Page 42 of Hexes From Exes

Stephanie’s eyes roved the restaurant from her vantage point, catching no sight of Rick. He was usually close enough for her to see, so this was a weird change for him. The first pang of worry hit her, and she shoved it down.

“Me? Oh, you know how my life is. I am my work,” she said with a laugh and a shrug. Diego nodded, his gaze too sharp on her while she picked up her water glass and took a sip. To her relief the waiter showed up and took their drink order. Diego ordered them a bottle of wine without asking what Stephanie wanted - well, some things never changed. She gave a small smile to the waiter as he retreated.

“So, you’re still married to the office, then?” Diego asked.

Stephanie shrugged. “No more than you were. We’re both workaholics,” she said.

Diego nodded and took the glass offered to him by the returning waiter, taking a sip of the wine he’d ordered. Stephanie let her gaze roam the restaurant again. Still no Rick. She shifted uncomfortably.

“This wine is delicious,” he said, setting the glass down. “I’m just glad you’re doing well. I worry about you sometimes.”

Now Stephanie was really surprised. Diego worried about no one other than himself. He was never mean about it, it was just obvious after a few dates. He picked the restaurant. It didn’t matter what Stephanie liked or didn’t like. Diego picked the dates, he paid for things, he talked about himself. It’s not that he didn’t listen when Stephanie talked about work or her friends or her family, it’s just he never asked. She always had to offer it up.

“Why would you worry about me?” Stephanie asked, tilting her head.

Diego averted his eyes quickly, looking suddenly guilty. The look was so strange on his face it sent a jolt of electricity down her spine. Could Diego be one of the exes? When Diego didn’t answer, Stephanie pressed a little harder.

“Is there a reason you’d be worried about me?” she asked. She reached forward to take a sip of her wine. It was too sweet for her taste, she liked it more dry. She set it down on the table with no intention of picking it up again.

Diego shook his head, still unable to meet her gaze.

“No? Just a general curiosity?” she pressed, leaning over the table a bit. She saw Diego’s eyes widen as she leaned forward, swallowing.

“Look, I just…” he trailed off.

Stephanie nodded animatedly. “You just what?”

“It was just a pleasant surprise when you reached out, I wanted to make sure everything was okay with you. We haven’t spoken in some time,” Diego said carefully.

“You made it very clear you didn’t want to speak again,” Stephanie reminded him.

He must remember a much different breakup, one where Stephanie poured her heart out about wanting more from him and he just shrugged and avoided her, nearly running from room to room in his condo to get away from her. It ended with Stephanie crying, something she tried very hard not to do in front of men, and Diego looking at her like she’d just vomited all over his clean sheets. She didn’t remember his exact words, but it was something along the line of, “Don’t call me until you get your emotions in check and stop being so selfish.”

It stung Stephanie so deeply she didn’t consider Diego as a possible candidate for an ex that might curse her. After all, hadn’t he kind of broken up with her? How did she get the blame for this one? It only infuriated her more. Even when she wasn’t the one doing the breaking up, she was still held accountable! She felt the rage burning under her skin, a sudden wave of fury that overrode her normal calm demeanor.

“It was you,” she hissed, her fingers digging into the edges of the table.

Diego at least had the sense to look ashamed, chewing his bottom lip. “What was me?” he asked, unconvincingly.

Her eyes narrowed more.

“C’mon, Stephanie. Don’t make this a whole scene. We’re in public,” he added, his gaze darting around.

Stephanie followed his gaze. No one was watching them, no one was even looking in their direction. She still didn’t see Rick.

“Cause a scene? Like summoning a fucking demon?” she pressed.

Now Diego was truly terrified. His eyes widened, his tan face blanched. That was all the confirmation she needed.

“You mother fucker,” she said, her voice raising a little. The nearest couple two tables away glanced over, not hiding their interest in the quarreling couple. “So you accepted this date and gave me flowers out of what? Pity? Guilty conscience?” she pressed.

“Would you lower your voice?” Diego hissed between clenched teeth, leaning over the table to whisper. “Look, I wanted nothing to do with it. I haven’t spoken to any of them since it happened. It didn’t feel right. I’m sorry, okay, I just…I got caught up in it.” His apology was toppling out of his mouth, and he was standing, backing away, waving his hands at her. When she stood, he turned and bolted, running at a full sprint out of the restaurant.

Stephanie threw down the napkin that slid off her lap and turned to follow him.

“Hey, ma’am!” the waiter called, reaching out a hand to stop her. “You gotta pay for that wine. It was a $300 bottle.”

By the time Stephanie paid, Diego was long gone, and Rick was still nowhere to be seen.