Page 49 of Is This for Real?
Callie focuses on me. Like I’m an ant under a magnifying glass. “You guys just started dating a few weeks ago?”
“Yes.”
Her eyes narrow. “How did that happen?”
As if it’s impossible.Thank you for that reassuring vote of confidence.I hope Rory stuck to our story. “Didn’t Rory tell you?”
“He didn’t give me any details. You know how guys are. And especially Rory. Guys don’t kiss and tell, honor code crap.” Callie flips her hair.
As if he’d be givinghisex-girlfriends details.And who asks the new girlfriend for details?
Rory’s dad, Lucio, joins us. “Great to see you both.” We move away from the painting, as another guest peers closely at it.Shouldn’t Rory’s parents be schmoozing people to buy art instead of talking to Rory’s friends?I smile. Callie can probably afford to buy art.
Callie kisses Lucio on the cheek. “I never miss your wife’s art shows. I was just asking Penelope here how she and Rory started dating.”
Lucio glances at me, but he doesn’t look horrified. I probably look more dismayed. He looks contemplative. Like he’s about to start stroking his chin.
I massage the back of my neck.Don’t lie to Rory’s parents.What’s Callie up to?
“You’re his ex-girlfriend. It’s up to Rory what he wants to tell you.” I stop rubbing the back of my neck. If Rory came over, he’d be put on the spot. We need a signal for “stay away.” While we’re at it, we also need a code for “meet by the bathroom so we can debrief and plan our next moves.” Like we’re undercover. And I don’t even like spy movies. Too tense. “Will you excuse me? I’m going to ask the artist a question.”And text Rory.
I walk into the crowd, determined to find the artist. Hurray for tall people and for DUMBO converted warehouse lofts with columns. I dart behind one. Leaning against it, I whip out my phone and text Rory:Callie just told your dad we’re dating.
“Are you hiding or spying?” Rory asks. I jump.
“You scared me,” I say.
His blue eyes are laughing. “I didn’t mean to.” Rory leans against the column next to me. Our shoulders touch.
“Callie told your dad we’re dating.”
He stills. “It’s okay. I’ll explain it later.” He frowns. “I don’t even understand how she knew about this opening. I didn’t tell her. Maybe she’s on my mom’s mailing list.”
I look around the room for Callie. The crowd is thinning out. I don’t see her. We may be safe.
“Can I ask your mom if any of her artists would be willing to make mini art for my mini art gallery for the charity project?”
“Yes, she’ll think that’s cool.”
The cheese and crackers are beckoning. We retreat back to a corner after I grab a plate of food.
Rory takes some grapes off my plate. “I don’t even know why Callie is doing this. She broke up with me.”
My stomach sinks. I’m not sure Rory is over her. She certainly still has the power to wind him up.
“Said I was too idealistic; said that maybe my advertising career cycle of a month per idea made me cycle through girlfriends, that I was trying all the different types—she was a hard-hitting career girl, Ayanna was the artistic visionary; she called Marie the girl next door.”
Callie isn’t too far off with her descriptions. I am probably “introverted bookworm.” That sounds like the worst option.
He shakes his head. “Anyway, is there anything we need to practice for your book scene?”
“I think I’ve got enough material.”
Ciara waves us over.
“We usually go out for drinks with the artist and his entourage after an opening. Do you want to come?” Rory asks.
“Yes, that sounds like fun.”
