Chapter 19
Javier and Rey are on their morning run.
When I leave the shower, my phone goes off from a text.
Javier: Hey, Ari. It's Saturday, and I was wondering if you'd like to go out dancing with us.
My stomach churns with a mix of anticipation and dread. The word “us” in Javier's message is a loaded one, implying that Rey will be there too.
Ari: Where are we going? What should I wear?
Javier: A dance club. You got a dress?
I do. I was able to get something for my birthday after Jimmy was signed, but he canceled our date at the last minute.
After spending the day getting ready, I styled my hair, painted my nails, and spent over an hour on my makeup. I look at myself in the mirror for the fifth time.
My long, sleek hair cascades down my back, contrasting with the body-hugging dress that accentuates my curves. I adjust the over-the-knee, suede, pointed-toe boots, ensuring they're perfect. I grab a coat, a small wallet, and my phone, ready for the night.
Before I head out, I spray a little perfume.
The pit of my stomach churns with a mix of nerves and anticipation. It's been so long since I've dressed up and gone out dancing.
I take a deep breath to calm my nerves before heading to the living room.
I hear a woman's laugh. Javier didn't mention anyone else. He said...us.
I grip the sleeves of my coat like a shield, and I'm glad it covers my legs and the back of my dress.
“There she is. I was about to call you,” Javier says, looking me up and down from head to toe. "You look… amazing.”
“Thank you. You look nice, too.”
His cheeks flush bright red. “Thank you, Ari.”
I look behind him, and my stomach sinks. There is a tall, thin blonde seated close to Rey. Closer than what would be considered friendly.
She smiles at me, and I instantly wish she had warts all over her face. She has blond hair, perfectly shaped lips, and long legs. Her fitted dress hugs every curve of her body.
Rey's eyes avoid mine, and at that moment, I feel the weight of our unspoken connection. My heart sinks, a heavy stone in my chest, as I realize that our relationship is not what I had hoped it to be.
I read too much into last week's kiss. It hasn't happened again, but that doesn't mean I hoped it wouldn't.
“You must be me, Ari,” she gushes. “I'm Julia. Javier has told me so much about you. I've known Rey and Javier since I was a senior in high school.”
Her voice drips with bubbles and too much champagne. As much as I want to hate her, I have no reason to. She shares a history with him with which I cannot compete .
I can't tear my eyes away from the way she smiles at Rey, a smile that feels too intimate, too possessive. A surge of jealousy, hot and sharp, pierces through me like a thousand tiny needles.
I give her a fake smile. “So are you and Rey like… together?” I ask, the words coming before I can stop them.
She giggles. Rey blinks.
She glances at Rey and then at me. “We're close,” she says, giving me a hopeful smile.
It says a lot. Rey’s never mentioned her.