Page 55 of You Found Me
Today, I have an appointment with someone at the bursar’s office on campus to figure out payment schedules and to pick classes for January. Spencer’s been texting throughout the morning. He was bummed that he no longer drives me to work in the morning, and how he misses our twenty questions games.
But I decided last week that we could cut that out. Chance hasn’t reached out since he posted the photos of us. Maybe he finally got the hint that I was done, and I selfishly hope he’s accepted that I’ve moved on and he does the same.
My phone vibrates with a call from Spencer. I smile at the photo he took of us from our first date then answer. “What are you doing calling me when you’re supposed to be working?”
“I remember you saying you had an appointment in the city today, and funnily enough, I’m also in the city. I needed to pick up some materials for a build. Would you want to have lunch with me?”
I lightly chuckle and say without thinking, “Are you having withdrawals and need your Shortstack fix?”
“I really am. I’ve missed you, Buttercup.”
My heart stops at his sincerity. Even though I was just trying to make it into a joke.
At least I think I was.
Though the flutters in my stomach tell me I liked his response a lot. “Oh,” is the only thing I can come up with.
I must be quiet too long for him because I hear him laugh and ask, “So about lunch?”
“Sorry. I’d love to have lunch with you. I mean, you know how much I love to eat, and I happen to know a place.” I give him the address of a small cafe not far from me, and he says he can be there in half an hour.
I get here earlier than expected and grab a table. I start to look over the menu when the waitress comes over to ask if I’m ready to order. I let her know I’m waiting for someone, but I’d love a sweet tea. She smiles, telling me she’ll be right back with it. I’m taking out my phone to let Spence know I’m here when I hear a thud against the window.
When I look, I’m startled to see a few people with cameras pointing into the cafe. I can tell that they’re saying something but when I can’t figure out what, I ignore them and continue scrolling through my phone.
A few minutes go by when I hear a voice calling out my name and look up expecting to see Spencer, but to my horror, it’s Chance.
How on Earth did he figure out that I was here?
Before I can say anything, he leans down, kissing me deeply. I’m so stunned that I don’t think to push him away. And that’s when I hear the banging on the window again. The photographers must have known he’d be here.
I gently—as to not make a scene—push him back away from me which he takes as an invite to sit down. My brain finally seems to catch up with the situation. “What are you doing here, Chance? And how did you even know where I’d be?” I whisper.
“Lower your voice and don’t make a scene. I only want to talk to you in person because I know you’d just ignore my calls and texts.”
He’s lucky I don’t scream and instead take a deep breath. “And you really thought ambushing me in a cafe was the right choice? Are you that stupid?”
“We have to talk about the charity benefit. You’re supposed to be my date, and I need you there.”
“Chance, I told you I’m not going to the benefit. I’d like you to leave because I’m meeting someone and they’ll be here soon.”
“I bought your ticket, so you have to go. Who are you waiting for? One of the girls?”
“If you really needed me to be your date, you should have thought about it before you cheated on me,” I say, proud of myself for not backing down.
He grips the hand I have on the table. “Emma, don’t ignore my question. Who are you meeting here?”
I yank my arm back. “Not that it’s any of your business, but I’m meeting my boyfriend. You need to move on because I have. Are you not still seeing the woman you cheated on me with?”
“Who the fuck are you dating?” Chance asks, his voice getting louder.
“You answer my question, and I’ll answer yours. Otherwise, this conversation is done.”
“Jesus Christ, okay,” he huffs out, irritated. “No, I’m not still seeing her. Kari and I are done.”
Kari was the other woman.How could I havebeen so stupid?
“How could you do that to not only me, but Grayson as well? He’s your teammate—your captain. Is that why you hated him so much?”
