Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 86515 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86515 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
The woman approaches with a smile that’s warm enough to pass as genuine, but I swear I see calculation in her eyes.
Or maybe it’s what I believe based on what little I’ve learned of her.
“There you are,” she says, looping an arm lightly through Crosby’s and turning to face her husband, who looks bewildered. “I’ve been wanting to connect since we were at The Blue Line a few weeks ago, but we’ve all been so busy, as I’m sure you know.”
Crosby stills. He doesn’t pull or lean in.
Merely stands still.
“How have you been?” she continues, laughing softly and not even bothering to wait for an answer if Crosby were to offer one. “It’s been way too long, and we should have caught up long before now.” She gestures to Miller. “Such a small world, isn’t it?”
It’s clear she doesn’t care what Crosby might have to say in response, because she turns her focus to me, and I know she very much knows who I am.
She disconnects her arm from Crosby’s and offers her hand to me, which I shake because I’m a professional. “Hi… I’m Cherry Parks. Not sure if Crosby told you, but we used to be an item eons ago.” She steps into Miller’s side, and his arm goes around her waist, pulling her in tight. “Now I’m with the love of my life.” She gives her husband a pat on the chest without really looking at him, because her eyes are on Crosby. She’s gauging his reaction, but the flattening of her mouth tells me she’s disappointed. Crosby stares at her with an impassive expression.
Cherry’s cheeks turn pink and her gaze flicks to me. “He’s always been like this,” she says, her tone one of fond annoyance. “So internal. He’s naturally closed off.”
Crosby’s jaw tightens, the first sign he’s bothered, and I think it’s because she’s not describing him accurately at all. Crosby isn’t internalized. I find him to be outgoing and open to those he likes and trusts, and I’m happy that I’m included in that group now.
“We’re still very good friends,” she adds brightly. “Some bonds don’t disappear because life changes.”
I’m immediately swept up in the “ick” factor. This woman is making stuff up as she goes along, all for the dual purpose of having the attention on herself and making Crosby feel awkward.
I can’t help myself. “That’s interesting,” I say calmly, stepping forward enough to shift the dynamic. “It’s funny how often people assume someone needs to be explained.”
Cherry blinks once.
Crosby looks at me, mouth slightly hanging open, before he snaps it shut and ducks his head so I don’t see the sly grin on his face.
I keep my tone light and professional. “One of the things I’ve noticed,” I continue, “is how much space Crosby gives people to define themselves. It’s rare and refreshing. But I’m sure you know that, seeing as how you’re still very good friends.”
Cherry’s eyes flare as she processes what I said, her face turning as red as her name. Crosby looks up, not hiding his smirk now.
Silence hums among us and I smile blandly at Cherry.
Miller looks confused as ever and clears his throat. “Hey, babe—I see Axel and his wife over there waiting for us.”
Cherry recovers quickly, a grateful smile snapping into place that her husband gave her an exit. “Of course.” Her gaze drifts that way, and she waves across the room.
“It was nice meeting you,” I say brightly.
“Yes,” she says hesitantly. “Nice meeting you too.”
She doesn’t look back at Crosby as they melt into the crowd. I follow their progress, my mind whirring as to what makes someone like Cherry the way she is.
“I’m sorry,” Crosby says.
I jolt and turn back toward him. “For what?”
He tosses his head their way. “That.”
“I hate to tell you, she’s not all that interesting.”
Crosby chuckles. “Yeah, but she thinks she is. I’m certain she was angling for a spot in your film.”
I shake my head. “I’m sure I can come up with a far more interesting angle than a woman who lacks no self-confidence and isn’t over her ex-fiancé.”
Crosby’s eyebrows shoot upward. “Not over me?”
“Yeah… she’s still got it for you. That was the entire reason she came over here.”
“But her husband was right there.” Crosby cranes his neck, trying to locate Cherry and Miller as if he missed a sign.
And it was obvious to me. “Miller’s whipped and is following along like a lost puppy. He’s exactly the perfect type for her, but he’s not what she wants.”
Crosby almost looks offended. “Well, she’s not getting me back. She has to be nuts to think that.”
My head tips back as I laugh. “She’s definitely self-centered with zero awareness, so I think she very much thinks that.”
Exhaling, Crosby runs his hand down his face. “I don’t have time for that shit.” But then he smiles at me, playful and amused. “But the way you handled her… that was epic. I’ll keep that on replay in my mind for a long time. I could kiss you for that.”