Page 76 of False Start

I smile and nod in greeting. With the workshop done, Tiffany guaranteed there'd be no surprise run-ins with Denise. Seeing her when I'm freshly unemployed would be like salt in the wound.

"Of course. Anything for the kids. I'm surprised you have any trouble getting volunteers with all the awesome programs you're running."

She snorts at that.

"Plenty of people are willing to come on a weeknight after work, but most people like to keep their weekends for themselves."

I just shrug.

"I never had a problem with Saturdays. Weeknights are tough with the hours I work."…Worked."Plus, the classes on the weekend are way cooler."

I drop my messenger bag in the small classroom that's been turned into a staff and volunteer lounge, and return to the front desk.

"Speaking of weekend classes," she starts with a raised eyebrow, "you were missed at the student show last month."

Luckily, none of the kids pushing past us notice the twinkle in her eye. She's one of Denise's best friends, so I'm guessing, by now, she knows all the details of what went down. Denise might not have told her, but I'm guessing Maya would. I keep my tone light.

"I couldn't make it," I answer, certain she sees right through the lie. She just nods.

"Well, if scheduling was the only issue," she starts carefully, "you still have another chance to see one of Denise's shows."

I huff out a sigh.

"As busy as this place keeps you, I'm surprised you have time to play matchmaker," I reply with a smirk. Denise once mentioned Tiffany was the nosiest of her friends and I totally see it now.

"I can't help it," she says, unrepentant. "It's been months and Denise is still moping around." She takes a sip of her coffee and looks at me over the rim. "Just like you. You think maybe there's some unfinished business there?"

More likebarely started business. Things ended before we really got going. She made sure of it.

"Is this coming from you, or are you telling me this on her behalf?" We may have only dated a few months, but I know for sure Denise would be mortified by her friend's interference.

"It's coming fromus," Maya says, walking up to rest her forearms on the desk. Where the hell did she come from? "You know as well as we do that she's too stubborn to admit she made a mistake. But when you two were together, you were both so much happier, even if you kept the reason a secret from everyone."

Tiffany grins and nudges Maya's elbow with her own.

"Whatshesaid."

The halls are nearly empty; the sessions are about to begin. I start towards my room for the day, helping Ms. Watkins with her "Everyday Chemistry" class.They really do have everything here, I marvel.Although they might benefit from a workshop on personal finance or investing for beginners…

"I'll take all of that under advisement," I say, earning an eye-roll from Tiffany. I can't help but chuckle.

They're probably exaggerating; Denise is no doubt fine on her own. But something loosens in my chest to learn she could be just as miserable as I've been these past months.Fineisn'tgood. Fineisn'tthrivingorbetter off without me.

Maybe Iwillcheck out the Bailey Maxwell show. Even if it was the right decision for my heart, it felt terrible to miss the student show after all those weeks with the kids. It won't be the bighappily ever afterI'm sure Tiffany's hoping for, but that doesn't mean I can't go and just stand in the back. One last look before I finally move on with my life.

Decision made, I pull out my phone to text Noah.

Noah

I know it's short notice, but could you possibly scrounge up tickets to Baily Maxwell's NYFW show?

Noah:How many do you need?

Chapter thirty-two

Denise

Kendrastepsfrombehinda rack of clothes and I forget how to breathe. The dress shines even under the dim lights backstage, and the silhouette clings to her figure like a second skin. I almost wish I'd held this design back for whenmyname is on the label, but then I think better of it. Working with Bailey Maxwell has been nothing short of transformational, and with my blooming relationship with Kendra, my own line is closer than ever.

---