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Ruth smiles. “He really hit it off with Mina. I think they will be official soon.”
My heart plummets into my stomach. I thought they only had one date. He hasn’t said anything. I feel the jerkiness of my head. My only response.
“Oh, I thought they only did one date,” Cassie asks quickly.
“They are going on date number two tonight. She adores him and I’m thrilled I’ll be able to tell his grandmother the good news in person when she arrives tomorrow.”
There is so much to unpack that I just blink.
“Oh, Dorthy is coming to the party? That’s wonderful,” Cassie says.
“Yes, I’ve missed the crazy ol’ bat.” Ruth laughs.
I stand, startling both women.
“Layla?” I hear Cassie say in a concerned voice.
“Dear? Are you all right?” Ruth asks.
I swallow the lump in my throat. I feel blindsided and I need to get the hell out of here. I compose myself, offering her a smile.
“Yes, I just remembered I have a call. I’ll see you Saturday.” I turn on my heel and practically run to my own office. Shutting the door on my way in, I start to pace the expanse of my office.
How is this possible? He’s had such a strong connection with Mina this whole time, so why did he let this go on between us?
No, no, I don’t think he would do this. Surely he would have told me. We had a deal.
A soft knock comes at my door and Cassie peeks in.
“Lay. You all right?” she says then spots me near my desk, thumbnail between my teeth.
“Yup.” I pop the P and put more pep into it than necessary.
She steps in and closes the door behind her. “Yeah, I don’t think so.”
I make a noise in my throat and force myself to sit down at my desk.
“What’s happening right now?” she asks.
I shake my head, forcing the thoughts out of my head.
“You upset that Cole has been matched?” she asks, her words careful.
I blink then focus on her. “Of course not. It’s the point of being a client of HEA, right?”
The fakeness in my tone makes me want to cringe.
“You’ve always had a thing for Cole. It’s okay to be affected by this.” She thinks she knows the score. And I’m the jerk who hasn’t confided in my best friend. And I’m still an asshole when I don’t tell her the truth right now.
“It’s not too late to change your mind. Ask him on a date. See if there is anything between you,” she offers and her phone dings with an alarm. She swipes her phone away and looks mildly annoyed.
“Nope. It’s too late,” I tell her. It’s too late, but not for the reason she thinks it is. Not really. I plan to talk to Cole about this. We need to either put a stop to this thing between us or make it real. But if what Ruth says is true, I only see heartbreak in my future.
I click at my keyboard in an attempt to come across as normal.
“All right, Layla. Look, I don’t want to be done with this conversation. There’s something you aren’t telling me. But I can’t be late for this meeting. When you’re ready to tell me what’s going on, you know where to find me.” Cassie’s tone is sharp. I look at her and she gives me a smile but still leaves it at that.
The door shuts and I drop my head into my hands.
