Page 30 of The Has-Been

I mean, Rory was at least right about one thing—Noah is hot. Tall, dark, and an edgy bad boy vibe. But he’s totally her type, not mine.

“What did you say?” I ask, removing my rambling thoughts from my mind.

He clears his throat, “I said, ‘Do you want to split the bill?’”

My eyes slam shut. This has to be the worst date I’ve ever been on.

I haven’t really been on many to begin with, so I’m sure it could be worse. But still…this one totally sucks.

“Actually,” I remark, pulling out my debit card. “It’s on me.”

He bops his head in approval. “Oh, hell yeah,” he comments as he slips his wallet back into his pocket.

As we step out of the booth, I tell Noah I’ll pay the bill and find his car outside.

I seriously can’t believe I’m paying the tab, but I guess it’s also not 1960 anymore. Women can take care of themselves. Though I can’t help but think, if this were a date with Liam and I tried paying, he would have tackled me to the ground, wrestling my card from my hands.

The vision brings a smile to my face as I insert my card into the machine. At the register to my left, I hear someone approach, and the waitress asks for a name for the to-go order.

“Liam,” the voice drawls.

My heart skips several beats as I go still. In fact, I think it stops entirely, rigor mortis setting in within seconds as my body goes fucking rigid.

God is totally punishing me.

Is it too late to attend church with Grandma Charlotte every Sunday like I did when I was a kid?

I shake my head at the idea. Who am I kidding? I’d totally be set alight if I tried stepping a foot in there.

“All set,” the cashier tells me. “Enjoy your evening with Noah.” She offers a wink, and my stomach drops. I try to keep my head down, knowing my cheeks are burning red. But there is no way I can leave without him seeing me.

I blow out a breath, then quickly draw in another. I can’t stand here frozen. I’m going to have to face him eventually.

After a few seconds, I find the courage and spin around.

And of course…He’s staring right at me.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

My hands go sweaty at my sides, my breathing anything but steady. I raise my hand to greet him.

His own hand slowly lifts in return. Progress, I think. At least he didn’t bolt out the door this time.

But I guess he’s waiting on his food, so he doesn’t exactly have a choice but to face me.

“Uh,” I say.

Real smooth, Aubs.

“Hey,” I finish.

BECAUSE ‘HEY’ IS AN APPROPRIATE RESPONSE TO SEEING YOUR EX AFTER A YEAR OF NO CONTACT.

I make my way to the door, ready to bolt. But I hear him clear his throat.

“Aubrey.” Liam breathes out my name like it’s a struggle, like he has to force it past his lips. I turn, and I know my face is fire-engine red. Liam’s eyes find the floor as mine slam closed. I suppose I can’t blame him for running last time. I can’t wait to get out of these fucking doors myself.

“It’s good to see you,” he admits at last.