Page 9 of Where There's A Will
Montana
Iclosed my apartment door behind me and leaned against it.
Will.
Of course I’d noticed him. The muscled, preppy blond who lived a few doors down. He was gorgeous. How could I fail to notice him? We’d never spoken before; we’d given the occasional nod of recognition if we’d passed in the corridor. I don’t know why we hadn’t—he was perfectly nice and normal. Maybe if I hadn’t been so wrapped up with Hugo and work. Today we finally spoke.
And he had the cutest British accent.
When he introduced himself just now with that voice, I swear my ovaries exploded. I had to stop myself from swooning right there and then.
It had been a month since I’d dumped Hugo.
After that fateful night at the restaurant, I threw myself into pretending to move on with my life.
The revenge body came first.
Although I was naturally slim, there were always a couple of extra pounds I couldn’t seem to shift. Now I was determined they should be gone, so I joined Bree at her yoga and body-balance classes, exercising as much as I could to tone up the muscles. It didn’t take long before there was more definition around my waist, and even my breasts seemed to look bigger. The changes were subtle, but along with some new clothes and a change to my usual make-up routine, enough people noticed to pass comment.
I’d also stopped drinking wine. Well, not quite so much as I used to drink when Hugo and I were dating. There weren’t quite so many nights out or cosy nights in where we could easily polish off a couple of bottles without thinking. Those empty calories also attributed to my new, toned, sexy look.
Next came the revenge makeover.
My hair, which had always been dark, was transformed by one of the best stylists in New York, with glossy new highlights and long layers to suit the shape of my face better. When he passed me the bill, I winced. The emergency fund came into play to save my ass from having my credit card declined. Again.
With Bree’s help, I selected a few key items to add to my wardrobe: tight, skinny jeans, some cute tops, and the most adorable, fun, fur, short jacket.
Rather than being a whole new me, it was a better version of me. And one I liked.
One night last week, Bree and I headed out to a bar. I’d persuaded her it was time for me to get back out there into the dating scene, and I should find someone to take my mind off Hugo. What I hadn’t told her was it was a bar I knew Hugo liked to go to. And I was hoping I might ‘accidentally’ bump into him.
Bree’s gaze swept across the room from our prime position at the bar. We had found stools right on one corner, giving us the perfect opportunity to check out anyone who came up to get drinks. It was happy hour, so naturally there were lots of people thronging the place.
“So, do you see anyone who might take Hugo’s place in your heart?” she asked, sucking on her straw which was stuck into a ridiculously priced cocktail. She pointed to a dark-haired guy, who appeared to be chatting to a group of girls who were hanging on his every word.
“I think he’s already got enough of an audience, Bree.” I rolled my eyes at her. “And besides, I don’t think I’m looking for someone to take Hugo’s place. I think I might want him back.”
“What?” Bree practically spat her cocktail out all over the bar top. “You do remember what he did to you on your anniversary right?”
Of course I did. It was still a painful memory, but there had been good times in the twelve months prior to that: weekend trips to the Hamptons with our other friends; spontaneous date nights when we’d book a room at a hotel, order room service, and not come out until the morning; the nights where we’d just hang out and watch movies at each other’s apartment.
“Montana? Is that you? You look amazing!” A familiar voice came from behind me.
I spun around on my stool and found myself face-to-face with Kevin, one of Hugo’s best friends. He was accompanied by Isaac and Landon. My breath hitched. If the three of them were here, it was entirely possible Hugo was too. The four of them always hung out together. I peeked past them, trying to see if he was anywhere close by.
As if sensing who I was looking for, Kevin spoke. “Ah, if you’re looking for Hugo, you’re out of luck. He’s, um, not with us tonight.” He couldn’t quite meet my eyes as he looked at me.
I knew instantly Hugo was out on a date. I wondered if it was with the hostess from the restaurant.
“Montana, you look great,” added Isaac.
“Absolutely.” Landon nodded in agreement.
“Thanks, guys.” I beamed. This was the exact reaction I’d been hoping for.
“Hugo was a total fool to dump you,” said Kevin, shaking his head.
He said what?The words slapped me in the face and I composed myself, trying not to show them how I was feeling. Hugo saidhe’ddumpedme?
