Page 35 of My Book Boyfriend
And then Everly is back, twirling around Aiden. Aiden smiles at her, and my chest constricts.
She smiles at me, but mostly at Aiden. The song changes, but it’s still the three of us dancing.
With me on the outside. The sad friend hanging on this couple.
She dances up against Aiden’s back, putting her arms around him but holding them out so she’s not actually touching him.
I don’t want to be the third wheel on my date.Good job, Aiden. This is definitely killing my feelings for you. If that was your intention, A+ for effort and effect.
I excuse myself to go to the bathroom. I can find some other friends to hang out with. Someone else must have come without a date. If only Bella had come. She didn’t want to pay for the ticket, and she’s making good progress on her next novel. I order another drink and meander around the side of the dance floor, looking for a familiar face, weaving through the few, small cocktail tables set up.
No one so far. I don’t recognize anyone. It’s a slow song now, and couples are dancing cheek to cheek. Definitely not something I want to see. I order another drink and stand in the corner.Why?Why did I pin my hopes on him? Everybody told me Aiden wasn’t interested after last year’s gala.
I thought he was worried that we were neighbors. He just needed to see that we would last. Yup, me doing a great job of rationalizing.
I’m such an idiot.
Should I go home?
Such a waste. I smooth down my velvet dress, the softness soothing me.
I saved up for this party—this one night that was supposed to be magical. One for the books.
It was definitely one for the books, but not the happy ending sort.
I stand.Enough.
At least now I know Aiden isn’t interested in me romantically. Even if I should have known before. It has been over a year of my making clear my interest with only friend vibes back from Aiden. Even Mr. Devi knew. I straighten my shoulders.
There must be someone I know here. I should at least get some of my money’s worth by having a glass of champagne.
As I wait in the line for a drink, I orderA Devilish Darefrom Banter & Books to be delivered to Rupert at Strive Developers. I chuckle. It will be even better if his assistant opens his mail at Strive Developers. I turn off my phone.
“You look like you’re plotting mischief.” Rupert appears by my side again.
Why does he have to be so attractive?
“So that’s the infamous Aiden you were with earlier,” he says. “I have to agree with Mr. Devi. He’s a fool.”
“You have a remarkably good memory for names and titles.”
“I have to,” he says.
We both order drinks and then make our way to one of the small cocktail tables in the back. The tea light flickers.
I don’t look at Rupert. “I’m the fool here.”
“You’re not the fool. You asked him as your date, and he agreed to be your date. Dancing with another woman the whole night is not being your date.”
I turn to Rupert. His face looks concerned, caring. It’s hard to square this consideration with the cold, heartless developer who is going to tear down our community garden.
“Thanks,” I say. “But it is remarkably effective for killing my crush. And I don’t want to waste my night pining over him. Do you want to dance?”
“I thought we couldn’t be friends.”
“As long as you can accept defeat, I think we’ll be fine.”
He snorts. “Are you trying to butter me up so I won’t destroy the community garden?”
