Page 87 of Let's Call a Truce
So much for my plan to get space from Ben. How was I supposed to move on when he was always right there?
“That is so kind of them, but I shouldn’t attend,” I said. “Between the interns and all the training I still need to go through with Christina, I should be here preparing.”
“Nonsense. It’s just for the weekend. You won’t miss anything here. Plus, President Munchen specifically requested you join. She wanted to sit down with you and one of the business professors to talk.”
I risked a glance at Ben then, and I could tell from hisclenched jaw we both knew she meant James Stevenson from our last visit.
“It will be a quick trip. We’ll take an early flight on Saturday morning. You’ll meet with President Munchen in the early afternoon, and we will all attend the black-tie banquet that night, then fly back Sunday night. Assuming you can arrange childcare, I would appreciate you making the trip.”
Eduardo was leaning forward, his eyes bright. This mattered to him. Mattered enough to pay for us to fly up and stay for a night. And he had taken a huge chance on me.I don’t want to go out of town with the man who broke my heartwas not a valid excuse not to follow through for him.
I smiled weakly. “I’m sure I can sort something out.”
“Ben, are you good to go, too? I’d like to book the flights today.”
Ben nodded his agreement. “Paris can stay with her mom.”
My stomach dropped at the casual mention of Stephanie.
This was my future.
Sitting next to the man who had stolen my heart and having to keep my face a professional mask, when his ex—maybe future—wife came up. I had made every right decision. I was cautious and thoughtful and still ended up feeling like the other woman.
Eduardo clapped his hands. “Perfecto! I’ll book us each a room in the same hotel you used last time. The event will be a couple of blocks away next to campus.”
I cringed, remembering how Ben and I spent our time in that hotel back in April. The long nights spent in my bed, learning the dips and curves of each other’s bodies. How he caged me in the elevator with his muscular arms, taking full advantage of the time it took to go up fifteen floors. Us stumbling down the hallway, unwilling to break off our kiss to finish the walk to our room. The way he pushed inside of me, my leg hitchedover his hip when he convinced me showering together would save us time in the morning.
Each breath was a fight as I tried to maintain my composure. I excused myself, hoping Eduardo didn’t notice my panic. Ben was behind me as I made my way down the hallway, but he respected my wishes, keeping enough distance between us so I could take the elevator without him. I turned as I pushed the button for my floor, his heartbroken eyes the last thing I saw before the doors clanged closed.
Chapter 27
I huffed outa sigh as I looked down the line of sixes on the makeshift paddles held up by my friends. Black tie meant I couldn’t grab any old dress out of my closet, all of which were firmly in the cocktail category and at least three years out of fashion. So I set up a subscription box that sent me a half dozen designer options. My girlfriends turned our wine night into an impromptu fashion show, complete with scorecards and unnecessary commentary.
This was the third dress of the night, a plain but respectable chiffon dress with a fitted bodice and flowing skirt in wine red.
“What’s wrong with this one?”
“Nothing wrong, per se.” Gabriela tilted her head as she regarded me with an assessing gaze. “It’s a solid six. Fine, but, honestly, I wouldn’t look twice.”
“It’s the dress you choose for bridesmaids when you don’t want them to hate you for your dress choice but also don’t want them looking hot enough to steal the attention away from you,” Asia volunteered.
With a start, I realized this was almost the exact same dress I wore at Gabriela’s wedding, just in a different shade. I turned, pointing an accusing finger in her direction.
“Is that what you did, Gabriela Ocampo?”
She shrugged, fighting a smile. “You looked beautiful at my wedding.”
“And had no trouble catching attention if I remember correctly,” Dani added with a smirk.
Asia shot her a glare that said,Cut it the hell out.“Let’s get back on track, people. This isnotthe one.”
Dani was clearly unfazed by Asia’s glare. “Yeah, that’s not gonna make Ben lose it.”
I had told them all about me and Ben at our first wine night after we got back from Boston, and they were so excited for us. Ben laughed, telling me this was quickly becoming the worst kept secret in the state, but I was grateful they had known from the beginning when it all had epically gone down in flames. I pinned Dani with a glare, and she shrugged, completely unconcerned by my anger.
“Try the next one.” Asia tried to redirect my attention before I decked her sister, probably tearing the gown in the process. That would be a fight I could neither win nor afford. “At least now you know you have one that works after those first two disasters, but I think we can do better.”
The next dress, a gown made of green tulle, made me look sick.
