Page 10 of Shared By my Ex's Best Friends
“Tell me I’m wrong.”
I don’t.
Because he’s not.
I head into the kitchen under the excuse of needing more ice, but it’s really just to breathe. The air in the living room was getting tight—too many thoughts, too many almost-confessions.
When I round the corner, I find her.
Maya. Alone. Elbows braced on the counter, staring at a catering menu like it personally offended her. She’s biting her lip, her brows pinched like she’s solving nuclear diplomacy instead of choosing between mushroom tarts and caprese skewers.
“You look like you're about to break up with that menu,” I say, leaning against the doorway.
Her head jerks up, startled. She recovers quickly, straightening her spine and flashing me a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “It had it coming.”
“Tough but fair.” I step closer, slowly, like I’m approaching a spooked animal. “Need a second opinion?”
“On mushroom tarts?” she asks, raising an eyebrow. “What’s your culinary expertise?”
I grin. “I’ve eaten a lot of things at weddings I regretted. That counts, right?”
Maya lets out a soft laugh. It’s quiet. Tentative. But real.
“You always this helpful?” she asks.
“Only when I’m trying to impress someone.” I meet her gaze head-on, letting the words land.
Her expression flickers—just for a second—but then she tilts her head like she’s not going to let me off easy. “And is it working?”
“Jury’s still out,” I say, shrugging. “But I’m willing to work overtime.”
She turns back to the menu, but her lips twitch like she’s trying not to smile.
“You always flirt like this?” she asks.
“Only when I mean it.”
There’s a beat of silence. Heavy with things unsaid. She doesn’t push me away, but she doesn’t pull me in either.
I let it hang there, then change the subject just enough to let her breathe.
“For what it’s worth,” I say, nudging the menu with a knuckle, “go with the skewers. Tarts are unpredictable.”
“Unpredictable how?”
I lean in, voice low. “They crumble under pressure.”
Maya rolls her eyes, but she’s smiling now.
“Thanks, Ethan.”
“Anytime.”
I leave her there, pretending I don’t feel her watching me as I go. But I do.
And I’m already thinking about what I’ll say next time I get her alone.
Chapter five
