Page 55 of Cava with My Colleague

Tessa

And Carlos?

Emma

Yeah, how are things with Mr. Uptight?

I hesitate, my thumbs hovering over the screen. What do I even say? We kissed and now he’s avoiding me? I think I misread everything?

It’s easier to focus on facts than feelings.

Jade

I saw him with a woman tonight. Young, beautiful, clearly someone important to him. And things have been weird between us all day.

Emma

Did you ask him about her?

Jade

No.

There’s a pause. The three dots appear and disappear several times.

Sara

Jade, honey. You’re leaving. Even if she’s not a romantic thing . . . does it matter?

Tessa

Yeah. Do you even know if he wants a relationship? Or was it just—I mean, you said he turned you down before.

Emma

We don’t want to see you get hurt over something that’s temporary anyway. You know?

I stare at the messages, something cold settling in my stomach.

They’re right.

They’re absolutely right.

Jade

You’re right. I’m being ridiculous. It’s nothing.

Sara

Not ridiculous. Just . . . be careful with your heart, okay?

Jade

I will.

The conversation shifts to weekend plans, and I force myself to focus on that instead. Tessa’s on deadline, trying to get a magazine layout finished before her flight. Sara’s trying to coordinate with Chris’s recording schedule.

A laugh catches my attention, and I glance up. I’ve got a prime view of the elevators, and therefore I can see that Carlos is back.