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She eyes him cautiously before looking up to me for confirmation.

His eyes bounce between Camila and me and because he’s skittish and likely worried about what I’ll say, he foolishly blurts out, “And let's not throw stones, shall we? Considering what you two are trying to convince everyone here of.”

I know he’s joking because I know Jonas, but Camila doesn't and I can see her start to turn inward a bit and the thought of her being embarrassed or unsure of herself has my molars grinding. With my arm already wrapped around her shoulder I pull her in closer. “Camila, did you know our friend Jonas here is one of thosecool guysthat goes by his last name?”

“Ah fuck,” he mumbles, throwing his head back. “Should have known this shit was coming.”

I move to grab his shoulder, maybe digging in a little too tightly. “Herbert Preston Jonas the third, here.”

Camila's eyes widen and her jaw falls slack before she quickly shuts it and covers her smile with her hand.

“You're an asshole, you know that,” he says to me. I only offer him a wide smile.

“Okay boys, while you continue to do whatever weird thing you're doing, I’m going to head to the ladies room.” She hands me her drink, as she squeezes between us.

“Look for any single ladies for me while you're in there,” Jonas shouts after her.

She looks over her shoulder and gives a little salute, “Aye aye, Herbie.”

His jaw falls like he's deeply offended but I can’t help but burst into a fit of laughter.

Camila

It feelslike I’ve walked a mile through the expansive hotel but I can still feel Miles’s laugh vibrating through my chest. It’s a shame he's such a grump to everyone else because I swear his laughter could cure depression.

I slip into the bathroom that is no less extravagant than the rest of the hotel. There's a cushioned circle couch in the middle and a long vanity with gold-flecked mirrors behind it. My face is flush and I wish I could just douse myself in some cold water, but I settle for washing my hands and taking a few deep breaths. The heavy door swings open and the room fills with giggling women. Three of them head to the stalls in the far back to actually use the bathroom, while one sits waiting on the couch. Our eyes meet in the mirror and her eyes bulge out before she recovers.

“Oh my god. Your Miles’s wife. Camila, right?”

I’ve met so many people tonight that I honestly don't remember who is who anymore. But I don't want to be offensive in case this is someone important, so I nod and give a polite smile.

The woman struts over to me in her short black dress, extending her hand. “I’m Nina, it's nice to meet you. I used to work with Miles.”

There is nothing inherently wrong with anything she's saying, but the way she's looking me up and down has me a little on edge. I chuck it up to being an anxious Annie, dry my hands, and extend one to meet hers. “Nice to meet you, Nina. You said you used to work with Miles. Are you at another firm now?”

Her friends start filing out of the stalls as they look at her out of the corners of their eyes.

“I am, I left Smith & Mitchell about six months ago. Enjoying my new firm a lot more, that's for sure.'' She gives me a knowing smile. Although I’m clearly so far out of the loop.

Like a flock, they head to the door. Before Nina exits she eyes me up and down once more. “Well again, it was so nice to meet you, Camila.”

What the hell is with this lady?My mouth forms a tight line and I give a small wave as they exit.

I blow out a deep breath as I throw myself onto the couch, taking another minute to myself since my first few were ruined.

Me

So like…what's up with you and Jonas? You left out the part where you’ve still been talking to him?..

Taylor

Lmao. Did I?

Me

Taylor!

Taylor