Page 63 of Unless It's You
“Yeah, I know. So... will you get back together with her?”
Christ, no.But I can’t bring myself to come clean to Ben.
“Right. You’re not one to kiss and tell.”
I raise my eyebrows like I’m holding something back about Helen. What am I doing? I need to get off the subject of our love lives.
“And how are Robin and Simon’s plans to trek across England?”
My attempt to change the subject is successful as Ben laughs and tells me about his parents’ plan to post about their whole journey on Facebook. I’ve totally chickened out of telling himabout hanging out with Stella. How can I, now that I know they’re getting together on Saturday?
After another pint, I fist-bump Ben and stride out of the pub, pulling out my mobile as soon as I clear the pub’s awning. I send Stella a text.
Me
When can I see you again?
Three little dots immediately dance on my screen. I stop on the corner of the street and stare down at them, transfixed with the idea that Stella dropped whatever she was doing on her trip to respond to me.
Stella
When you ask nicely
Me
Please, may I see you again?
Stella
Yes. I’ve been thinking about Monday night (and Tuesday morning) more than I’d like to admit
Me
Want to do it again?
Stella
When and where?
I grin, forgetting for a split second about my conversation with Ben. Then it comes crashing back.
Me
Can I make you dinner on Saturday night?
It’s not a trap. I’m giving her a chance to tell me about meeting up with Ben. But I feel awful as soon as I press send.
There’s a delay, then she responds.
Stella
I’ve got plans with Gemma on Saturday night. She’s been out of town, and we need to catch up. How about Friday?
The air whooshes out of me. She’s lying to me.Dammit.She’s hiding her plans with Ben. Maybe she’s going to see what he says first. See if he’ll take her back, then make a decision about us. If there even is anusfor her.
Maybe what’s been happening is all in my head, and she’s just going to choose Ben. Nausea washes over me. I groan and head toward the tube station.
Again.
