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“She stopped off in the ladies’ room but will be up in a moment. So, are you getting settled in?”
“Yeah. I got a mani/pedi this morning with the girls, and it was great. The apartment is great, too. And, well, you know, Haylee and Josh are—”
“Great,” he offered with a chuckle, but then got serious. “I’m sure this is all a whirlwind, but I hope you realize you’ve got a lot of support and are surrounded by good people who think the world of you. I know it’ll be tough being away from your mom and the office, but it’s only temporary until shit settles.”
I smiled, not wanting him to think for a moment that I was ungrateful, especially since contacting Haylee about moving up here had been his idea. “I know and appreciate it. I’m sure the time will probably fly by.”
As I drained my glass and then grabbed martini number two, I spotted Sasha coming toward us. She hugged me and then took her fiancé’s hand. They made a stunning couple, I mused: Brian with his boy-next-door handsomeness and Sasha, striking with her straight black hair and flawless complexion. I’d called it eight years ago that they’d make a great pair when Brian had first met her at the office. There had been sparks flying a mile wide. But it hadn’t been until last year that they’d finally gone for it.
Sasha was dressed as impeccably as always, with her sky-high heels and designer dress that accentuated killer curves. But under the image of perfection beat the heart of a true friend, someone I knew struggled daily to battle her anxiety disorder. It went to show not to judge anyone by what you saw on the surface. Take me. I was all smiles despite feeling completely out of place.
“How are you? You look amazing,” Sasha commented.
“Thanks. It’s definitely been a long time since I’ve had a reason to dress up. Matter of fact, I’m working on my drinking tolerance and could use some help to get it back to a respectable level.”
Brian frowned at my idea, but Sasha grinned. “Let’s grab the other girls and get you started.”
* * *
I had surpassed buzzedstraight into drunk status about an hour later. That I still managed to walk upright in heels made me proud. So did the fact I’d kept my mouth shut. Unfortunately, in intimidating situations such as tonight, my nervousness was known to cause me to over-talk. Often without a filter and always with too much information. But tonight, thankfully, I’d kept my guard up and my mouth shut.
Wanting to take a few minutes to sober up before going downstairs, I sipped on a glass of water and made my way to the other side of the roof. There it was quiet with a number of unoccupied chairs.
While watching all of the happy couples tonight, I felt refreshed to see such bliss was possible. But if I was being honest, it was also a little depressing. Not that I’d ever let on, but even when Rob and I had first been married, he hadn’t watched me across the room as though I was the best thing to ever happen to him. But the men here tonight looking at their significant others that way was a sight to behold. Gah, maybe I did need to talk to a professional.
I took a deep breath, surveying the view the rooftop afforded me of the quaint college town. Upon turning, I caught movement as a man with dark hair and glasses stood up in the corner.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m Mark. You must be Juliette.”
Oh, wow. The good Dr. Mac was much more attractive and younger than I’d envisioned, with dark brown hair that was slightly wavy, a strong jawline, and great eyes framed with sexy black glasses. “Yes, I am. Nice to meet you.” After a pause, I just decided to get it out there. “I take it Haylee spoke with you about me.”
He looked at me curiously. “Uh, yeah, a little bit. You’re up from Charlotte and have a young son, right?”
If he was trying to put me at ease by mentioning my pride and joy, it was working. “Yes. His name is Tristan, and he’s two years and four months old.”
He gave me a warm smile. “Isn’t this the point where you whip out your phone to show me a picture?”
“Oops. I guess I’m not in mommy mode, what with the vodka. Do you mind if I sit? I’m not used to being in heels for this long.”
“No, not at all. Here, take this seat over here by the heater.”
I grinned appreciatively and took the spot he vacated. When he looked at me expectantly, I cocked my head to the side.
“The, uh, pictures,” he reminded.
“Oh, shit—” I sighed at yet another slipped curse word and another dollar for the swear jar. “Sorry, I had a bit to drink, which appears to affect my profanity filter and short-term memory.” I fished out my phone and scrolled to a recent photo of Tristan. He was smiling at me with his big brown eyes and blondish hair.
He chuckled. “You don’t need to apologize. And he’s a handsome fellow. He definitely looks like you.”
“Thank you. You know you’re easier to talk to than I thought you’d be.”
A furrowed brow conveyed his confusion. “Why would you say that?”
“Before I say more, you’re bound by a privilege thingy, right?” Would I be able to spill my deep, dark stuff to such a handsome stranger? God, he kind of looked like Clark Kent. Nerdy hot.
“Well, yes, but you’d have to become a client first. Do you need help with something?”
Uh-huh, like an orgasm.
