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Her friends at the table gasp. One of them lets out a nervous giggle. Joni waves a hand at them in annoyance. “Oh, settle down. I’m not saying anything you all aren’t thinking. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, does it? I mean, you learned from the best when it comes to snaring rich men. Just congratulating you on getting a good one.”
She winks. And I wish I could wipe that smug smile off her face with my hand.
She saw the way Remi looked at me. I wish I could tell her not to worry. That need in his eyes, doesn’t mean anything. Because when it mattered, he still chose her over me.
I’ve made peace with it. I know men like him only dally with girls who aren’t just like them.
Even Paul, to an extent has made it clear that I should feel lucky that he chose me.
I’d already earned my spot at the magazine before I met him. That hasn’t stopped people from insinuating that I slept my way into that position. I hear it from his family’s friends in the snide comments and sometimes even from Paul.
But, I’ll be damned if I sit here with people who have had every single thing handed to them, who have no clue what it means to struggle and dignify their shit with a response. I don’t even acknowledge that I heard her question. I finish my drink and stand.
“It was nice to see you all. Tell Paul I went to our room.” Then I look directly at Joni.
Sure, she’s beautiful, in an obvious kind of way. But, I don’t understand how Remi could be with her.
“Yes. Are you going to say something or just stare?”
I shake my head in disgust.
“You are living proof, there’s absolutely no cure for cunts.”
She touches her cheek like I slapped it. God, how I wish I had.
I turn my back on her and walk away.
18
CHANGES
REMI
“You were right. She’s here.”
Lupe’s text flashes on my screen. I’ve been dressed for hours waiting for it.
I swing my legs over the side of the bed and slip my feet into my shoes.
“Remi—it’s six in the morning. Where are you going?” Joni calls from the bed.
“I have an errand to run before the wedding. Go back to sleep. I’ll be back for breakfast.” I grab my phone and keys and head to the door.
“Okay—bring me a Starbucks when you come back, the coffee here is awful,” she calls after me.
As soon as I’m in the hallway, I break into a run. The thought that Kal could be gone by the time I get to CASA is like a whip at my back.
I sprint through the lobby not caring that I’m giving the early morning staff fodder for gossip. I self-parked last night so that I wouldn’t have to wait for a valet driver to get my car, and less than seven minutes after I got Lupe’s text, I’m driving down Woodway and turning left onto the 610 Freeway.
I knew she wouldn’t come here without going there. I knew it would be the only time I’d find a way to talk with her without anyone around. I haven’t lived in Houston for six years, but I’ve supported CASA financially since I started volunteering. And every time I’m home, I go visit. Lupe loved Kal. Every time I see her she asks if we’re back together. So, when I asked her to help, she was happy to do me the favor.
I just need to talk to her. Need to say all of the things I didn’t when I had the chance.
See if there’s any hope for us. I touch the small locket dangling next to the small gold cross that hangs from a gold chain around my neck. I’ve worn it ever since I realized I wouldn’t get to give it to her.
I pull up and see the Nissan Maxima rental in the driveway and let out a sigh of relief.
She’s still here.
