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She shrugged. “I have no idea.”
My traitorous heart fluttered. Might I see Tam again? God, I hated that I missed him. I wished I could just switch off my feelings. I wanted so desperately for him to have changed, and for him to tell me he accepted me, family and all. But this was Tam Cornell we were talking about, and I just couldn’t see that he had it in him to be the man I wanted.
Because that was my biggest fear—that the man I’d fallen for didn’t actually exist.
“I can’t go, Layla.”
“Yes, you can. You’re going to put on your hottest dress and highest heels and go and wow Tam Cornell. How else do you think you’re going to get him back.”
“I don’t know if I want him back.”
“Hallie, I’ve known you almost all your life. You’ve been lying in bed for days, doing nothing but cry. I can tell when your heart is broken. You’re pining for that man.”
“He hasn’t even bothered sending me a text. He’s probably moved on already.”
“Then that’s even more reason to go out and show him what he’s missing.”
It would mean I’d be going back onto Cornell territory. Wasn’t that what Jayden had done? Didn’t it mean I was doing the same?
––––––––
ISUDDENLY REALISEDwhich club she was talking about. “Jesus, Layla, it’s a private opening.”
“I know. And I got an invite as part of my journalism course.”
I raised both eyebrows. “They sent students an invite?”
She shrugged. “We’re their best clientele. What better way to get the word around about a new venue than students who also can’t keep their mouths shut?”
My stomach flipped with nerves. Could I actually see Tam tonight? Was it even a good idea? It wasn’t as though he’d come crawling to me, begging me to take him back. I’d walked out of his life, and it looked as though he was happy to let me go.
***
LAYLA AND I WALKEDup to the club on a red carpet, surrounded by flashing cameras. I was glad I’d made an effort. I was still very conscious of who I was, though—a Wynter on Cornell territory. They might not even let me in, and I didn’t want to imagine how mortifying that would be, especially with all these people around.
Layla hooked her arm through mine, propelling me forward. “No backing out now,” she told me.
My heart felt like it was in my throat. Where was Tam? Would he even have come to this thing?
At the door, Layla showed her ID and was ticked off the guest list. No one even asked for my name, and I could hardly believe it when we’d made it through without question.
Staff were circulating with silver trays of champagne glasses. I plucked one off, downed the whole thing, and replaced it with a fresh one.
Layla regarded me with one eyebrow raised. “Impressive.”
“No judging. Can you see him?”
“Nope, but I can see a whole room of seriously hot men. If you don’t go home with one of them tonight, I sure as hell am going to.”
“Stop it, Layla. I’m so nervous I’m about to pass out.”
“You don’t have anything to be nervous about.”
“How about Tam Cornell telling me to get the fuck out of his family’s club, and never come near him again, in front of all of London’s who’s who.”
She tilted her head and stuck out her lower lip. “Hmm. Okay, maybe that’s a good reason, but it’s not going to happen.”
I didn’t believe her. I was more than conscious of the fact I was no longer on my own territory.
