Page 48 of Picking Daisies on Sundays

The area looked like a greenhouse with its ceilings and walls made of windows. The darkness of the city swept into the room, the only source of light being a single chandelier. It was a dim and romantic space where you would take a mistress and twirl her around. That’s what was happening now: twirling and dancing.

His hand left my back to take my hand and bring me into the room. The skin on my lower back felt more naked than before. I was one step from entering before someone else approached me, stopping Levi and I from moving any further.

“Dani!” I was encapsulated in a hug before I could see who was hugging me, but I knew that voice.

“Sandra! What are you doing here?” I asked, pulling away to look at my classmate and take in her glowing appearance.

“I’m interning as an editorial assistant for a wedding magazine now!” she shrieked.

“That’s amazing, congratulations!”

“I know, thank you! It helps distract from those grad school jitters. Have you gotten any responses yet from your applications?”

I wanted to share the news of Paris but the reason for my appearance tonight stopped me. The entire point of our plan was so that Bella and her mom believed Levi wouldn’t be up and leaving the city. If they found out his “girlfriend” had the option to move to Paris, they would never believe he’d stay here.

“No,” I shook my head. “Not yet.” I’d let her know another time.

“Umm, is thattheLevi that showed up at class with your bag the other day?”

I smiled and turned my head to introduce Levi but found him talking to someone else.

My heart sank. She was gorgeous. Dark skin, curly hair, and a smile that would shine on cameras. My eyes were glued to them as they spoke. She brushed his arm, and he watched her every word. It was so completely Levi: to watch every word that left someone’s mouth with complete intent. To pay attention to their emotions and the shape of their lips. It’s just who he was.

But that didn’t mean it didn’t hurt to watch.

I exhaled in hopes to lessen the grip choking my heart as I refocused on Sandra. “Uh—yes, yes, it is. I think I just saw someone walk in. It was lovely seeing you.” My feet had never moved faster in heels, pattering against the marble like a tap dancer, until—

“Daniella.” The sound of my full name caught me off guard. I spun and saw Ethan.

22

how could you provide me air and suffocate me

at the same time?

“Ethan—Hi,” I replied, retaining my shock. He looked so sophisticated. His usual Californian beach look was cleaned up. His dirty blonde hair looked darker under the crystal lights, while his skin appeared sun kissed by freckles more than usual. I always imagined him in a suit like this; he had the face of a persuasive businessman that went out for drinks every night and signed contracts. Not the look of someone who wore designer T-shirts and taught students draping techniques.

“I think you’re the most attractive girl here, it was impossible to miss you,” he said it with complete confidence. Blood immediately rushed to my cheeks. His words were kind, but all I could think of were Levi’s words in the back of my head:It’s not his job to be friendly.

I brushed them away. He was just trying to be nice. “I didn’t expect you to be here.”

He hesitated momentarily before responding. “I was invited by a friend.”

“Oh, where is she?” I forgot that staff members had dating

lives.

“It’s not like that, just a work thing,” he smiled. “Also, I was

notified by ESMOD of your acceptance, that’s incredible.”

Oh. I forgot he would be notified about the status of my applications. “Thank you, it was a complete surprise.”

“We should celebrate, not many people get to say they got into such a competitive program. It’s impressive.” He looked almost…impressed with me. He finished by clicking his tongue.

A small laugh rested on my tongue. Something about Ethan made me feel uneasy. I wasn’t sure if it was his confidence (and lack thereof of mine) or his overwhelming experience in the industry (and lack thereof of mine). He made me feel young in a way that made me feel like I knew nothing, despite us only being a few years apart in age. My insecurities often did that on their own, so it was difficult to have them heightened around him.

“Thank you, Ethan, I really appreciate it. Maybe we can—”