Page 128 of Love Is an Art
“Anyway, John thought Maddie was cute at our last party. Remember our Happy Spring party, Tessa?” Wyatt turns to me.
I nod.So not subtle to mention our party, Wyatt.
“He was happy to take Marla’s place and try his luck again,” Wyatt says. “I hope he makes it. He’s running late because of work.”
Lakshmi comes up. “Ugh. Tom is here.”
I introduce her as my friend and officemate to Wyatt and Zeke.
“You know he is,” I say. “He’s afraid that I’ll score some points if I’m left alone with the partners.”
“I didn’t think he could stomach seeing you win an award,” Lakshmi says.
“I think he discounts it because it’s a FLAFL award.”
A few friends from law school who are in public interest law come up, and I chat with them while Zeke joins my group of friends. Zeke fits in well, so that’s good. Wyatt is monopolizing Rupert.
Mrs. Humming and Taylor arrive, and I introduce them to my friends. Zeke regales everyone with the story of our tailing Mr. Howard.
“Do you still remember all the jujitsu moves we learned in that self-defense class?” Iris asks. “Maybe we should do a refresher.”
“I still remember. Don’t worry. He was bluffing,” I say. Iris still looks worried. She’s definitely going to make us all take that jujitsu class again. My body feels sore just thinking about it.
There is an announcement that dinner is about to be served and everyone should take their seats. I tell Zeke I’m going to run to the bathroom first. He squeezes my hand. Lily takes my bouquet. My parents text that they have arrived and will meet me at the table.
As I exit into the hallway, I run straight into Tom. He wasn’t invited to the firm’s table, so he must be at a friend’s.
Ugh.
Tom says, “You certainly look very cozy with all those FLAFL lawyers. Almost like you’re one of them.”
“But I’m not,” I say.
“Yeah. You’re too good at being a corporate lawyer,” he says. “You’d be wasted as a FLAFL lawyer.”
“Hardly wasted,” I say. “They need top legal advice more than a corporation.”
“That was so nice of your ex to buy a table,” he says. “Paisley brought me as her date.”
“You still have a chance there,” I say. “I’m rooting for you.”
More than you know.
Paisley then comes out of the bathroom and walks over.
“Zeke called me today. It was like old times,” she says. “I’m looking forward to working together.”
“So he said,” I say. I slip quickly into the restroom and into a stall and sag against the wall.
This is your night, Tessa. Don’t let a guy throw you off your game. Just because Wyatt dumped you precipitously doesn’t mean Zeke will.
He’s not going to go back to Paisley, even if they work together. She cheated on him. He’s over her. But I should stop pretending I’m not jealous. I can’t be afraid to be honest—andmaybeshare that vulnerability.
Chapter forty-one
Zeke
IholdTessa’shandas Brit sniffs the tree trunk next to us on this pathway just inside Central Park. We wait under a canopy of whispering leaves for Brit to finish her extremely thorough investigation. We’re spending the night at my place so Brit isn’t alone. Two women jogging together pass us.
