ELLIE
Traffic was a mess as I drove to meet Zara for lunch on Thursday. Why did my life feel like such a disaster? I had a good job that I actually liked, real friends who cared about me, and I had even sorted things out with my ex a little. I was finally getting over him and moving on.
My life wasn’t really a mess; maybe it was just my emotions. But I refused to admit that Ethan was the reason for this chaos. I could admit he’d been occupying my thoughts a lot lately, even my dreams, but that was just desire.
I could admit my desire. My whole body craved him and heated up just remembering what he could do to me. I could hardly close my eyes at night without picturing his perfect face between my legs, those brown eyes staring at me, and those lips on me. Damn! I was getting wet just thinking about him.
Why did I feel conflicted if I knew Ethan wasn’t the kind of man for me? Whatever his reasons were, he wasn’t interested in a relationship, which was exactly what I wanted. There was no hope, and I needed to forget about him. I couldn’t let my actions be guided by my desire.
And as if everything that happened wasn’t already too much to handle, we’d have to spend a week together if he accepted the invitation to this trip. I was hoping he’d decline. And if he accepted, maybe I’d have to come up with an excuse not to go.
The car behind me started honking, pulling me out of my thoughts and making me realize the light had turned green.
I parked near the restaurant where Zara was waiting for me. It was easy to spot her once I walked in; her red hair stood out anywhere.
“Hey! Traffic is a nightmare,” I cursed as I approached the table where she was sitting.
I kissed her cheek before taking a seat.
“Hey! How are you?” She narrowed her brown eyes, studying my mood.
“Fine,” I lied, shrugging.
“Don’t lie. I can almost see the smoke coming out of your head, and you also look like you didn’t sleep well.”
“Oh, thanks for making it clear I look terrible. Well, that’s exactly how I feel.”
“I’m sorry.” She smiled with compassion. “Is this because of what Zoe said last night?”
“We both know she made that up out of nowhere. I don’t know what she’s plotting, but she’s driving me insane. I love her, but I really wish she’d leave me alone.”
“That’s just Zoe being Zoe. She thinks you and Ethan have a shot.”
“Please tell me you don’t agree with her?”
“No, I don’t. And that’s exactly why I wanted to talk to you.”
“What do you mean?”
“Okay. First of all, feel free to say no.”
I nodded, confused.
“There’s a friend of Jack’s who’s been single for a while...”
“Oh no!” I sighed, wishing I could disappear.
“Let me finish... His name’s Anthony, he’s a lawyer, successful, and I personally think he’s an interesting and charming guy. And the bonus is that he’s looking for something serious.”
“Why are you all suddenly so invested in setting me up with someone?”
“It’s just an opportunity to meet someone interesting. And actually, it was Jack’s idea.”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“Why not? You could use this to show Zoe you’re not interested in Ethan, and it could also help keep Todd at a distance.”
“Okay. You have good points, but...”
“Before you say no, let me show you a picture of him,” she said with a playful smile. “Then you can decide.”
“Fine,” I sighed.
She pulled out her phone and started scrolling, then turned the screen toward me. I leaned in to get a better look.
“This is Anthony.”
Jack was in the photo next to a man just as tall as him. Anthony had dark, wavy hair, striking blue eyes, and a well-groomed beard. He was wearing a suit and had a serious, elegant look.
He was definitely handsome, the kind of guy who would probably catch any woman’s eye. Not for having a fun vibe, but for being mysterious. When I looked up, Zara was watching me closely, waiting for a reaction.
“Well?”
“Okay. He’s handsome.”
She smiled, making me laugh too.
“But?” She raised an eyebrow.
“I don’t think there is a ‘but.’”
“So, is that a yes?”
“Maybe.”
“You have to say yes or no, Ellie.”
“Do you think he’d like me?”
“Since when are you insecure? You know you’re beautiful and smarter than most people.”
“You know what... maybe this is exactly what I need, so yes.”
Maybe meeting someone new would stop me from dreaming about Ethan and help me forget him.
“Great! We were thinking of inviting him to dinner tomorrow.”
“Oh, that’s soon.”
“Don’t want to?”
“I guess it’s fine.”
“Oh, Jack invited Ethan.”
“What?”
“He wants him to meet Sophia.”
Morgan likes kids? Now that was a surprise.
“So, can we invite Anthony?”
If I said yes, it could make Zoe understand that I wasn’t interested in Ethan. But I’d also have to deal with Ethan’s presence while trying to get to know another man. At least it would make it clear I wasn’t available to be his sex toy. This might even be fun in the end.
“Yes. I’m actually looking forward to it,” I said with a smile.
Despite everything, I wasn’t doing this just because of Zoe or Ethan; I was doing it for myself too. It was a chance to meet a handsome, interesting man who was looking for more than just sex. So why not?
“Tell me more about Anthony.”
As we ate, Zara told me everything she knew about Anthony. She mentioned that he had been married before but didn’t have kids, that he was thirty-five, and had lived abroad for a while for work. I concluded that he must be quite experienced. Anthony sparked some curiosity in me.
I was excited about dinner, and although I didn’t want to admit it, I knew my excitement had nothing to do with meeting Anthony. It had everything to do with the fact that Ethan would be there.