Page 102 of The Breakup Artists

Daisy thankfully follows my lead, although she still appears unsure. And even though Ella gives us space to talk, there is now doubt between us where there wasn’t any before.

FML.

49

valentine

Following Justin’s SUV through town in my mom’s sleek black Jaguar makes me simultaneously feel like a brilliant detective and a giant creeper. He’s already stopped once at the dry cleaner, an errand exclusively reserved for private school kids and middle-aged office workers. And now he’s pulling over on the side of Main Street near Ella’s favorite café.

I snag a parking spot a few cars back and let my engine run, figuring he’s just grabbing coffee. But instead of going to the café, he heads for a restaurant with an outdoor patio that’s packed with brunchers. He takes a menu and says something to the hostess, but she doesn’t seat him.

And that’s it—exactly the type of opportunity I was waiting for. I pull out my phone and click on my text chain with Amber.

Me

You busy? Wanna grab lunch?

There’s no hesitation, no nervous rumblings in my stomach. This is the part I’m good at. And as luck would have it, she replies right away.

Amber

In car. Beach bound. Where were you thinking?

I look up at the restaurant and type out the name.

Me

Le Petite Chat?

Amber

Done. See you in five.

I turn off my engine and scoop some quarters from the console for the parking meter. I take my pay-as-you-go work phone from the cup holder, something August and I rarely use but has been clutch in the past, shove it in my purse, and head straight for Justin.

I let him see me first. He waves.

“Oh, hey,” I say, lifting my sunglasses and giving him a “nice to run into you like this” smile.

“Getting lunch?” he asks and offers me his menu.

“Actually, yeah,” I say and accept it. But before I open it, I pause, like I just got an idea. “Wanna join me?” I don’t give him the polite out that most people would by addingif you have time. I just smile at him and wait.

He smiles back. “I was gonna order to go, but... yeah, why not.”

Hole in one.

He turns back to the hostess and tells her we want a table for two.

“Three,” I correct him. “Amber’s coming.”

He hesitates, like he’s reconsidering, and I wonder if I read this all wrong. Maybe the flirting I saw between Amber and Justin was just a product of too many beers or a mutual frustration with Ella. Maybe it meant nothing at all.

But I’m in this now, and I’m going to make the most of it. “Where’s Ella today?” I ask, even though I know, taking my seat at the table the hostess indicates.

He scoots in his chair. “With your cousin.” He doesn’t try to cover his annoyance.

But what’s interesting is that Ella didn’t hide hanging out with August like some people would. She was honest. “Oh yeah, forgot about that.”