Page 107 of Pretend You Love Me

I really have no appetite now. I try to keep my eyes on Craig, but they keep drifting to Kip’s table. Jan and Bill are talking excitedly. Why is he here? Is he writing again? After all this time? They look awfully happy, so I imagine he’s working again. Kip, however, does not look happy. I catch him glaring at Craig and nursing a whiskey for the rest of the meal.

Once we’re finished, Craig walks behind me out of the restaurant. He places his hand on my lower back as we make our way through a tight place. I feel like the entire restaurant is staring at his hand on my back, but in reality, there’s just one person staring. I can’t get out of here fast enough.

“I had a really nice time,” Craig says once we’re outside.

“It was nice.” I smile. “Thank you.”

“Can I call you?”

I hesitate.

“Oh.” He frowns.

“I’m so sorry.” I want to burst into tears right now. “It’s not you. You were lovely. I’ve had a lot going on in my life recently. I thought I was ready to date, but...I’m sorry.”

His posture stoops a little, and I feel like the biggest jerk in the world. After a moment, he stands up straight again and says, “Well, when you get into a better place, I’d love to try again.”

I give him a quick hug. “Thank you. You’re really so kind.”

He nods. “Do you want me to call you a car?”

“No. I actually have a car coming,” I lie.

His car pulls up. “Would you like me to stay until your car arrives?”

“That’s not necessary. Thank you again for a nice meal.”

He gives me another brief hug and then disappears into the car. I bend over at the waist once his car drives away. I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut. My head is spinning. I straighten back up and think about what I want to do next.

“Hey, did your date leave you?” I hear Kip call.

I shake my head and then lie, “He’s just getting the car.”

He walks up to me. His eyes fall to my dress again, and I’m cursing Zadie for making me borrow it.

“So you're dating, huh?”

“Kip...”

He holds his hands up in the surrender pose. “You can do whatever you want. Is it temporary with him too?”

I feel my face growing flushed.

“That’s what your dress is saying.”

My face reddens even more.

“Kip,” I gasp.

He steps closer to me. He reeks of whiskey. “He should be happy. You’ve dressed the part tonight.”

I feel like I might throw up.

“You can fuck whoever you want. It’s none of my business.”

My mouth is watering. I’m afraid I’m going to vomit on him.

“You’re right. It isn’t any of your business,” I hiss.