But why did she tell one stupid lie? Was Theo right? Did I blow this out of proportion?
I don't know anymore. But even as the doubt creeps in, my pride refuses to let go. The questions haunt me long into the night, and sleep, when it finally comes, is restless.
25
Natalie
I stare at my reflection in the mirror and barely recognize the woman staring back. I have dark circles under my eyes, and my skin has lost its glow. My hair is pulled into a messy bun because I can't summon the energy for anything more elaborate.
I’m dying inside. All I want to do when I’m not working is not bury myself in my duvet and shut the world away. I’m so tempted to cancel. I should text Olivia and tell her I'm not feeling well, which is the truth.
But Ivory is leaving next week, and this dinner is her goodbye, and I can't let my personal mess ruin her send-off.
So I force myself to put on a dress and apply makeup that hides the evidence of sleepless nights.
The worst part has been seeing Ethan every day.
Our sessions have become exercises in silence. He shows up, does his exercises, answers my questions with monosyllables, and then leaves. I've tried to apologize and to explain, but every time I open my mouth, he shuts me down.
“Let's just focus on the work,” he said the last time I tried to speak and then avoided meeting my eyes for the rest of the hour.
I miss him so much it's a physical ache. I miss his grumpy morning moods and his rare smiles. I miss the way he held me at night and the way he said my name like he loved me. I miss the man who flew me to Wisconsin to meet his family and told me he loved me under the stars.
That man is gone now. In his place is a cold stranger who treats me like I'm nothing more than another member of the medical staff.
I grab my purse and head out before I can talk myself into staying home.
Olivia and Theo's townhouse is warm and inviting, filled with the smell of something delicious cooking in the kitchen. Baby Maya is already asleep upstairs, and Theo is heading out as I arrive.
“Ladies,” he says with a grin, kissing Olivia on the cheek. “I'm having dinner with Ethan, try not to burn the place down.”
My heart stutters at the mention of his name, but I keep my smile in place. “Have fun.”
“We will. You too.”
The girls are already in the living room. Harper is curled up in an armchair with a glass of wine, and Ariel is perched on the arm of the sofa, scrolling through her phone. But there's a new face too.
A stunning woman with flawless skin and dark hair sits on the couch, her posture elegant even in casual clothes. She looks like she just stepped out of a magazine.
Harper notices me and jumps up. “Natalie, come meet my friend.” She gestures toward the woman, who rises. “This is Jasmine Bennett. She's a corporate lawyer. Her firm hired me to plan their annual gala last year, and we've been friends ever since. She's also the smartest person I know.”
“Harper exaggerates.” Jasmine extends her hand. “It's so nice to finally meet you. Harper talks about you all the time.”
I give her a tight smile. It’s all I can muster. “All good things, I hope.”
“The best.” Her eyes are warm. “I hear you're the miracle worker who got Ethan Ward back on the ice. That's impressive.”
The mention of his name stings, but I push through it. “Team effort, but thank you.”
Avery jumps up and pulls me into a hug before the conversation can go further. “You look amazing.”
“You're a terrible liar.”
“I’m not lying,” she protests with a laugh.
Ivory arrives a few minutes later, and the evening officially begins. Olivia has prepared an elaborate spread of appetizers and entrees, far too much food for six women, but she waves off our protests.
“I stress-cook,” she says. “And with Maya teething, there's been a lot of stress.”
