Page 74 - Interior_SPRING SUMMER FALLING_2021
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74 | FRANCESCA PE NN

            “I take it that’s Teo and Lizzie,” I whisper in her ear. Sanya raises an eyebrow.
        “I had a text from your mom waiting for me when I got off the plane.”
            She laughs and shakes her head. “I should have known. You and your

        girlfriend.”
            “Things are getting pretty serious,” I say in my best Kip voice. Sanya laughs
        because she loves Napoleon Dynamite, and all is right with my world. She is happy
        again, and that’s all that matters.
            The wedding party filters  down to introduce themselves. Tala, the bride,
        appears to be bored with anything not about her. The rest of the people are just a
        blur of names. The girl with the sad eyes is Carla. She is the happiest to meet me.

            The asshole moves forward with malice in his eyes. I am instantly grateful I
        possess the fortitude to bust my ass to get to Florida.
            “Tell us the truth; she hired you, didn’t she?” Lizzie laughs, and some of the
        others look away without say anything. Gail’s request seems more promising by the
        minute.
            “You must be Teo, the hating ex.” I shake his hand with more force than
        necessary.
            “I’m Teo, but I’m not a hater. I’m a realist. Where did she find you?”
            Sanya squeezes my arm in warning, but I am already privy to his ploy.

            “In her house. We live together.” I move to shake his girlfriend’s hand, but he
        blocks me.
            “You expect me to believe you live in her ‘sanctuary.’” He uses air quotes for
        sanctuary. He is testing my patience.
            “I don’t give a shit what you believe. Wow, you are very interested in your ex’s
        life. It’s almost…”

            “Sad,” Sanya finishes. “I used ‘sad’ this morning.”
            “And disturbing,” I supply, looking at Sanya before I refocus my attention on
        the asshat. “Move on.”
            Lizzie rolls her eyes at him and steps between us extending her hand. She gives
        me a look that makes lewd suggestions. Her hand lingers in mine longer than
        necessary. Lizzie has no loyalty. She goes for whatever she believes is better. It is so
        familiar; I get a chill.
            I grab Sanya’s hand. “Let’s go. I can’t wait to see our room.”
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