Page 83 of Everything She Wanted

“Yes, well, we were assigned to the same project,” I say with a nonchalance I don’t quite feel.

“He tells me you’ve been doing an incredible job.” I try not to roll my eyes even as my traitorous heart beats faster at the mention of Nick’s praise.

“That’s nice.” I take a sip to avoid talking further.

“I’m excited to come on board. It’s been a while since I’ve worked at a start-up.”

I want to stay annoyed at him, but his friendly demeanour draws me in and I smile and say, “Oh, you’ll love it. It’s the best place I’ve ever worked. Where were you before?”

Someone jostles him from behind before he can answer, and he abruptly leans forward, pushing into me and sloshing my drink all over my hand.

“So sorry about that,” he says, his eyes wide. He genuinely looks so distraught that I warm to him even more.

“Don’t even worry about it.”

“Let me get that for you.” As he reaches behind me to get a napkin from the counter, someone yanks his shoulder back.

“What do you think you’re doing?” It’s Eshaan, and he looks at Matt with such venom that I immediately tense up.

“This is Matt.” I step in between them even though I want to shrink back. “He just started working with us today. Matt, this is Eshaan.” I try to keep my voice smooth and composed, but it comes out shaky.

Eshaan continues his icy stare, ignoring me completely. People at nearby tables turn to gawk and sweat starts forming on my brow.

“Matt just came by to say hello.”

“That’s right. Nisha and I are going to be working together for the next little while,” he says unconvincingly, even though it’s true.

“You’ve said enough of a hello, you can fuck off now.”

“Let’s go, please.” I try to pull Eshaan away and lead him back to the table, but he stands rooted to the spot.

“Of course, enjoy your evening.” Matt backs away gingerly. A ghost of an expression I can’t quite decipher lingers on his face.

People turn back to their conversations as if nothing happened. Eshaan’s eyes land on me and he shakes his head.

“I can’t even leave you alone for a second without you flirting with some rando.”

I stiffen, the words landing like a blow. “That’s not what was happening. We’re going to be working together.”

He laughs but there’s no humour in his voice. “Just like that other work guy who was all over you.”

I clamp my mouth shut knowing full well that I can’t even deny that anymore. “Let’s not do this, Shaan, please,” I finally manage.

“Are you serious? You’re off talking to guys at the bar on my friend’s fucking birthday and I should just let this go?”

He gives me a look of disgust. “No one else would put up with your shit, you know.”

His words slice through me, and my breathing turns ragged as I think back to what happened earlier this evening. I reach out and touch Shaan’s cheek, immediately wanting to defuse the tension between us. “You’re everything to me.”

His eyes soften a fraction, but the jealousy shimmers like hot flames behind them.

“How can I prove it to you?” I hate myself for being so weak and needing to please him.

“Stop wearing shit like this out anymore for starters.” He looks down at my dress, and I instinctively wrap my arms around myself, suddenly feeling too bare.

He stalks back toward the table.

I stand there and watch him retreat before I take a few quick steps to catch up to him, like the pathetic woman I am.