied the clanging pans, and I cursed myself for not closing my bedroom door. Groaning, I threw off the covers, got out of bed, and padded down the hall.
Drew was already up and cooking eggs. He put down the spatula and headed over to the fridge, where he took out the carton of orange juice and set it on the island. “You don’t have any bacon or sausage.”
“I don’t usually have time for real breakfast. Mostly I just grab cereal and toast.” I took two glasses out of my cupboard and filled them with orange juice. “I thought you’d sleep in.”
“I did. I’m used to waking up at six, and I made it all the way to seven. Besides, I feel bad leaving Dad and Devin doing all the work.”
I covered my yawn with my hand. “How is Devin anyway? I know last time I was there, things between him and Anne were tense.”
“Ava’s still in that crying-all-the-time baby stage. It’ll get better once she’s older. At least it did after Levi got older.”
“I just think it’s sad. They used to be so in love. Ever since they had the kids, all they do is fight.”
“It’s not like they’re going to get divorced.” Drew scooped out the steaming scrambled eggs onto the two plates.
“Yeah, but it proves my point. Love—the I’m-crazy-about-you kind—never lasts. You still care for and love the person. But you don’t stayinlove.”
Drew shoveled a forkful of food into his mouth. “I remember when all you ever talked about was finding a guy and getting married. You’d hog the TV, watching those sappy chick flicks—”
“Then I grew up and learned why they always end the movie after the guy and girl get together. That’s when everything falls apart.”
…
While I waited for the elevator, I listened to the voice mail message Steph had left for me. “Just thought I’d remind you to be nice to Karl. He’s Anthony’s best man, so you’ll be seeing him again. No pressure,” she teased, and I couldn’t help but smile despite my reservations.
I’d already had a failed blind date on Monday, and two in one week made me feel desperate, even though it was everyone else who was desperate to set me up with someone. But I’d quickly learned you don’t argue with the bride when it comes to anything even semi-wedding related, and as she’d pointed out, I had to meet Karl eventually. She also said this guy was different, and if anyone had a chance of setting me up with someone I could have a casual dating relationship with, it was Stephanie.
The elevator doors opened, and I walked in, my gaze on my keypad as I sent Steph a text.If this adversely affects your wedding, you and Anthony will have no one to blame but yourselves. I want a statement detailing such in my office by noon.
I hit send, knowing she’d get that I was joking, then glanced up to make sure the elevator was going down to the garage.
