Page 177 - Interior_SPRING SUMMER FALLING_2021

SPRING SUMME R FALLING | 177

will never understand how a guy can dump a woman then act like she’s the asshole
of the situation.

Tala appears in a barely-there teal dress and high heels. She mouths, “Sorry,”
then grabs my hand. I grab Henri’s as the three of us work our way to the VIP
section. Tala loves having exclusive access. She doesn’t want to be with the regular
people.
“Teo is in a pissy mood because Lizzie left him for someone richer.”
I gasp in mock shock. “I would never think she is capable of such a thing.” My

response is rich with snark.
Tala shrug says “oh, well,” her shoulders barely move, and her expression is
blank. She doesn’t feel sorry for him. She’s just as tired as everyone else of his
attitude.
Henri goes to the bar while I greet the others. He returns with shots. “I have a
feeling we need these.”

I love that about him. He pays attention to me and notices things others don’t.
Maybe I should ask him to love me. To give us a chance outside of the bedroom.
But, I am scared. I fear seeing the same lack of interest on his face that he had with
Cassie. I refuse to hold him in a relationship just to wake up one morning to
discover he wants to move on. Besides, isn’t his moving already an attempt to be
some distance between us? I push the thoughts away tonight; is the last hurrah. I
want to give him a good memory.
“Not too many.” My eyes convey my meaning and his jaw clenches.

Let me tell you about announcements at clubs or any public venue. Most
people do not pay attention to them. If it’s not a sale announcement, a warning of
danger, or a contest, most people will tune out an announcement unless they hear
their names. Why did I bring this up? I just heard mine. I look at my immediate
company, and they all look confused. Apparently, the next song is dedicated to me.
The party looks at Henri, but he shakes his head and holds his palms up in the
universal “I don’t know” gesture.
We, Tala and Co. included, let out a collective sigh when Charlie Puth starts
singing. Teo returns shortly after the song starts playing; his eyes glow with
amusement. Too bad for him, “Attention” happens to be one of the songs I like,
and I don’t care for his attention.