Page 20 of Everything She Wanted

She looks over at me, concerned. “Want to tell me what’s going on?”

I want to tell her everything, and I also want to pretend everything is fine. Rachel isn’t like my other friends. She always tells me exactly what she thinks, whether I like it or not. I don’t know if I could handle that right now, though.

I’m drained from everything. The striving at work to be perfect and get noticed. The engagement planning. The nights out with Eshaan that are more work appearances for him than actual dates.

After we order we make our way to a table near the window, I’m aware of a presence I could sense anywhere. I look over and see Nick sitting on the other side of the café. Our eyes meet, and he smiles at me. I smile back, and then I quickly avert my eyes as I glimpse his companion. I can tell she’s gorgeous even from this distance. Insecurity brews inside me. I wish I had worn my sleek black leggings instead of the cotton ones I have on.

Rachel follows my gaze. “Who’s that?”

“No one.”

I look down at my food, and suddenly I don’t want to eat.

“It’s him, isn’t it?”

“Who?”

“Bar Guy.” She gives me a knowing look.

“Shhh.”

The waiter comes by with our drinks. Rachel takes a bite of her croissant without making a mess. I don’t know how she does it.

“She looks young,” she continues.

“Who?” I ask coolly as I sip my drink, even though I know exactly who she means.

“Whoever he’s with.”

“I guess.”

I don’t want to think about it. I have spent so much time thinking about the night I met him. About how he made me feel. The reality is that he probably spends many nights talking up women, and I was just one of them. I feel hot with shame for thinking that I meant anything more than a fun night.

You’ll never find anyone willing to put up with you.

I hear Shaan’s voice echoing in my mind. He would tell me that no guy is really interested in me and they just want a quick hookup—and based on my track record he’s probably right.

“Aren’t you going to eat?” Rachel asks.

“Yes.” I take a tiny bite of my macaroon, suddenly self-conscious, and although I don’t look his way, I can’t relax knowing he’s only sitting a few tables away.

I see him get up, and I pray to the universe that he doesn’t stop and say hello.

The universe ignores me.

He stops at our table with Ms. All Done Up On A Sunday Afternoon.

“Hey. I hope I’m not interrupting. I just wanted to say hi.” He gives us his most charming smile, and I wish I could channel Fantasy Nisha in this moment. She would never go out in these leggings.

Rachel chimes in before I can answer. “Not at all.” I resist kicking her under the table.

“I’m Rachel, and you are?”

“Nick. Nisha and I just started working together. This is my little sister, Lucy.”

“Hey.” She smiles, and I instantly see the resemblance. Relief courses through me.

“It’s nice to meet you both.” Rachel glares at me for my lack of conversation skills.