Page 128 of Everything She Wanted

“So delish, right?”

“It’s amazing,” I reply between bites. I look over at Lucy. “Thanks for bringing me here.”

“I should be thanking you for joining me. I’m so excited to learn more about you. Nick raves about you all the time.”

I swallow hard and try to choke back the emotion that comes up at her words. “What do you want to know?”

“Well, I still have a couple of years before I finish my degree, but I don’t know where I want to work after. What industry.”

“With design, you’re lucky because you can pick and choose.” I dab my malt vinegar-coated fries in ketchup and take a bite.

“Do you like working in tech?”

I finish my bite before continuing as she watches me, waiting for me to respond. “I love it, but it can be a lot at times, especially at start-ups. There are a lot of extra hours you have to put in, which is great when you’re single, but might be harder later on.”

“Oh, is there someone special in your life right now?” The question comes out of left field, and I can tell that she’s fishing. When I look over at her, she seems nervous.

“Not anymore.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” She places her hand gently on my forearm. “I know it’s none of my business, and we barely know each other, but did he do that to you? To your arm?” Worry creases her forehead.

“Yes.” I don’t know why I’m telling her, but she’s kind and easy to talk to, and it’s nice not to lie and just get it off my chest.

“He’s never done anything like that before, but it was the final straw.”

She nods. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that.” She pauses before continuing. “My dad was abusive toward my mom, so I just, it’s—”

“That must have been so hard.” Nick never mentioned that.

“It was, but I’m lucky. Nick sheltered me from a lot of what was happening.” She looks away.

“You have an amazing brother, you know.”

“I do.” She gives me a sweet smile, and I find myself liking her even more, even though I know we can’t be friends. I can, however, just enjoy this. That’s what life is after all, just moments. I wish I had enjoyed more moments instead of stressing about the future and overthinking the past.

“Nick showed me the art you gave him with the goddess,” I say, hoping to lighten the mood.

“Oh, that.” She looks shy as she adds, “I made it.”

“Oh, my gosh, wow. I had no idea. It’s brilliant. At first, it looks like flowers, and then you look closely and see a beautiful silhouette.”

“Thank you.” She beams with pride.

“I gave it to Nick because either he’s not dating at all or he’s out with women who totally don’t deserve him, and if I’m honest, most aren’t up to my high standards.” She pretends to scoff. She pauses and then adds, “I want someone who’s good to him and I can hang out with, you know?” She gives me a lingering look.

I don’t want to hear the details of Nick’s dating life, but I swallow my discomfort.

“Well, I’m sure the painting will help send out the right vibes.”

She holds eye contact while she says, “I think it already has. I only gave it to him last Christmas.”

I laugh. “Then it’s only a matter of time,” I say as I add another crack to my already splintered heart.

When we’re done, we grab our empty boxes and throw them out.

“Where are you staying?”

“The Empress, actually.”