Sure enough, my phone lights up with her call.
"Please tell me you didn't actually climb out a window," Jessica says when I answer.
"Okay, I didn't actually climb out a window," I say flatly, spotting a cab and raising my hand to flag it down. "I levitated through it using my previously undiscovered psychic powers."
"Lexie, oh my God!"
"Look, I couldn't face going back to that table." I start walking toward the approaching cab. "Not one of my proudest moments, but I couldn't stand the thought of sitting through another minute of his sales pitch."
"I can't believe he actually tried to sell you insurance." Jessica sounds stunned. "On adate!"
"Believe it." I reach the curb as the cab pulls up. "He probably scours dating apps looking for small business owners to target. I bet he?—"
"Lexie!"
The voice isn't coming from my phone. I freeze, hand on the cab door, and turn slowly to see Brandon jogging toward me, waving something that looks suspiciously like one of his insurance brochures.
"Oh no," I murmur into the phone.
"What? What's happening?" Jessica demands.
"He followed me out of the restaurant." I stare in horrified disbelief as Brandon approaches, not even slightly out of breath. His hair must be some kind of helmet, because not a strand is out of place.
"Where are you going?" he calls, closing the distance between us. "We were in the middle of discussing your coverage options!"
"Is that him?" Jessica asks, loud enough that I have to pull the phone away from my ear.
"Yes," I hiss, yanking open the cab door. "Yes, it is."
Brandon reaches me just as I'm stepping into the cab. “Lexie, wait—you didn't even see the premium calculations I worked up based on your business description!” He holds out the papers, his expression earnest. “Look. I can offer you twenty percent off if you sign up tonight.”
"I have to go," I tell Jessica, then drop into the taxi seat. "Sorry, work emergency," I tell Brandon, and pull the door closed. "But don't worry, I'm covered!"
The cab pulls away from the curb. Through the back window, I can see Brandon still standing there, papers in hand, looking genuinely confused about what just happened.
Jessica's voice comes through the phone: "Holy shit, Lexie. I am so, so sorry."
"It's not your fault." I lean back against the seat, suddenly exhausted. "But I hope you'll finally accept the fact that I am cursed when it comes to love."
"Maybe the sixth time's the charm?" she suggests weakly.
I laugh, the sound hollow even to my own ears. "You'd better get that guest room ready. The yarn and I are moving in permanently."
I hang up before she can respond, staring out the window as the city lights blur together. Another disaster. Another story for the collection. Another night I'll spend alone in my apartment surrounded by sweaters that, unlike men, have never let me down.
Maybe I'll start a new fashion line. The Rejection Collection. Perfect for climbing out bathroom windows and hailing cabs in the middle of disastrous dates.
I close my eyes, wondering if that doctor is still sitting at the table and whether he'll pay the bill or just leave. Then, I find myself wondering if he was in on it or if he was as duped as I was. Then I decide I don't care.
Some people find love. Some people find packs. And some people, like me, find insurance salesmen with glossy brochures and twenty percent discounts.
At least the blue dress looks good.
Chapter
Seven
AIDAN
