Page 79 of The Other Room

The polar opposite of the woman I really loved.

Putting all my energy into fixating on Nikki had helped me channel my love for Jo away. Far, far away. Convincing myself I was into a girl like Nikki helped me convince myself I wasn’t into a girl like Jo.

How had I been so stupid?

The thought of having feelings for a girl like Nikki, even false and forced feelings, made me want to puke. The fact I’d taken those feelings so far I’d betrayed my best friend twisted my stomach into a knot so tight I worried I would never get it loose.

All the pain I’d put everyone through, myself included, had been my way of convincing myself I wasn’t in love with Jo... when I knew damn well, I had been. And always would be.

Nikki’s blue eyes skated across the crowd and headed straight for me.

Shit.

I spun around in my stool, pressing my elbows onto the bar and lowering my head, hoping she didn’t see me. Praying she didn’t see me.

“DJ, can I get my tab?” I whispered as he passed by.

“You got it.”

Hurry, I wanted to scream. If Jo came here and saw Nikki, it would ruin our night. Hell, it may even ruin our relationship. One look at Nikki and I knew Jo’s rage would resurface, and the fragile new bond we’d created last night could easily break. Her anger would incinerate it. I couldn’t – I wouldn’t – take the risk.

I pulled out my phone, clicked Jo’s name and shot her a quick text.

Me: Change of plans. I’ll meet you at The Boathouse.

DJ dropped off my tab and I handed him my credit card.

“Matt?” Nikki said, and I closed my eyes. Like a child, I pretended if I couldn’t see her, she couldn’t see me.

It didn’t work.

“Oh my God!” she squealed and tossed her arms around my shoulders. “It is you!”

No. Hell no.

I leapt up off my stool and slid out of her grip. “Not happening, Nikki. Goodbye.”

“Oh, come on, Matt! Not you, too.” She pouted as I stepped farther away. She started to step toward me but teetered on her too-tall heels and stopped short. “I thought if anyone wouldn’t be pissed at me, it would be you. I mean, it was you that got me into this mess.”

“Nikki, you need to get the hell away from me. I’ve got nothing to say to you. Goodbye.”

I turned away, leaning on the bar and silently begging for DJ to hurry and return with my card.

“Come on, Matt. Don’t be ridiculous. You can’t even talk to me now?” She dragged a finger down my back.

Hell no. I’ll get my card later.

I shook off her hand and spun away, hurrying through the thick crowd.

“Matt!” she called after me, but I sped up when I made it through the throng of people. Racing through the parking lot, I hauled ass to my truck and away from Nikki.

I got to my truck and yanked the door open, but her hand appeared and slammed it shut.

Spinning around, I raked my hands through my hair. “Nikki. Get the hell away from me. Seriously. Go.”

I reached for my door again, but she slid around me and leaned up against it.

“I don’t want to put hands on you, but if you don’t fucking move, I’m going to pick you up and move you myself.”