Page 53 of June: Jess' Story
Wait…is Anya? I feel legitimately nauseated, then ten times worse because she seems like his type. They’d have gorgeous nordic-looking babies together, that’s for sure. (Hmm, I don't want to think about Alex making babies with someone else. No, thank you.)
I wait for him to make the first move. Is this civil? Is it back to ignoring me? And then, why is he here?
“Pal!” Caleb calls out to Alex.
“Blanks,” Alex nods back in acknowledgement. Caleb’s nickname isBlanks?
“You probably know Jess, right? Brit’s assistant?” Caleb asks him.
“Yeah, I know Jess.” He smiles. (He smiles!) I blush.
“Hey, Alex,” I try my best to sound absolutely, completely polite.
“Well, that saves me from having to introduce you to your other boss. Alex is my business partner.”Oh. Oh…no. My mouth forms a little “o,” but no words come out. (Shall I just step in front of a train now? Or wait till later?)
“I just hired Jess to help with logistics while you take your,” Caleb uses air quotes, “‘leave of absence.’” Ahh, leave for…his wedding. My heart stutters.
“That’s right,” I finally find my voice. “I hear congratulations are in order.” Alex looks at me, giving me wide eyes. Maybe surprised, maybe a bit scared? I try my best to keep my smile normal. Caleb is looking at me, then Alex, waiting.
Then Alex says, “Jess, can I talk to you for a minute? Outside?” I feel like I’ve just gotten called to the principal’s office.
“Um, sure.” I sort of look to Caleb first, checking if it's okay and he shrugs.
I follow Alex, but instead of going outside, he takes my hand, pulling me down the second flight of stairs to the basement. It’s like a separate apartment from the rest of the townhouse. Small kitchen at one end, living space, and several doors open. One leading to a gym, maybe one to a bedroom.
“How are you doing?” Alex asks, surprising me. I thought I was going to get chastised, maybe put in my place.
“Umm, I’m okay.” I fidget slightly, straightening my cardigan (the cropped one Brit bought yesterday), standing up a little straighter. No one has ever made me feel like I’m crawling in my own skin the way Alex does.
“Promise?” He tries to find my eyes. I eventually let him. I’m having a hard time lying to him. I sort of shake my head, but don’t say anything more. Alex swallows and nods, I think understanding.
“There’s been something I’ve been meaning to tell you…ask you…” He trails off.
“I heard.” I say. “Congratulations, really.” Good for him for being able to finally move past Amy. “I’m sure that thing that happened by the lake didn’t mean anything, and I can keep a secret…if that’s what this is about?” His face turns red. I can’t do this.
I dig deep, steeling myself in my new Gucci slingbacks. “Brit is throwing Eden a birthday party at Serendipity this weekend. You should both come.” (Look at me go!) (Alright, fine, it nearly killed me.) When he doesn’t immediately say anything back, I lean up, placing a kiss on his cheek and quietly say, “I’m happy for you if you’re happy.” Then walk away like a queen. Head high, steady, and extra grateful I opted for the shorter skirt this morning.
FOURTEEN
Jess
The upstairs dining room at Serendipity is packed. Not necessarily because there’s so many people here, it’s just a small space and it’s decorated to the nines. I am happy to see some familiar faces, though. Damian and the girls made it. Obviously Brit and Liam are here. May and Ellen immediately find me, taking Eden out of my arms. I spot my (no, notmy) Tommy with Jamie, too.
Brit finds me, all smiles. “What do you think?” She motions to the pink and teal space decked out in disco balls and balloons. A cake, entirely too big for a 1-year-old on a table at the far end, pink wrapped boxes piled high beside it.
“Wow. You did this?” Since when does Brit know how to plan a party?
“No, Liam did. But I supervised!” I roll my eyes. Seriously, they’re sickening. Perfect for each other. They even look like the perfect match, too. (Think like Batman and Barbie.) Liam’sgray-haired, muscly, and decked out in his signature black jeans, gray t-shirt, and Sambas. And then Brit, looks amazing in her sculpted, boat neck Bumpsuit dress with the long mohair cardigan hanging off one shoulder, and heeled midi boots.
It’s like somehow the universe has flipped on its head and we’ve traded places. It’s like I'm seeing a side of her I never knew existed because Liam brings it out in her. He gives her the space and confidence to be the best version of herself. This glammed up version, but also the baggy t-shirt, no makeup version, too. And she deserves that.
“This outfit is serving, Brit.” I motion up and down her body, her bump extra bumpy today.
She leans closer, whispering, “Liam likes me in heels. This is the last time they’ll see the light of day, though.”
“Yessss, queen.” I smile and laugh with her.
“You look great, too, by the way.” She looks down at my Gucci slingbacks, Cami NYC Everly tank tucked into my ripped AGOLDEs (not the coffee-stained ones), and an old fuzzy cardigan. It’s very aughts inspired.