My personal inbox pings, and I click on the tab.

Alexander Kasovitz <[email protected]>

To: Lauren Amini

Subject: Lounge Furniture

Question: lounge furniture in the bar area of a restaurant. White or black?

I smile. But, in my defense, I really try not to. Ever since the wedding, Alexander and I have been e-mailing about random things. Favorite movies—his: Fight Club, mine: The Notebook. Best vacation—his: Peru, after graduating from NYU with some of his buddies; mine: Paris with Sanam four years ago when we went with empty suitcases and returned with them full to the brim.

He’s witty and funny, and he seems to always be doing something interesting. Me, on the other hand? Boring-ville. Not that I mind. I’ve had enough drama to last a lifetime, and this past month has been spent trying to find some sort of equilibrium. It’s all about finding my career path and letting my heart settle. I don’t get excited when I hear from Alexander. But, after what I went through with Slade, it does feel good to have some healthy attention even if it isn’t going anywhere.

Looking down at my screen, I click REPLY.

Lauren Amini <[email protected]>

To: Alexander Kasovitz

Re: Lounge Furniture

I love white, but the lighting should be dim. Otherwise, it’s tacky.

Alexander Kasovitz <[email protected]>

To: Lauren Amini

Re: Lounge Furniture

Why don’t you come check it out? The space is almost complete. We’ve got white furniture coming in on Tuesday. I’d love your opinion.

Lauren Amini <[email protected]>

To: Alexander Kasovitz

Re: Lounge Furniture

Oh, puh-lease! You have so many restaurants. I’m sure you’ve got some fancy designer. What would you need me for?

Alexander Kasovitz <[email protected]>

To: Lauren Amini

Re: Lounge Furniture

You’re honest. You’re not trying to sell me something. And you’ve got great taste. Who else would I need?

I exhale, massaging my temples. Slade and I are over. He was horrible, and to add insult to injury, he still hasn’t contacted me. I groan, hating the fact that his name is even on my mind. He doesn’t deserve my time or attention.

Maybe I should force myself to just go out with Alexander, for the sake of staying busy. He has been trying to see me since the wedding, and I keep denying him. What harm could it do anyway? The wall around my heart is so high; Alexander couldn’t make a dent. Maybe I’ll have some fun though. I deserve it, right?

Lauren Amini <[email protected]>

To: Alexander Kasovitz

Re: Lounge Furniture

Let me know when.

I hit SEND and immediately regret it. No! I won’t allow myself to regret anything. It’s just looking at furniture for his restaurant. That’s all. I refuse to feel guilty for having a good time. Slade and I are completely over. He hurt me, and I hate him. The end.

Alexander Kasovitz <[email protected]>

To: Lauren Amini

Re: Lounge Furniture

Friday night. 7 p.m. I’ll text you the address. Send me your number?

Friday night comes in a blink of an eye. I don’t return home to doll myself up but instead go straight from work. This isn’t a formal date, so I have no reason to drive myself crazy. Anyway, the days of taking hours to get dressed are behind me.