Page 42 of Lucky 22

“I’m thinking that it’s going to be really awkwardintroducing Jim to Christian. Especially after he bought me a jersey withChristian’s number on it.”

“Oh, my gosh. I forgot about that.” She laughs a little toohard and then realizes I’m not laughing with her. Clearing her throat, sheforces herself to be serious. “I mean, okay. Yes. That is going to beuncomfortable.”

“And you really think he’ll show up?”

“Freya mentioned it, so…”

“Shoot.” Unfortunately, there’s nothing I can do about itnow. The party’s tonight. I’ll just have to deal with it.

“Are you going to be okay?” she asks.

I glare mildly at her. “Do I have a choice?”

“Sorry. But there’ll be a lot of people at the party, sohopefully it won’t seem like he’s right in your face, or that you’re in his,you know?”

“Maybe.” I pause. “Should I call him? I should probably callhim just to cut down on the potential weirdness later.”

“That’s totally up to you. If it would make you feel better,then I think you should.” She gives me a quick hug before getting up. “Sorry tohave been the bearer of bad news like that.”

“It’s fine. I appreciate the heads-up.”

With a small wave, Jen leaves the room. I sit there for asolid few minutes, second-guessing whether I should reach out to Jim.

But I know.

Calling him is the right thing to do.

Reaching for my phone, I don’t give myself time to think. Ipull up his number and call. When he answers, I can hear the surprise in hisvoice.

“Hey, Ella. How are you?”

“Hey, Jim. I’m good. And you?”

“Great. I’m looking forward to the party tonight. I wasn’tsure you would want me there after…you know…we broke up, but Freya said it wascool.”

Reminder to talk to Freya about this. She must’ve feltpressured.

“So, listen…I wanted to talk to you before the partybecause, of course, I’d like you to be there,” I begin carefully. “But I alsowanted to let you know that I’m seeing someone now.”

I let that hang there for a moment, and he doesn’t replyright away.

“Um…”

“It’s okay,” he says, but he sounds a little deflated. “Iappreciate you giving me the heads-up. I know you said when we broke up that weweren’t really a good fit, and you’re such a beautiful girl, I knew you’d bedating again in no time.”

I’m not sure if I find that flattering, so I opt not tocomment on it.

“As I said, I’d like you to be there tonight, but I didn’twant you to find out when you got there.”

“That was very nice of you, Ella—to be concerned for me. Butthen again, you’re always kind.” He sighs. “You’re really a one-in-a-millionkind of girl. I only wish I were the guy lucky enough to be taking you to yourbirthday party tonight.”

“Right…so speaking of the guy taking me to the party. Funnystory. Remember when—?”

“It’s okay,” he quickly interrupts. “I’m fine. It’s fine.Really. I’ll see you tonight, okay?”

“Um…”

“Thanks again. Bye.”