“What was what about?” I ask, playing dumb.

“You were talking to Aaron.”

“We met,” I say. “A few days ago. He was my Lift driver. And he saw me in the paper, of course,” I say casually, as if it means nothing. It’s obviously not true, but it has to seem that way to her. She thinks, after all, that I agreed to it. But it still means a lot! The only thing I’m thankful for in this whole mess—hoping that Ethan didn’t lie to me—is that Max didn’t see it.

“That’s it?” she asks.

I smile. “Why? Is there anything more?”

“No. I just—”

“He asked about you,” I say in passing.

“What? He did? What do you mean?”

“Just if you’re seeing anyone.”

“He asked you if I’m seeing someone? Why you?” She then tries to control her reaction but it’s so obvious. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you. I just didn’t know you two were close.”

“Well, he knows we work together, so he probably assumed you and I are close.”

“And we are, aren’t we?” she asks, and she’s so cute, in an insecure kind of way. I know what she’s trying to ask. Still, I’m not going to give her any more details and possibly let her in on my involvement in what might or might not—but hopefully might—happen tonight.

“I said you’re single for now, that’s all. I shouldn’t have?” I ask, playing the innocent.

“No, no, that’s fine. It’s the truth.”

“Yes, it’s the truth.”

Sixty-Seven

I would lie if I said I didn’t spend the next couple of hours watching Celine and Aaron, hoping he’d make a move, praying she’d say yes. I almost forgot my own complications for those two hours. I focused less on Ethan reading my book or why he hadn’t suggested we spend another day together, or why when I look at him, I can’t stop looking at him.

Instead, I took out the notebook, and wrote down Aaron and Celine’s story, this time not only based on my imagination but what was right in front of my eyes. I like these new stories, much more than my old ones. I don’t want to say the literary agents were right, but I will admit they’re far more realistic. Not less hopelessly romantic, though.

When Aaron left the money on the table and walked away without coming in, my heart sank. Looking at Celine and seeing the same disappointed reaction on her face made things worse. I gave her hope and it backfired. I wanted to go after him but didn’t know what else to say; instead, I just stood there, watching him leave.

About half an hour later, before we start dinner service, Ethan leaves to meet someone.

“I’ll see you ladies later,” he says from the door and waves smilingly.

“What’s he so happy about?” asks Celine and I hear the hurt in her voice.

I made a mistake and I’m so sorry about it. I got overconfident after my success with Brienne and Alan. I had good intentions but didn’t know anything about these two. Only what Ethan told me.