Page 69 of Runaway Bride's Guide to Love

“Hey,” Ainsley whispers. “You okay?”

I wipe away the tears and throw on an invisible coat of armor.

Back to reality…

“Yeah…I will be.”

guide to love rule #49

Winning a breakup is key to moving on.

Telling people your ex

has a small dick also helps.

20

stella

I watchthe elevator light up for each floor as I ride to the twenty-fourth floor. With each number that flashes, I remind myself of everything I need to do as I walk back into Carter, Banks and Fairchild for the first time since the wedding that wasn’t.

20…Smile, no matter what.

21…Hold your head high.

22…Tits up.

23…Let’s fucking go.

When the door opens, I see the normal buzz of seven-thirty on a Monday morning. A few of the junior associates are already working, wanting to show the partners how dedicated they are to the firm. The assistants are zooming around, getting everything ready for the day and week.

Yet, with every step I take toward to my desk, I feel the eyes starting to drift my way. I hear the whispers growing louder. I wish I could say it’s all in my head, but that theory is quickly debunked when I make eye contact with two interns who work closely with Duncan. They can’t look away fast enough.

You knew it was going to be like this. The little bit of gossip is worth the peace of mind that your life is now Duncan free.

“Welcome back.”

I relax at the sound of Andi’s voice. I don’t sit down. I don’t turn on my computer. Instead I bring her into a hug that is long overdue. “I’m so happy to see you.”

“Same.” We give each other one more squeeze before letting go. “How are you?”

I shrug, because what else can I do? “Not ready to come back here.”

“I was going to call you.” Andi trails off as two of her fellow paralegals start walking slowly past my desk. Can they make it any more obvious they are trying to eavesdrop? “Actually, let’s go somewhere more private.”

The paralegals fail to look innocent as we walk past them toward the break room. It’s not exactly private, but at least there’s a door and full glass windows, so we can see who’s coming in. Or trying to eavesdrop.

“Okay, lay it on me,” I say as I lean against the counter. “How bad is it?”

Andi’s face immediately squinches up.

“That bad?”

“I didn’t say anything!”

“Your face said everything.”

She slumps into a chair. “I didn’t mean to.”

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