Page 143 of The Rebound
“It’s a nice ring,” he says when I hand it back to him. “You have good taste.”
“Expensive taste.”
“That too.”
“Do you think you’ll be able to return it?”
“I’ll figure something out.” He slides it into his pocket. “Come here, Abby.”
I let him hug me, let his arms come around me and pull me into him. Let him rest his head atop of mine while I press my ear against his chest. I do all of that and know I’ve made the right decision. I feel no love for the man holding me. Sorrow, maybe. Relief. Maybe even a little affection for what I thought we once had. But not love. Not anymore.
“I think you’re making a mistake,” he says softly, his voice just audible above me.
I open my eyes, gazing at our reflection in the window, at myself staring back at me. “At least it’s mine.”
31
“Are you okay?”
“I think so.” I rest my head back against the seat, gazing at the darkening sky as Louise drives us out of the hotel. “But I’m getting a headache.”
“That’s probably from the cologne,” she mutters. “Did you tell him about the job?”
I nod, glancing down at my finger where the ring once was. “He seemed surprised.”
“That you got it?”
“That I didn’t need his help.” I frown as I remember his reaction. “I always thought he saw me as an equal, but he made it sound like the only reason he wanted me back was because he thought I needed saving.”
“And you told him to stuff it, right?”
“I wouldn’t use that exact terminology, but yes.”
“I think you made the right choice,” she says as we approach a roundabout. “And the right choice isn’t always the easiest one. It’s okay if you feel weird about it.”
“I don’t feel weird.”
“That’s okay too. Are you hungry? You want food? Chinese food? You can have Chinese food. You can have whatever you want. Just say the word.”
I want Luke. My heart pangs with the realization. Luke who would tell me that it’s okay and I’d believe him. Luke who would know exactly what I’m feeling.
“Pasta?” Louise continues. “I can make you pasta.”
“I’m not hungry.”
“You say that now, but once I put something in front of you, you’ll want it.”
“Would you stop trying to mother me?”
“I’m being nice.”
“You’rebeingannoying and… what the f— Ow!” I straighten quickly, bumping my head off the roof as we pass a red car.
“What the hell is wrong with you?”
“That’s Luke!” I exclaim, twisting in my seat to watch him go. “He just drove past!”
“What?” Louise’s eyes widen as she glances in the rearview. “Are you sure?”
