“Nice to see you, Chelsi.” Brian forces a tight smile on his face. “Didn’t realize I’d get the pleasure of your company.”
Yep. This is going so well already. The less the two of them talk, the better.
“Thought it would be nice for the three of us to have dinner. Catch up on each other’s lives. It’s been a while,” I try to defuse the tension and gesture for Brian to sit down.
We spend the next few minutes briefly talking about how work is going for each of us while I pass around the fettuccini alfredo and salad. As always, Brian’s burning the midnight oil,convinced he’s only a few months, or a year at most, from taking over his family business—the same timeline as when we were together. Chelsi talks excitedly about the success her company is having and the big launch they’re planning next month, while I casually mention how everything at work is pretty much the same for me. It’s not entirely truthful because a lot about my role has changed since Brian and I broke up, but it feels odd letting him know those details. He doesn’t belong in that part of my life anymore.
A couple of minutes pass in complete silence as we eat, everyone unsure of what to say next because it’s awkward for the three of us to be back in this room. We spent almost five years having dinner together most nights with nonstop conversation. Now, every word feels forced.
Knowing I can’t let this continue much longer, I clench and unclench my fists a few times, gathering up the courage to tell Brian my news, praying he reacts positively. “So, I wanted to let you know I’m dating again.”
Surprise paints his face. He puts his fork down, clears his throat, and stares at me. “Oh. I didn’t expect that. Is it… Is it serious?”
I nod.
He takes a long drink of his wine, closing his eyes for a few seconds before locking his gaze with mine again. “Do I know him?”
Chelsi snickers. I glare at her, silently telling her to knock it the fuck off.
“Kinda. It’s Jake.” I wipe my clammy hands on my jeans.
“Your childhood best friend?” His eyebrows squish together as his head tilts slightly. “When did this happen?” The muscles in his jaw tense. “Is that why you broke up with me?”
A flicker of anger hits me in the chest at his insinuation that I might’ve cheated on him. I can’t believe he would even think Iwas capable of such a thing. Just more proof that this man never really knew me.
“Nothing happened between Jake and me until our engagement was over.”
His face immediately relaxes, and he exhales. “Okay. I guess… Congratulations. I’m not sure what to say or why you’re telling me.”
Same. I’d prefer never to talk to Brian again, but the prying eyes of fans and gossip sites make that impossible as long as I’m dating Jake. I let out a small breath, willing myself to rip off the bandage and tell him what’s going on. Think of it as practice for when I have to tell everyone in the office in a couple of days.
“Normally, I wouldn’t talk to you about my dating life, but this is different due to Jake’s career,” I explain calmly.
“What do you mean?” Brian asks with a blank look on his face.
“Jake’s a country musician. He’s been in Nashville for over fifteen years,” I reply, watching Brian for any indication of how he’s feeling, trying to suss out whether he’ll be my friend or foe.
Brian chuckles, taking a swig of his wine. “Must not be that big because I’ve never heard of him.” A smug look grows across his face.
Chelsi bursts out laughing, almost spitting wine across the table. “Oh God. You have no idea who she’s dating. That’s fucking hilarious.”
Brian glares in Chelsi’s direction. “What’s she talking about?”
“Jake uses a stage name.” I clasp my hands together and brace myself for whatever reaction he might have. “Most people know him as Chase Elliott.”
Brian’s jaw drops open as his eyes widen. “Are you fucking kidding me? This has got to be a joke. There’s no way Chase Elliott would date someone like you.”
My heart sinks, hearing the words I fear everyone will think when they learn we’re together. That I’m not good enough for Jake. Not the same caliber of women people are used to seeing on his arm.
“Do you have to be such an asshole?” Chelsi asks pointedly. “Do you get to attend a special asshole class every time you buy a pair of khakis?”
Brian scowls at Chelsi for a few seconds, then directs his attention back to me. “I’m not trying to be rude, Kate. You’re a great girl, but he’s a superstar. Like, he’s one of the biggest names in the industry. Didn’t he recently win Entertainer of the Year?”
Chelsi smirks. “Yep. The song he opened the show with that night was about Kate. He mentioned her in his acceptance speech. Hell, rumor has it his next album isallabout her. If you ask me, he’s pretty obsessed with her. Constantly droning on about how she’s the best thing that ever happened to him.”
“That’s enough, Chelsi,” I warn, not wanting the situation to become any more awkward. “I wanted to tell you in person before the news becomes public later this week. I didn’t want you to be blindsided.”
He reaches for his wine, staring at the table for a few seconds before taking another large drink, finishing off the glass. “I appreciate that, Kate. I am happy for you. The news just shocked me. I didn’t expect you to be in such a public relationship. Or a serious one so quickly.”
