Page 55 of A Beginner's Guide to Forever
Thank God for small miracles. I wasn’t planning to drink tonight given that I’m still recovering from being sick, but now that I’m faced with the possibility of sitting here with Hart’s ex, alcohol suddenly seems like a very good idea.
Mia orders an Aperol spritz, and I ask for a ginger ale, deciding I better pace myself.
She and Hayes catch up on the last year, their comings and goings—an endless list of concerts, operas, art shows, and so many vacations. It’s nauseating listening to her. She smiles easily and laughs often, her entire face transforming when she does, and Hayes seems to have no trouble egging her on.
Hart asks for a menu and hands it to me, running one hand along my spine.
“How did the two of you meet?” Mia asks, swirling the straw in her cocktail as she appraises me and Hart, like there’s something that amuses her about observing us together.
“We met in Nairobi,” Hart says, his eyes on mine. “Alessia runs a foundation there.”
Her eyes narrow. “The trip to Kenya that your mother invited me to join?”
Hart swallows, his throat bobbing with displeasure. “She extended the invitation before you cheated on me.”
She squares her shoulders and gives him a look.
“Miss?” The bartender chooses that moment to check on us. My heart is busy slamming against my rib cage. “Can I get you anything else?”
“The check, please,” I say. I won’t allow Hart to sit here a moment longer and be subjected to this ridiculous moment. He’s too kind to send her away, and Hayes is too much of an asshole.
“Very well,” he murmurs, wandering off.
“Let’s go someplace else,” I say, touching Hart’s hand.
“Good idea.” He throws back the rest of his drink and tosses down a couple of bills.
Chapter Fourteen
Take a Big Scary Leap
San Jose, California
I have two weeks at home before I’m off to Nairobi again, and I spend the time with Scarlet, helping her prepare for the arrival of her new baby. We wash boxes of baby clothes that Will drags down from the attic and sanitize bottles. She asks me endless questions about my time in New York, and when I answer her, I can’t help the smile that pulls on my lips.
“I might be the pregnant one, but you’re the one who’s glowing.” She laughs.
I touch my cheek, sure I’m notactuallyglowing. “I’m taking your advice and having fun.”
“And he’s kind to you?”
“He is.” I think about how caring and nurturing he was when he discovered I was sick. Each new side of him reveals more about his character. He’s not at all what I expected.
“Well, I’m loving this energy. It’s a whole new you.” Scarlet smiles, satisfied.
He does seem to bring something out in me ... I can’t explain it. “I still think our age difference is bananas.”
She shrugs. “You’re like Olivia and Harry, the new Priyanka and Nick. Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson. I think it’s cute.”
I guess precedents have been set. Hart and I aren’t alone, even if it feels like it. My parents have an incredible marriage, and as an only child, I had a front-seat view of what commitment and devotion looked like. And it certainly didn’t look like what Hart and I are doing. Flying all over the world to continue an affair that’s most likely going nowhere. Though I have to admit, it did feel good to stick up for him when we encountered his ex.
“You might think it’s cute, but my biological clock, on the other hand—not so much. I’m more aware than ever that time is of the essence.”
Scarlet makes a face. “You’re only thirty-seven, Less. Women have babies well into their forties. There’s time. And you could always freeze your eggs,” she adds gently.
“Yeah, well, I didn’t.” I probably should have done that years ago. But I thought Sean and I were on the right track, so I didn’t bother. Foolish of me. And I hate having regrets. But that is one of mine.
Scarlet places her hand on my knee. “All I’m going to say is you’re still young and you have plenty of time.”
