Page 112 of Bad Crush
“I’m stronger now. Just promise me we never have to mention Lori again.”
“Deal.”
I lean back in my chair. “So, tell me everything that’s been going on with you.”
“What do you want to know?”
“Everything that I missed the past three years. I did think about you often, for what it’s worth.”
“You haven’t missed much. I have been so focused on school. I kind of forgot that this is the time I’m supposed to have fun.”
“You want to stop focusing on school and have fun?”
“Well, no, let’s not talk crazy. School is still my priority, but I let Sean talk me into only taking one class this summer.”
“Such a slacker,” I tease.
“How’s Adam? Is he gloating over the scholarship?”
“He’s okay. Excited, I think. We actually decided to end things.”
“Seriously?”
“Are you really that surprised?”
She shrugs. “Sure, Adam’s dated a lot of girls, but you two seemed so great together.”
“We were faking an engagement around you, so I’m not sure you saw the most authentic version of us.”
“Maybe, but I did read his speech.”
I’m quiet, and she checks my expression.
“You didn’t see it, did you?”
“No, I left before he gave it.” I hate that I wasn’t there for him. Maybe if I’d stayed, things would have gone down differently. If I believed that, it might be easier without him. We were always going to end.
“Not the speech he gave, the one he wrote.” She pulls out her phone and slides it across the table. “He sent this to me the day before. Read it.”
* * *
“I’m so nervous.I don’t think I can do this.” Mila holds a hand to her sternum and breathes deeply.
“Relax. You’re going to be great. As soon as you get out there, you’ll forget all about being nervous.”
“No, I don’t think so. I’m going to be sick.” She rushes out of the dressing room and runs toward the bathroom. I follow, entering as she slams a stall door shut and heaves.
Eww.
“I’m just going to wait out here in case you need anything,” I say as she heaves again.
Our costume designer walks into the bathroom. She has Mila’s dress in one hand, standing in the doorway holding it open. “Have you seen Mila?”
“She’ll be right out.”
“She’s late. Director Hoffman wants to see everyone in two minutes.”
“We’ll be there,” I assure her.
