Page 94 of Love You, Mean It

“Are you really that surprised?” She gazed at him, pinned near the front of the auditorium by a trio of older women talking over one another. If it weren’t for the tension in his jaw, you’d never know he was dying to break free.

“After you two were bringing the Mangia exec through that morning? Yeah.”

Sam frowned at me, then shook her head, realization dawning.

“That wasn’t…Actually, no, I’ll let Theo tell you. I’m sure he’d rather share the news himself.”

“And…are the two of you doing well?” I finally said. “I’m glad everything worked out for you, by the way.”

“No, you’re not.” Sam smirked.

“No, I’m not. But for the record, I really did plan to help you. Things just…spun out of control, I guess. Either way…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to lie to you.”

“But you did. Lie to me. Which really pissed me off, Ellie. Ilikedyou.” Sam’s eyes narrowed in obvious annoyance.

“I liked you too. Istilllike you. For what it’s worth, I was lying to myself even harder.”

“I actually believe that.” Her face softened slightly. “And honestly, I still like you too. But I’m also still pissed. It’s gonna take alotof salami to make it up to me.”

I grinned, relief coursing through me. Sam and I were holding ourselves stiffly, the tension between us palpable, but maybe, if I worked at it, there was still a chance at friendship there.

“All your top-shelf charcuterie is comped…forever, honestly. Just say the word.” I glanced over her shoulder at Theo, heart squeezing tight for a moment. Sam was great, but she wasn’t the person I most wanted to make up with at this thing. “Anyway…itseems like things worked out the way they were supposed to in the end?”

Sam nibbled her lower lip, then seemed to make a decision.

“That’s still TBD. Icantell you that Theo and I…we’re just colleagues.”

“What? But I thought…” I frowned, trying to sort my thoughts. “You were at his house the other night. Barefoot.”

“Believe it or not, even I take my heels off when we’re pulling an all-nighter sorting out contracts.” Sam smiled slyly.

“Did you just…change your mind?”

“You could say that.” She sighed, gazing across the room at Theo. “After I explained things to Theo, we did try it on for size. And I think we both gave it a genuine effort. At least I did. But it turns out, sometimes they’re ‘the one that got away’ for a reason.” She turned back to me, clocked the look on my face. “Don’t get me wrong, Theo’s an incredible guy. And a part of me is always going to wonder if we didn’t make a mistake giving up when we did. But we’ve both changed since then. The people we are now…they’re not right for each other. Honestly…we loved each other, but we might never have really been the right fit.”

“Oh?” My breath was coming faster, excitement bubbling through me.

“Even then I was trying to change him into…well, someone more like me.”

“Let me guess, you want the dual C-suite household?”

“That’s the dream. Or rather…that’smydream. But Theo’s always wanted something different. He’s more sentimental. I know he wants a family…” She shook her head, gaze going distant. “I was going through a wholethingbeing my college roommate’s bridesmaid. It made me think about what we had, probably made me rose-colored-glasses our relationship a little. I’ll always love him, but we’re not each other’s person. At least not anymore.”

“But then…are you regretting taking the job? Won’t it be awkward working with him?”

“No. Or at least not for long. Besides, I’ve been…hanging outwith someone who’ll force us all to get past the awkward pretty damn fast.”

Before I could ask what she meant, Everett glided up beside her.

“Hey, Ellie. How goes it? Are you considering calling off the engagement now that Theo’s decided to sink all his funds into dodgy real estate schemes? The man’s basically an ogre if you take away the massive inheritance.”

“Actually, it was the sleep farts that did me in.”

“Oh, word. Those are a relationship killer for sure,” Everett said, mock serious. “I’d love to dissectallthe reasons you should be aiming higher, but I actually have to steal Sam away.” He turned to her. “Reservation is in twenty. I’d say we can show up late, but this speakeasy isverypretentious.”

“My favorite kind,” she grinned, eyes turning sparkly. “Ellie, I’ll text you. I think you and I should…reboot, let’s say.” She leaned in as Everett shook out her coat behind her, the perfect gentleman, and lowered her voice. “Plus, I know someone who would be a way better fit for our mutual friend. A successful local entrepreneur and fashion designer? That is if she’s interested…”

Before I could protest, Everett had slid the coat onto Sam’s shoulders and, after a quick goodbye, started guiding her out of the room. I was still staring after them, mildly shocked, when Theo broke away from the trio of interrogators to join me.

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