Page 57 of Never With You
@worth_traveling_to:
Ex-lover? Now, I really want to know the details.
@girl_sees_the_world:
No, you don’t. It’s a mess I wish I didn’t have to deal with. Be grateful for your little fibs.
@worth_traveling_to:
I thought we weren’t calling them fibs anymore.
@girl_sees_the_world:
You can if you want. I’ll let it slide.
@worth_traveling_to:
Okay, without knowing any context, I’ll just say the best way to deal with an ex-lover is to show them you’ve moved on and that your life is so much better now. Nothing is worse than seeing an ex thriving without you. And if you can add in some jealousy, that’s just icing on the cake.
@girl_sees_the_world:
You seem to know a lot about this. How many ex-lovers do you have?
@worth_traveling_to:
Enough to know how to deal with them.
@girl_sees_the_world:
I see. I’ll do my best to appear like I’m thriving.
@worth_traveling_to:
Keep me posted on how it goes. I’m invested now.
@girl_sees_the_world:
10-4.
I texted my friends,looking for some emotional support about Isaac, but since it’s three-thirty in the morning in Arizona, they’re understandably silent. Oddly enough, Mr. International was available and had good advice.
Look like I’m thriving—that’s my motto.
I spend extra time on my hair and try on three different outfits. If I were at home, I’d have a lot more options to choose from, but I settle on a black cocktail dress with a square neck. The bodice is fitted but ruched, and the sleeves puff out, complementing the flowy bottom. It’s short, but not so short I look unprofessional, and the square neck shows just enough cleavage that someone searching will be rewarded—and Isaac will definitely search. Bright-red lipstick, beach waves with a small portion of hair pulled up, and silver hoop earrings finish the look.
The elevator dings, and I walk into the lobby with all the confidence of an heiress who just came of age. Nate is already at the meeting spot. Casually, he leans back against the bar with a drink in his hand. His gaze halts when he sees me, slowly tracking up and down my body. This dress isn’t meant for him, but I can’t help the uncontrollable heart spasms happening in my chest.
“Hello.” I lift my chin to greet him, noticing how good he looks in dark fitted slacks—bottoms rolled, no socks with dress shoes—and a slim short-sleeve button-up. The top two buttons are undone, like he’s letting loose a little more on vacation. He looks smart and handsome, and honestly, if this is how it’s going to be all week, I better mentally prepare.
“Don’t worry, he’ll like it.” His gaze flicks over me again.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Isaac…he’ll like your outfit.” He takes one more long glimpse then looks away, sipping his drink. “If dropping a mic were a dress, this would be it. It’ll do its job.”
His words are said with little emotion, but I can’t help the heated flush they bring with them. “Thanks.” My eyes scan the lobby.
“You can relax. He’s not down here.”
