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“And I feel stupid and embarrassed, and I can’t stand the thought of facing him at work,” I admit.
Monica nods and is silent for a long moment. “You’re sure he doesn’t feel the same way about you?”
I widen my eyes at her. “I told you what I saw.”
She purses her lips. “True. It’s just that he’s seemed completely not himself this whole week. He asked where you were—that’s when I realized something was up. If you really were sick and your relationship with Aiden was strictly professional, you would have emailed him and told him yourself.”
“He’s probably acting weird because he feels bad. Or is worried this will somehow come back to bite him in the ass,” I protest.
Monica shrugs. “Maybe. But he seems genuinely upset.”
I think back to the myriad of text messages and missed phone calls from him. A few to save face would be expected, but dozens? That could mean he does actually feel sorry.
I lean back against the couch cushions, crossing my arms across my chest. “It doesn’t change what I saw.”
“Have you talked to him?”
I pause. “No.”
She purses her lips. “I’m not saying he’s in the right. But for your own peace of mind, it might be worth it to hear him out.”
After a moment, I finally nod. She’s probably right. It’s the healthy thing to do. No matter how angry and humiliated I currently feel.
“But in the meantime,” Monica says. “How about ice cream and a rom com?”
I smile.
Chapter 23
Lilly
While Monica’s advice is sound, I find it easier said than done. When Monday rolls around, I still can’t summon the courage to face Aiden. And as the days tick by, I realize that I’ll have to see him Thursday night at the art showcase.
I’ve been fielding emails all week making sure the preparations are ready and things are set up. Most of it has fallen to Aiden, being more experienced with event planning and all that. I’d always envisioned myself more involved, but I suppose I hadn’t envisioned my heart being broken right beforehand and absolutely hating Aiden King’s guts.
The art show is being held at an event center downtown. It’s one that King Tech has used on various occasions, apparently. That’s what Aiden had said back when we were still on speaking terms.
I smooth my black dress over my thighs and glance at myself in the mirror. The dress is tight around the top and flares to just below my knees. My hair is pulled back in a low bun with a few pieces framing my face. But no matter how many times I fix something in my hair or switch out a piece of jewelry, nothing calms the butterflies in my stomach.
I’m seeing Aiden King tonight. The man who broke my heart.
In the most humiliating way possible, I might add.
A flash of anger courses through me, but I push it away. It’s not going to help me now. I need to get through this event with grace and decorum, pretending like nothing is wrong. Aiden will eventually go back to King Tech, and I’ll be left to continue my job—and hopefully these art shows. Everything will go back to normal.
I just have to get through tonight.
I take an Uber downtown to the event center. As soon as I step out of the car, those butterflies return with a vengeance.
The event center is nestled in the heart of downtown, with floor to ceiling windows giving a perfect view of the guests mingling inside. It looks like the perfect party.
I steel my nerves, grip my purse in my hand, and walk inside. Despite my turmoil of emotions, I’m overtaken by the joyful ambiance. The lighting is warm, soft string music plays, waiters pass by with trays of champagne, and the sound of conversation floats in the air.
I stand there in awe for a moment, taking it in. My idea. My idea for an art show that I’d only been dreaming about has become a reality. And a beautiful one, at that.
“Lilly!” A hand brushes my arm, and I turn to see Monica. She’s beaming from ear to ear. “I had no idea, Lilly. Oh my god, why didn’t you ever tell me?”
I stare back at her quizzically. “What are you talking about?”
