Page 40 of Match Point

“That’s ridiculous.”

“At the time, it seemed more likely than Tristan Carfrae actually asking me out.” She put a hand on my arm. “Seriously, I’m sorry. For what happened at the party… and for talking to Dominic that morning in Melbourne.”

“You don’t have to apologize,” I said. Now that I had gotten all of it out, the whole picture seemed clear to me. “I shouldn’t have been angry. I’m better than that.”

She smiled. “You were dealing with an injury.”

“It’s no excuse.”

“Can we start over?” she asked. “Forget about all the assumptions we’ve made?”

“Yeah,” I said. “I think we can.”

She tilted her pint toward me, and we touched glasses.

“This date you had tonight,” I said casually. “Was it with Dominic?”

She glared at me.

“Last question,” I said, showing her my palms. “I promise.”

“It was,” she confirmed. “Until the cologne commercial he was filming ran long.”

“Cologne commercial?” I laughed. “You know what, good for him. He should cash in on his fame while he can. It doesn’t last.”

“No, it does not,” Miranda agreed.

“So you two are serious?” I asked. It felt like admitting defeat.

“Actually, not really.” She took a long pull of beer before going on. “We had a little fling in Melbourne, but couldn’t get our schedules to line up since then.”

It felt like my body was suddenly lighter than before.Not serious. They’re not serious.

“I heard a rumor you’re on the next season of Survivor.”

“Thatwas an experience,” she said. “I…”

“Don’t spoil it for me. I want to watch it myself.”

“I made it to week…”

I pressed my palm over her mouth and held the back of her head, muffling her voice. She continued speaking behind my palm, but I couldn’t understand her. Then her tongue began licking my palm.

“Gross,” I said, pulling away.

“We’ve kissed before,” she said. “I wouldn’t think you’re grossed out by some spit on your hand.”

“That was fourteen years ago. A lifetime.”

“Okay, your turn,” she said, sliding her barstool closer to mine. “That night at the party. Was I your first kiss?”

It was a good thing I wasn’t taking a sip of beer, or I would have spit it out from laughing so hard. “My first… seriously? God, no!”

She leaned back. “Wow.”

“You asked. I’m answering.”

“So youwerea player back then,” Miranda said.

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