Page 131 of The Rebound
“I’ve got to go, Jess.”
“But—”
“I’ll call you later.” I hang up, sliding the phone into my pocket as I stare at Tyler.
Tyler who’s here.
Tyler who’s smiling at me.
“Surprise,” he says, and his voice sends a jolt through me. “Not that I meant it to be one. I tried to call but you got a new number.”
“An Irish one.”
“I figured.” He pauses, taking me in. “What on earth are you wearing?”
I glance down at my outfit, the now creased T-shirt over my summer dress. Louise’s rubber boots caked in old mud. “I was at a protest.”
“A protest?”
“With my sister. What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to see you,” he says as if it’s the simplest thing in the world.
Before I can answer, his gaze flicks behind me and I turn to see Tomasz’s car pulling into the driveway.
“That’s my—”
There’s a whiff of cologne as Tyler strides past, his hand outstretched. “Louise!” he says as she gets out. “We finally meet.”
I don’t take in a word as introductions are made and pleasantries exchanged. I feel like I’m in shock and it’s only when Louise steps on my foot do I realize she’s invited everyone inside.
We head into the hall, where she quickly pushes a laundry basket into the kitchen before gesturing us into the living room.
“This feels expensive,” Tomasz says cheerfully as he takes Tyler’s jacket and hangs it on the banister.
I risk a glance at Tyler to gauge what he thinks only to find him looking at me. I catch his smile before I turn away.
What is happening what is happening what is happening?
I follow them into the front room where Louise and Tomasz sit on the old couch while Tyler and I perch on separate ends of the love seat. Somewhere outside, two children shriek as they play on the road and I am sure my life will never be weirder than at this moment.
“Tea?” Louise asks suddenly, breaking the silence. “Coffee?”
Tyler smiles at her. “A coffee would be great.”
“It’s Nespresso,” she says, a slight edge to her words.
“Wonderful. The stronger the better.” He tries a laugh. “To be honest, I think I’m running on caffeine at this stage.”
She smiles weakly at him and makes a show of getting up, patting Tomasz’s knee.
He gets the hint. “I’ll help.”
I can only watch them go as Tyler turns back to me. This time, he cuts straight to the point.
“I got you an interview.”
I blink.
