Page 55 of Everything She Wanted

Too far, I had almost taken things too far in a public place.

But I didn’t, did I?

No doubt he’ll be reporting to Shaan about this, if he hasn’t already texted him. I should leave immediately, but I’m not going to let him run me out of here, and I’m not doing anything wrong. I don’t know why I feel like I am.

The waiter comes by.

“Anything else I can get for you?”

“Just the bill, please.”

He comes back in a second, and I pay for my drinks.

“I should go,” I tell Nick.

“Is everything okay between us?” He looks at me tentatively, a question in his eyes. There’s something dark and tempting beneath the surface that I won’t even let myself contemplate.

“Yes, all good.”

I walk slowly and casually, even though I want to bolt out of there. I wish I could run away from my feelings for him just as easily, and from the panic boiling deep inside me.

Hey babe. Can you come over for a bit tonight to my parents’ house?

It’s almost 7:30 p.m. when I leave the bar and make my way to the station, and the thought of going anywhere except home is daunting. My brain is racing to process everything, and I just want to shut it all off. Plus, I’m worried. Did Dev say something already?

No, he couldn’t have.

Why? What’s up?

...

Just my mom wants to go over some engagement logistics with you, and I want to see you 😘

I take a deep breath. I don’t want to disappoint his parents any more than I already have.

I’ll be right over.

I knock and wait outside their sprawling home. I’m nervous, and I wish I’d been able to come up with an excuse not to be here.

“Hi, Auntie Ji.”

Her eyebrows lift with surprise when she sees me.

“What are you doing here? Everything okay?”

“Fine. Shaan just mentioned you wanted to go over some engagement stuff?” She looks at me quizzically for a moment but then she opens the door wide.

“Come in, come in.”

Shaan saunters into the foyer, looking hunky even in sweatpants and a tee.

“Mom, I told Nisha to come by for a bit so we could show her what you had planned for the centrepieces and menu.”

I take off my shoes and follow them into the kitchen, where his mom proceeds to show me what they already ordered. My opinion doesn’t even matter to her, and anger and fatigue bubble up inside me.

Obviously, his mom doesn’t need my involvement with anything. Why would she? It’s my engagement, but I’m just expected to show up and look pretty.

The phone starts ringing, and his mom answers it and wanders upstairs, leaving us alone.