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“Somewhere floating around with Elijah.”
“Her and Elijah are still together?”
I don’t know why I asked or why I’m surprised. Those two were destined to be together, but then again, I thought that about Alex, I mean Lex and me, once upon a time.
“Yes, they’re still together. I don’t think anyone else could put up with her. They live in Brooklyn. Adriana owns a boutique store downtown.”
The music softens as the MC announces dinner is about to be served. People start walking back to their tables, and as I follow Julian, Eric, and Emma, Alex’s hand wraps around my arm. Reluctantly, I turn around slowly.
Avoid his scent.
And avoid his eyes.
Taking a deep breath, I wait on edge for his words, knowing that whatever comes out of his beautiful mouth, will turn my world upside down. Leaning closer into me, I force my eyes to remain open.
“You look breathtaking, Charlotte,” he whispers in my ear before walking away.
Somehow, I manage to walk toward the table without my legs giving way or gushing all over the floor. I’m annoyed at myself for even thinking of him that way.
Breathe, pull yourself together, and remember whose ring is weighing down your left hand.
“Are you okay, gorgeous?” Julian runs his finger down my cheek, staring at me lovingly.
“I will be soon.” I smile, eyeing the waiters walking toward us. “Champagne and no food are a lethal combination.”
We chat as we eat our meals, and thankfully, Julian doesn’t bring up my history with Lex. Everyone is impatiently waiting for the guest singer to appear later in the evening. I look at my plate, a sudden loss of appetite as I close my eyes, his words echoing in my mind. You look breathtaking, Charlotte. I still can’t believe he’s here, not to mention Adriana. I’ll bet all the money in my checking account, she’s still angry with me. What will I say to her?
A cold gush of air sweeps across my skin, causing me to break out into goosebumps like I’m being watched. Alex, sorry Lex, can be sitting anywhere in this room, and wherever that may be, his stare will be boring into me and questioning me in a million and one ways of why I’m engaged to Julian without opening his mouth.
“So that’s him?” Nikki whispers in my ear.
She’s sitting on my right, Julian on my left. Thank God, Eric is telling some ridiculous and probably inappropriate story, which has Julian’s full attention.
“Yes, it is.”
“In a million years. What a coincidence. Okay, for the record, he acts like an arrogant prick. But damn, Charlie… hello, Momma. He must be huge. Is he?”
“Oh, geez.” I laugh, welcoming her shallow question. “Eric is so rubbing off on you.”
Nikki rubs my shoulder, knowing how tense I am and offers a sympathetic smile.
After the next course is served, and people finish their meals, the clusters of groups start forming again. The dance floor is filling up with the band playing ‘The Way You Look Tonight.’ Classic Frank, classic New York.
“Babe, let’s show these rich folks how it’s done.” Rocky takes Nikki’s hand as she follows him onto the dance floor.
Eric and Emma have already left the table. I can see them across the room hovering around Sarah Jessica Parker. How predictable, I think. If I know Eric, he will bombard her about Sex and the City questions like ‘who was the biggest bitch on set’ or ‘why did she agree to wear those knee-high socks with heels.’
“Penny for your thoughts?” Julian asks, placing his hand on mine. “You’re quiet.”
I lean over and gaze into his warm hazel eyes. It isn’t fair to him, this whole Lex thing, except there’s nothing going on but in my crazy imagination.
“I’m just thinking how nice it would be to have you all to myself on the dance floor.”
“Well, gorgeous, you’ll be happy to know I’m thinking the same thing.” He grins.
Julian stands, and like the true gentleman he is, he holds out his hand as I place mine in his.
“Gorgeous, do you know how happy you make me?”
