Page 16

“I hate it. I’ve never liked social media. I mean, I like it, reading about celebrities and fashion and seeing posts from my friends, but I don’t like when it revolves around me.”
I nod, afraid to say something else I might regret.
Nova chugs some wine. “I didn’t know Justice was going to dump me. I had no clue. He had his bodyguard tell me.”
I almost choke on my spaghetti. “His bodyguard?”
“Yep. He left early for a show and had one of his bodyguards stay behind to give me the news. ‘Justice feels trapped and needs to spread his wings for a while. He appreciates the time you had together and wishes you the best.’ Then he nodded to three suitcases near the door. ‘He had your stuff packed so you don’t have to deal with it and says the luggage is a gift.’”
I’m stunned. “What a dick.”
Her face lights up at my comment. “Thank you. He is a dick. It was beyond shitty what he did, avoiding me, using his bodyguard—the one I never liked, mind you, and he knew it. As for the luggage, the dumbass didn’t even realize it was mine. My luggage that I brought when I moved in with him.” She laughs without humor. “That was just one of many mistakes I made with him. The worst being with him at all.”
“I’m sorry he treated you that way. He sounds like an asshole, and I never liked his music.”
She cracks up, her smile so infectious I feel my mouth lifting at the corners.
“I like you, Riley. You’re cool.”
I arch an eyebrow and tease, “If I’m Nova Allen-approved cool, it must be true.”
“Stop.” She nudges my arm with her small hand.
She’s average in height and plump in all the right places, but there’s a delicateness about her. Small hands, feet, wrists, and ankles. It’s a unique mix, just like her.
She catches me studying her. “What?”
“Justice is a fool.”
This time, she treats me to an endearing smile that melts a little of the steel cage I’ve built around my heart.
She lifts her wine glass. “Cheers to that.”