Page 67 of Love Is an Art
“I’m sure my law firm will buy a table and allow me to bring some guests,” I say. “But I can’t afford to buy my own table, unfortunately.”
They all stand to hug me, and Lily orders a round of fresh chocolate chip cookies to celebrate.
“This will help you get the bonus, right?” Miranda asks.
“It should,” I say. “White & Gilman gets recognition as a law firm encouraging pro bono too.”
We all sit back down at the table as the cookies arrive. Everyone takes one, and we clink our mugs.
“I still wish this investigation hadn’t cost you Zeke,” Miranda says.
“It’s his loss,” Lily says.
“I know,” I say. It’s my loss too. “And I know if he’s not interested, I need to forget him. But I still think about him.”
And I even thought for a second that this guy was Zeke when I was at the café with Jurgen. Not that I’d admit that to my friends. His back reminded me of Zeke’s. I’m going insane. Especially since that guy was rocking some crazy 70s-style hair.
“I was so stupid to keep holding on to this total fantasy about Aiden and me when he was so clearly not interested,” Lily says. “Don’t worry. Someone better will come along. Someone who loves you for who you are. Don’t settle for anything less.”
It’s easy for Lily to say that now that she’s dating Rupert. Aidan was an idiot. But Zeke isn’t. He definitely liked me, and my actions killed it.
But Zeke didn’t like me enough. Like Wyatt didn’t like me enough. Two encounters with Marla, and Wyatt said goodbye to me—even though we’d dated for eight months.
Chapter twenty-one
Tessa
Istareatthecalendar on my office wall as my computer powers down. “Team Dinner with Zeke” in bright red colors marks today’s date. I can’t wait to see him, but my stomach has been tied in knots all day. Is our relationship over?He hasn’t called in the past week and a half. I’ve tried to forget him.Don’t wait for a guy who doesn’t want you and all that.But I like him.
This work dinner is a chance to see him. Maybe he’s had second thoughts, but he’s still not sure. This could be an easy way for him to acknowledge that it wasn’t all bad and that we should try again. How can he walk away like that? But I also don’t want to be the crazy ex who doesn’t take no for an answer.
My phone rings. I’m about to let it go to voicemail so I’m not late for the dinner when I see it is Taylor calling. I pick up. My assistant waves good-bye in the doorway as she leaves for the day.
“Mrs. Humming says Howard seems to be living in the apartment on weekends,” Taylor says.
“Oh no,” I say. “Because I visited that apartment building that Howard previously listed as his address, and his name is still on the mailbox, along with the name of a woman, Angel Morris.Together.I’m really hoping they’re still in a relationship. Wouldn’t she have removed his name if they broke up?”
Or she could be like me, hoping he’ll come back. I sigh.
The restaurant is in Chelsea but several long blocks west from the subway station. I stride past a locked and empty playground. Lakshmi went straight from another client’s office, so I don’t even get to enter with her as my shield.
My phone beeps.
Lakshmi:Just arrived. I can see Zeke’s appeal.
Ahead of me is the restaurant, its name in gold lettering on the glass windows, giving off a sophisticated, modern vibe.
The door closes behind me as the maître d’ asks for my reservation. I scan the diners and immediately find our party. And Zeke. Tom has claimed one of the seats next to him. That’s fine. I want to sit far away. Sitting next to him is too intimate, too close, too raw. I prefer to ease in.
I hand my coat and bag to the coat check person.
When I get to the table, there’s only one seat left. Next to Zeke.
Paul says, “And here’s Tessa. She’s the one you should thank for getting your case settled so quickly and fortuitously.”
Zeke stands up and says hello. “We’ve met before.”
I put out my hand. “It’s good to see you again.”
