Page 266 of The First Time
"I hope you're right. But you know what they say about men and change?"
"No. I don't."
"That's it. They don't."
Deep breath. This is a test and I need to pass. "I guess time will tell."
Fiona bites her lip. "Or does it not matter to you?"
"Excuse me?"
"You're a waitress. He's loaded. It doesn't take a genius to figure out he's gotmeal ticketwritten on his forehead."
"It isn't like that. I love Blake." God, this is a terrible confession of passion. I force a smile. I think of the things that make my heart race. The accident. The skyline against the sunset. The spring's first flowers. "He… he's not like anyone I've ever met. He makes me feel safe. He makes my knees weak. He's…"
She snaps her purse shut. "I hope you are telling the truth. For your sake. Because if you're not… you're going to regret using him. I'll make sure of it."
"I appreciate that you're looking out for him." Really, it's sweet. Even if it's at my expense. "I hope you enjoy your night." I drop my lipstick in my purse and I saunter out of the bathroom.
Conversation whirls around me. It's loud.
Everyone is looking at me the same way Fiona was.
What's he doing with her?
And what's she doing with him?
Someone that young—she's looking for a meal ticket? Just look at her dress.
You think she's a hooker?
Okay, I'm imagining things. I think.
It's funny. I never thought people would be looking at me thinking I was too pretty to be with someone.
It's almost nice.
But Blake isn't after my looks.
He's after my—
No, he's not after anything.
This is all bullshit.
I find a waiter and grab another flute of champagne. The bubbles burst on my tongue. They lift me higher. They make the room effervescent.
Now where is my adoring boyfriend?
He's not in the corner where he was earlier. Neither is Meryl.
I wander around the party, looking for him. But I don't see him anywhere.
Oh. There's a quiet balcony up ahead. That's perfect.
Someone steps into my path. Declan, Blake's old friend.
"Hey, Kat. Blake is about to give his speech."
