Page 43 of Cluelessly Yours

“I’m so sorry I’m late,” a hurried voice breaks in, stealing my concentration, my nerve, and the unbelievably comforting hold of Noah’s eyes.

The gorgeous redhead from Bailey’s is here, completing the party of two on Noah’s reservation that he’s had fora long time. My stomach turns to lead and drops to my feet as Noah jumps up, skirting past me to give her a hug.

“You’re not late, Mary. You’re right on time,” Noah says with a warm smile after pulling back from her embrace. I feel like I’m watching a wreck in slow motion—my own heart getting run over—and yet, I can’t seem to look away. “Sit down and take a load off, please.”

Mary.Her name is Mary.

She sits down in the seat across from his, and I use that time to try to rub the feeling back into my fingers.Of course his reservation was for him anda date.

Not only is Noah an incredibly handsome, charming, eligible bachelor, but he’s here, bachelor-ing it up with a gorgeous woman named Mary because that’s what fucking bachelors do!

“Oh no! It looks like I’m being waved down!” I outright lie, pushing out my words in a rush, in a voice that’s too loud for our proximity. “It was great seeing you, Noah!”

Noah’s brow furrows. “Sammy—”

I quickly add, “Enjoy your dinner!” before turning on my heel and heading as far away from him and his beautiful date as my feet can take me.

I peek into the kitchen and tip off my server Martin about the need for refills at table fifty, and when I’m back in the dining room, I clear plates from an empty four-top when the bussers are already there. Just to, you know, busy my hands.

But the one thing I don’t do is look back toward Noah and Mary.

Tomorrow, I’ll get myself put together again. But tonight…I’m allowing myself the messiness of my personal crisis. If avoidance is what I need, avoidance is what I’ll get.

Although, I’m surprised at myself—and my stupid feet—when I end up stopping at a table on the other side of the room that’s filled with eight businessmen and Gavin Evans.

They’re chatting and laughing as they munch on appetizers and wine, and Gavin’s relaxed posture makes him look even more handsome than he did before.

His attention moves to me as soon as I come to a stop, a bright and welcoming smile consuming his face. “Sammy!” He climbs to his feet and wraps a strong arm around my waist, claiming me without hesitation in front of all his associates.

“Boys, I’d like to introduce you to someone who’s very important to me. Say hello to the absolutely gorgeous Sammy Baker.”

All of the men offer friendly waves and nods, and all I can do is lift a hand and offer a sociable smile. My insides feel like they’ve been whipped in Vinny’s spin mixer and salted in every wound.

This kind of attention from Gavin right after finding Noah with another date—it’s almost torture.

“Gentlemen, it’s nice to meet you,” I announce. “I’m also the general manager here at La Croisette, so please let me know if you guys need anything.”

“No,” Gavin chimes in on a laugh. “You will not be letting her know if you need anything. You lazy bastards will handle it yourselves or else I’ll put the kibosh on the deal we’re all here to broker.”

The table bursts into laughter, and Gavin just smiles down at me.

“You doing okay?” he asks and gently squeezes my hip.

“Mm-hmm,” I push out with a smile, trying not to look across the restaurant to Noah and Mary and somehow catching a glimpse anyway.

She laughs at something he’s said, and my stomach recoils from the sight.

My sister was wrong about Noah.

Between Noah and Gavin, there’s only one man who appears interested in me, and he’s not the one with the gorgeous redhead.

He’s the one who just told a table full of business associates that I’m someone important to him.

I think it’s about time my head and my heart got the difference straight.

Sunday, May 15th

I put the finishing touches on my makeup and make sure my straightener is off before I leave the bathroom.

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