Page 86 of Last Love

Having my ex-boyfriend wanting to enroll his future kid in my school on the same day I find out the man I wanted to be the father of my kids is cheating on me would be one fucked up thing too many.

I’d probably cash in my emergency bestie card and have Katherine let me live on her yacht as it sails me to restart life over in the Bahamas.

I’m sure I could find something to do out there.

Bartending on the beach might be a good fit.

“Okay.” I cross my nude-colored ballet flats covered feet. “Then what brings you in this afternoon?”

He sits directly across from me, adjusts his dark gray tie, and does his best to look presentable. “I wanted to discuss personal matters with you; however, you have been practically impossible to reach.”

I don’t deny the obvious.

“This…this meeting – which I told Clemmy a little white lie about putting in a good word for a colleague – was my Hail Mary if you will.” His hands do something I’ve never seem them do before. They fidget. “This was my…last shot at trying to reach you.”

Whether it’s the desire to not think about my current relationship problems or spite in regards to them that leads my next decision, I’m not entirely sure.

But I am sure it’s what I’m going to do.

And right fucking now.

“Let’s not talk personal in my place of business.” Defeat begins to appear in his expression yet stops when I add, “Wanna go grab a drink?”

His eyes widen in shock. “Sure. I’d love that. When?”

“Now.”

“Now?”

“Right now.” It only takes a couple clicks of my mouse to shut down my computer. “I haven’t had lunch and would love some fresh air. You interested?”

“Absolutely.” The lack of reluctance to answer is surprising. “Wanna try Dos Mamas near Harry’s Hardware?”

Huh.

That’s new.

His prompt agreement and suggestion of a new place.

“Yes,” I excitedly reply, partially wondering where this man was during all the years, we were together. “You gonna be okay with us taking separate cars?”

He gives me a teasing grin – another surprise. “I’ll manage.”

After insisting I’ll gather my stuff and meet him there, he swiftly exits.

My prompt leaving on the other hand is halted by overly curious assistant. “Where are you going?”

“To lunch and then to finish working from home.” I leave out the line about alcohol being involved.

“Oh!” She yaps like a toy poodle who wasn’t expecting to get picked up. “Should I redirect your calls to your cell or have them leave messages for you to return tomorrow?”

Slowly moving towards the employees only area, I point. “That one.”

“And if Katherine calls?”

“Tell her to text me.”

“And if your significant other calls again?”

“Tell him the truth.” The grin on my face grows malicious. “That I’m not here.”

“But-”

“You’ve got this, Clemmy,” I hastily hum out and get my body moving quicker so that she’s left with no more room to object.

Lunch will do me some good.

And so will a margarita.

Or maybe even a couple tequila shots.

Getting over to Dos Mamas is a breeze.

Traffic is light and the country music playlist I’m listening to is wonderfully upbeat.

Xander and I get settled out on the patio where things are much to our surprise not unbearably hot for a summer afternoon. It doesn’t take long for the waitress to greet us, drop off chips as well as salsa, and scurry away to retrieve the large margaritas with top shelf tequila for us.

From across the table, I watch my ex-boyfriend struggle to get adjusted in the metal seat. “How was your um…,” he scoots the chair around again, “your birthday last week?” Finally settled, his gaze meets mine. “Did you get the card I sent?”

“I did,” I warmly inform while fixing the collar of my white button up blouse. “It was unexpected but…thoughtful.”

Extremely thoughtful considering it had a tulip on the front and said “To the best Sylvia Plath fan I know” on the inside.

I really do love that poem from her.

It’s probably my favorite she did.

And the fact some part of him remembers that well…was the part that was truly unexpected.

“I would’ve sent more or something else; however, I wasn’t sure if they’d reach you since I wasn’t sure if the emails or flowers I had sent had.”

My mouth moves to tell him I’ve gotten everything, I’ve just been ignoring in hopes he’d go away.

That I wouldn’t have to have one more hard conversation on top of the others I’m having my current relationship.

Or ex-relationship?

Ugh.

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