I swallowed, much preferring the latest memory of us, fucking like animals in the cubicle of a store bathroom.
I didn't care about the guilt. IlovedJain. I realised I was probably obsessed with her, and this worried me.
Vada was right. I needed to focus on her. So I grabbed my things and made a mental note to stop at the store for some flowers.
It was pointless thinking of Jain.
She was engaged to be married, and I was in a pleasant enough relationship. If she wanted me, she would've never walked away.
Not once, but twice.
I needed to move on.
Jain
“Are you sure it’s ok? I don’t want to be overdressed—”
“Jain, angel, you’re hot. In or out of anything you wear. Especially out...” Julian grinned, tapping my ass lightly as he nodded at my reflection.
I wore my black pencil skirt with a tight silk blouse and fishnet tights. My high stilettos made me feel more confident, and that was something I needed tonight.
Of course, I’d met Julian’s parents, but I think they were worried I was after his money initially. But, now that I was earning just as much myself, they had piped down. His aunt and cousin were coming, and I knew they would be scrutinizing me if they were anything like Arlena, his mother. So, I’d kept my makeup on point, even wearing my favourite red lipstick. I knew that I needed to look confident to feel it, so I gave myself a nod of approval.
I’ve got this.
Half an hour later, we walked into the restaurant. We were the first there and chose to sit opposite one another. Julian ordered wine for the table, champagne for hismother, of course, and immediately stood to greet someone from behind me.
“Vada! Aunt Loretta, how are you both?”
I froze, wondering if it was possible my fiancé was related to Vada, the bitch that had tried it on with my ex at every opportunity. The school secretary—
“Vada, Aunt Loretta, meet my fiancée, Jain,” Julian proudly gushed as I stood to meet the older woman’s curious gaze.
“Why, Julian, she is far too young and pretty for you.”
I smiled, instantly liking the woman with a twinkle in her eye.
“I know, that’s why I’m marrying her,” Julian joked, winking at me.
“Jain Martin? My god, you went to—” Vada began as I cringed.
“Indeed, I did. You look as stunning as ever, Vada.” I smiled politely as she rolled her eyes.
“Oh, please, honey. Look at yourself! All curves and lips now! Welcome to the family.” Vada smiled, pulling me into her arms with a crushing grip.
“Ah, finally got parked, Evan? It’s ridiculous, they know how popular this restaurant is, and they have about four spaces in the car park! So Evan had to drop us at the door!” Aunt Loretta muttered. “Julian, Jain, meet Evan, my future son-in-law to be if Vada works her magic. Evan, this is Julian, my nephew and his beautiful fiancée, Jain.”
No.
It couldn’t be.
“Evan was Jain’s English teacher!” Vada laughed as Julian chuckled.
“No way? Lucky you.” Julian shook Evan’s hand as nausea rose in my throat.
Evan’s eyes met mine, and it took everything I had notto keel over in shock. I finally located my voice, forcing a smile.
“Mr Silver, it’s been...a while since I last saw you.”