And he knows about my run-ins with Sly.
Instinctively I take a step back, but there’s nowhere to go as my thighs nudge the edge of the table.
Sully stares at me with a smile that makes my stomach churn—not because it’s creepy or anything, but because it makes me feel like he’s privy to something I’m not. And considering he doesn’t know meat all, it’s unsettling.
“Norah! My bad.” Finally, he pulls his gaze and looks behind me, tossing a wink in Hera’s direction. “I’m looking forward to tomorrow night, ladies.”
Reaching around me to wave the leather-bound portfolio in his hand in their direction, he tells us, “Better get these to Meredith before she realizes I’m delaying her luncheon more than necessary.”
As he shifts his body again, his voice drops and through the smile plastered on his face he practically whispers, “You know, I suspect he’d rather go on a date withyou,Miss Paladino.”
Then as quickly as Sully appeared, he’s gone, walking toward his mother without so much as a glance behind him.
I don’t even realize that I’m dumbfounded, watching him go, until Raina reaches for my hand and gives it a squeeze, pulling me out of my daze.
“Call me once you diffuse the problem at work?” she asks, giving me an out even though she doesn’t even know why I need it.
I haven’t had a moment to tell her about Sly. She’s completely in the dark.
Shaking my head, I give her a smile that doesn’t reach my eyes. “Yes, absolutely. Love you.”
“Love you,” she assures me, and releases my hand.
The second it’s out of her grasp, I take off toward the elevator, having to mentally remind myself to walk, not run to it, like I’d rather do.
No need to draw attention to myself.
My body constricts the air in my lungs, refusing to let it go until I’m out of the restaurant and back on the busy Manhattan street. The doorman gives me a look of question, but bites his tongue as I inhale air like I’ve been underwater for too long.
I don’t bother texting Ross to pick me up, instead opting for a walk in Central Park. Fresh air and alone time will be good for me—it’ll give my heart time to stop thumping.
The park is busy, as per usual, but I take my time moving along the path until I reach an empty bench and take a seat.
Pretending as though it won’t mess up my makeup, I lean forward, elbows on my knees, and press my hands to my face. It feels good to close my eyes, even if for just a minute.
My mind hasn’t stopped replaying the last twenty minutes of brunch. The way I felt when Norah said Sly’s name. The way Ireacted. The things I said.
Sly’s best friend showing up like an unwanted apparition. Then, whathesaid.
“He’d rather go on a date with you.”
Ha! Unlikely. Hehatesme, and I’m not exactly the biggest fan of his either.
And I meant what I said. I’d rather be single than spend any amount of time with him.
I don’t care what he does.
Don’t care if he goes on a date with a mousy woman who’s going to ‘reel him in’.
Not one bit.
Then why do I feel so flustered?
Chapter 11
Sly
“Explain to me again why you’re dragging me along on your date?” I’m sitting on my couch with a glass of scotch in hand, sipping it while Sully checks his reflection in the mirror for the third time. My best friend and I couldn’t be more opposite, but I suppose that’s why we get along so well.
