Total pages in book: 52
Estimated words: 52643 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 263(@200wpm)___ 211(@250wpm)___ 175(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52643 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 263(@200wpm)___ 211(@250wpm)___ 175(@300wpm)
“None of them will confuse me for being a part of their inner circle, Lauren.”
“Probably not.” She flips through my hangers. “But since your boyfriend is literally the hottest state prosecutor alive and he’ll be there, you should look sexy as fuck for him.”
I cross my arms. “Are you checking your boyfriend’s outfit, too?”
“Luckily for me, he has amazing taste already.” She pulls out a skin-tight dress I’ve been meaning to return for weeks. “Put this on and I’ll run to my place to get you the shoes and tights to match. Oh, and don’t forget to wear our friendship bracelet! Twinsies!”
Before I can protest, she’s running out the door.
I sigh and slowly change clothes.
Picking up the friendship bracelet, I trace my finger along the glittering “forever” bead.
“Friends” is a pretty strong word to describe what we are since I’m starting to believe that we’re only friends by default. Or maybe we’re better described as “associates” who have a few decent conversations here and there.
Anytime I try to discuss something serious, she gives me a blank stare and changes the subject. She dates a new “He’s the one” boyfriend every few months, and she cycles through her other “friends” like laundry. Even though this marks our second year in the wash, I’m not confident we’ll get another spin.
“Oh my effin gawdddd!” She squeals upon her return. “You look so much better! Hurry up and put these on so we can leave.”
3
GENEVIEVE
An hour later
Idon’t want to know how much this party costs.
The rooftop at The Fulton Blue is wrapped in white, with sparkling silver decor that pays homage to Manhattan, New York.
There’s a “no cell phone” policy in place due to the celebrities in attendance, so I can’t take any pictures.
While Lauren flutters around from guest to guest, putting on an amazing show for her boss, I sip champagne at “The Empire State Building.”
“Babe?” My boyfriend, Brett Shaw, makes me look up. “Babe, what are you doing?”
“Drinking.” I hold up my glass.
“That’s not what I’m talking about.” He smiles, disarming me with his All-American charm as usual. He’s been receiving stares from women all night, and he’s made it his personal mission to point me out and introduce me as “the woman I’ve fallen for,” anytime someone gets a little too close.
“You’re too fucking sexy to look sad,” he says.
“I’m not sad. I just miss my cell phone.”
“Me too.” He slides a hand around my waist and lowers his voice. “Why haven’t you ever worn this dress out with me before?”
“It’s brand-new.”
“I’m looking forward to taking it off you later.”
“If I let you.”
“Funny.” He presses a kiss against my cheek. “Have you seen anyone from my office here?”
“The district attorney is tasting beer by the Triborough Bridge.”
“I meant someone I actually want to talk to.”
I laugh. “No, but Seth mentioned—”
“There you two are!” Lauren’s voice interrupts our conversation. “Brett and Genevieve, this is my first serious boyfriend, the one you both claim doesn’t exist. Liam Peterson, these are my…”
The rest of her words come in muted and my entire world shifts off its axis.
She said his name was Liam Peterson, but the man I see is Liam Donovan, and he’s standing in front of me with his hand outstretched for Brett, his eyes on mine. He’s still as breathtakingly beautiful as he was on the last night I saw him. The night he spent inside me.
“Nice to meet you, Brett,” he says.
“Nice to meet you as well,” Brett answers.
He lets go and offers me his hand, and I slowly move to take it.
“Genevieve,” he says, and my body awakens to his slight touch.
Our memories begin to flood my brain and I can’t utter a single word.
This can’t be happening.
“He used to teach at Exeter, Genevieve!” Lauren exclaims. “I think you were there around the same time he was! Small world, huh?”
“Too small.” I croak, letting go of his hand.
“Don’t forget to grab a disco glass for the ball drop,” she says. “They cost six hundred dollars each and you can sell it on eBay.” She winks at us before pulling Liam away and introducing him to someone else.
“I didn’t know you went to Exeter, babe.” Brett pulls me close. “Why didn’t I know that?”
It’s a part of my life I’ve been trying to forget. “I’m pretty sure I mentioned it to you in passing before.”
“Probably.” He kisses my forehead. “What else are you hiding from me?”
You don’t want to know.
* * *
At midnight, a one hundred piece orchestra serenades the crowd with “Auld Lang Syne,” and everyone stares at the shimmering ball above. In the distance, a larger ball hangs in the distance for the people on the streets.
I can’t focus on it, though.
I’m staring at Liam, and he’s staring at me.
Where have you been? Why are you here?
“Ten! Nine…” The cheers don’t make either of us look away from each other. “Eight! Seven…”