Page 75 of Give Me a Chance
Anne sneaks a glance at me, checking my reaction. “What she said,” I confirm, though it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.
Her eyes narrow, and I know I’m about to be forced to talk more about this. Rina watches us like two wounded animals, waiting to see which one of us will attack first.
“Is this all? I would like to return to work now,” Natalie says, her smile wide and bright.
“I don’t know. Will the two of you be a pain in everyone’s ass?” Rina responds.
“Look, I don’t know what you think you see, but the two of us are perfectly cordial to each other. I know this place is friendly and familiar, but it doesn’t mean we all have to be one happy family.” Rina shakes her head, realizing bickering with Natalie will lead to nowhere. Natalie takes the hint and leaves the break room. Rina shoots me an apologetic smile before following her.
“I hope you have time for lunch,” Anne says, pulling me by my sleeve.
“A half hour maybe,” I respond.
She nods. “Let’s go.”
Few minutes later, we’re in the sandwich shop.
“What happened?” Fuck, I’m getting sick of talking about it.
“She decided it was too much.” Please let this be the end.
“And what do you think?”
“I think it wasn’t nearly enough. I think she’s made a huge mistake, and I can’t do a single thing about it.”
“I know, and I’m sorry.”
“What happened to her, Anne? Why doesn’t she let me in?”
“I don’t know.” She sighs. “Neither does Rina. She was like this when they met. We assume there is more to the story there, but she keeps things close to the heart.” She looks me in the eyes, obviously seeing something in them.
“You really like her, don’t you?”
“Yes. I do.” I don’t say the other word—which is also true. The one haunting me since she exited my car on Friday.
“I don’t know what to tell you.”
“I know. There’s nothing to tell. Sometimes things just don’t work out.” I shrug. It’s too painful talking about it, so I change the topic. “What’s up with you? Have you met up with Bryce?”
A blush creeps up her cheeks. “Yeah, we met up a few times. Had a really good time, too.”
“I’m glad to hear it, Anne. You deserve that.” I smile. No matter my shitty love life, this girl deserves all the love in the world, and I hope she’ll find it.
“Yeah, we’re taking it one step at a time.”
“You taking him to the gala?”
“Nooo,” she backtracks. “It would be way too awkward.” I chuckle in response. Last year, Bryce went to the gala with Rina, while she wasn’t able to admit to herself she was crazy about Connor.
“I get that. To not having a date for the gala.” I clink my glass of water to hers and she smiles.
The thought of bringing a random date for the gala crossed my mind, but I quickly squandered it. First, it would be beyond immature and second, it wouldn’t be fair to the poor girl since I doubt I’ll be able to keep my eyes off of Natalie.
I also wanted to bring my mom, who’d certainly enjoy a night of glamour, but that would only stress Natalie out more, especially if my mom tried to become friends with her, which she definitely would.
I really hoped by that night, Natalie and I would have come far enough to be each other’s dates. Or at least far enough that we’re both dateless and sitting next to each other.
Fuck, I was really prepared to take whatever she gave me. I need to get a grip on myself.
