Page 98 of Twist of Fate
Moments later, when they bombard me with questions about how it started, how serious it is, and anything else they can think of, I can’t help but smile.
Because, for the first time in years, I have friends.
They aren’t simply people who tolerate me because they love and adore Theo. They aren’t classmates I talk to only in passing. They’re genuine, real friends who love me.
I might have nearly flashed everyone in the building, but for once, life is good. It’s really fucking good.
TWENTY-SIX
Aisling
PRESENT
Theo
What about next weekend for our redo? I can get theater tickets. Front row!
I sit on my bed, staring at Theo’s text.
It’s been two days since I got it. I don’t know why I’m avoiding it, or him, rather.
I haven’t had feelings for the guy in years, yet I am sitting here in my satin robe when I should be getting dressed for an evening out, stressing over whether a text is sufficient for this.
Or if this is the kind of news that necessitates a phone call.
It’s not like I owe the guy anything. We aren’t dating and yet, telling him I’m with Finn feels like a betrayal?
But that’s utter bullshit, right?
’Cause this is the guy who cheated on me and then had the audacity to insinuate it was my fault for making him feel lonely.
Yeah, okay. Definitely bullshit.
Theo is an adult. He can deal with the fact that I’ve moved ontwo yearsafter we broke up.
Aisling
Sorry, Theo. I don’t think I can make it; I have plans with Finn.
I feel like I’m skating around the truth, but there’s still a part of me that hopes this supposed infatuation Theo has for me isn’t real and that he’ll be fine with?—
My phone vibrates with an almost instant reply from my ex-fiancé.
Theo
Plans? He’s your boss, Ash. Are you seeing him?
So much for hoping…
When I don’t immediately answer, it vibrates again.
Theo
Aisling. Answer me.
Is he for real right now? Rising from the bed, I refocus on getting ready and leave my phone behind. Tonight, the team is heading out for our first official site visit. We’re going to a speakeasy. It’s located beneath a fancy restaurant in a historic building, complete with a hidden door and everything. To say we’re excited is an understatement.
I mean, a freaking speakeasy. How cool is that?
