Page 30 of In The Game

He wants me to read between the lines. But I do need to work that hard. Our life depends on it.Arthurdepends on it.

After filtering Rob’s emails and returning correspondence, I take the elevator down to pick up his lunch delivery and bring it to his office.

“Roast beef and Swiss, extra mayo.” I set it down on his desk. “Oh, and I chatted with Carlos, the Lakes liaison. Unfortunately, they don’t have any availability that night for tours of the arena. I’m not worried though; attendees will be more focused on the playoff game anyway. Maybe another time we can coordinate it, I bet they have more openings during the offseason when it’s empty.”

Even if we get that fun little tour set up, I willnotbe present. There’s no way in hell I’m risking running intohim. The only reason I’m going to the banquet at all is because Rob made it mandatory. It will be fine.

TWELVE

“So how long did the renovations take? This building used to be such an eyesore but it’s incredible inside!” The space looks amazing, the transformation is unreal. Sales has already given methe lookto put this place on our shortlist for networking events. And Micky is as cool as I thought she’d be, and if I weren’t so busy all the time, I’d love it if we could grab drinks.

“It was about a year altogether. It’s been quite an adventure. Oh! I want to introduce you to someone.” She grabs my hand, but turns her head to yell toward one of the cozy seating areas. “Birdie, get over here!”

A gorgeous glowing pregnant woman with gray eyes heads our way.I wish I would’ve looked that good when I was pregnant, shit.

“Birdie, Raleigh. Raleigh, Birdie. Raleigh works over at Method Marketing.”

“Oh! Micky told me about you. You have made quite the impression on her. You’ll have to come out for drinks with us sometime. Well, drinks for you, I’m due in August, so I’ll be designated driver,” Birdie explains.

“Congratulations! Do you know what you’re having?” I ask.

“A boy, but we haven’t thought about names yet.”

“Boys are great. A little wild, but so much fun.”

“Oh, do you have kids? I could use a mom friend—no offense, Mick.” She pats Micky’s arm.

“None taken, that’s your mess. I’m happy to be the godmother.”

“I have a four-year-old son, Arthur. I promised I would bring him home some of your desserts, Micky. Not sure how many will actually make it back though.”

She chuckles. “I already put together a box for you, just give your name to the hostess before you leave tonight.”

“That’s so sweet, thank you!” Love this girl, she’s so carefree and authentic. It’s time I start living my life more like that.

Micky’s gaze gets caught on something behind me and then she nods toward the entrance. “Looks like the boys are finally arriving.”

“God, they are always late,” Birdie mutters and then holds her arm in the air so he can spot us. “Lonan!”

Wait. Lonan? It can’t be… please tell me it’s not the same one. Sure, Ral, you can’t swing a cat without hitting aLonanin this town.

I spin around, and I swear all the blood drains from my face. It’s him. Shit, I fucked this nice pregnant lady’s husband way back when. Hopefully he doesn’t remember me. He shouldn’t, I look a lot different these days. Lonan looks totally smitten with his wife. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him smile like that before. Good for them. Unfortunately, my outcome was nothing like theirs, no matter how much I wanted it to be.

My eyes dart behind Lonan, and thereheis.He’s here.All the air in my lungs is sucked out. I can’t breathe.

Have you ever wanted to kill and kiss someone at the same time?

Run.

I turn back to the girls. I don’t have time to find Rob. I’ll text him on the way home and come up with an excuse for my exit.

“Girl, are you feeling okay?”

“Actually… um… I’m so sorry. All this talk about kids reminded me I was supposed to get back to the babysitter like twenty minutes ago. I gotta run.” I clutch my purse and back up. I can’t face him; I don’t want to see him. Ever.

“Congrats on the soft open, this place is amazing! It was so good to meet you, Birdie.”

The more I back up toward the door, the clearer his voice becomes. His laugh. I want to scream. Claw his eyes out. Something.

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