Chapter 10 #2
“I’m a designer and model for Lust & Lace.
I went to school in Brooklyn to get my degree and was doing some small modeling jobs.
Once I graduated, I started working for them full-time.
Until last autumn, I was working in Brooklyn.
There was an issue with my visa, and I had to come back to the UK, so I work out of the London office for now.
” I obviously skip the part about Darío, not sure if I’m ready to talk about it.
Besides, it’s probably not the get-to-know-you conversation people would expect.
“Modeling? I can see it. I’m familiar with the brand, though I don’t necessarily wear their products. I’ve bought them for an ex, though.” The impish grin is at odds with his pink cheeks as he smiles at me.
“If you’ve shopped for their products, I’m sure you’ve seen my arse at some point,” I joke.
“Honestly, it’s my dream job. I’ve traveled a lot, which I always wanted to do.
Enough about me, though. What brings you to London?
” I find myself wanting to know more about this man, and I try not to let guilt outweigh the intrigue.
I’m not doing anything wrong, despite the images of Darío currently playing on a loop in my head.
“Work trip extended for pleasure. I’ve always wanted to explore London, so when my business partner went home, I stuck around for a bit.
” The conversation is easy between us as we talk more about his time in London and the work he does in public relations.
We find ourselves talking about my job again, and I share stories about the places I’ve visited.
I tell him about Fiji, Cancun, and the Seychelles, but I skip mentioning Cartagena.
I’m not ready to share that part of my heart.
I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready to revisit that city, even just in conversation.
He considers me before speaking. “I imagine that type of work makes having a relationship difficult.”
I don’t answer right away as I study the grooves in the wooden table.
“I was with my ex-boyfriend for three years. He travels a lot for his job, so it wasn’t always easy, but we made it work.
At least for a while. When I had to come to London, it changed things.
” My anxiety spikes at mentioning Darío, about calling him my ex.
I remind myself that he’s part of my history, and that he is, in fact, my ex.
“Ah. I can see how that would be hard. Could he not come with you? Three years is a long time.” His question catches me off guard. “I’m sorry, that’s rude. You don’t have to answer that.” A look of remorse crosses his face, so I rush to reassure him.
“No, it’s ok. He plays baseball. Like, professionally.
It wasn’t possible for him to move with me.
” Taking a deep breath, I consider how much I want to share with this stranger.
It’s the first time in months I’ve had a meaningful conversation with someone who isn’t my best friend or sister.
“I made some poor decisions at the end, and I cheated on him.”
I expect judgment, and when I feel his hand cover mine, I finally look up to meet his eyes.
I don’t find condemnation, just compassion.
“Our mistakes don’t define us, Harlan.” I exhale a shaky breath.
Whether this stranger means it or not, his response is exactly what I needed to hear.
I may walk out of this café and never see him again, but at least I won’t feel shame when I look back on the first interaction I’ve had with a man since the breakup.
“Sorry, that got heavier than I intended,” I say lightly, and I feel my cheeks heat. This was not exactly a first meeting conversation, Harlan.
“Don’t apologize. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you,” he replies, and he smiles kindly. “I’m only here for another week, but I’d love to take you out for dinner.” My pulse spikes a bit at the thought of a date with someone else, but he's so genuine and curious that I find myself nodding.
“I would really like that, thank you.” We exchange numbers, and he promises to send me a text tomorrow to make plans.
“I’ve had a lovely evening, but I should really get home to make sure my friend didn’t get lost on her way to my flat,” I laugh.
Penelope has become a bit of a pro at navigating England, but I still worry about her.
Oliver places his hand on my lower back as we make our way to the exit.
We stand close while we wait for our respective Ubers on the pavement.
When the cars arrive, I turn to say goodbye, and Oliver gently grabs my wrist. He pulls me in for a hug that I return, a bit hesitantly.
Everything about him feels different than Darío.
He smells faintly of soap and lemon, mixed with sweat from the club, and I find relief in the difference between the two men.
“It was truly a pleasure meeting you, Harlan. Thank you for the company tonight.” Leaning down, he kisses my cheek before climbing into his car.
I climb into mine, my mind reeling from this beautiful stranger.
My only intention was to dance and find a hookup, not agree to a date, but Oliver seems like he’s full of surprises.
At home, Pen is waiting for me on the sofa while she scrolls through her phone.
Her face is clear of makeup, and she’s in sweatpants and an oversized T-shirt that looks vaguely familiar.
When she sees me, her face lights up. “Tell me everything, Harlan!” I laugh, taking the seat next to her, as I fold my legs under me.
I recall the conversation with Oliver while Penny absorbs every detail.
I can tell she’s battling the urge to interrupt and ask a million questions, but she keeps it under control while I give her the details.
“He asked if he could take me on a date while he’s still here.
I said yes.” Part of me wonders if she’s going to tell me it’s too soon for me to start dating someone new.
The plan was a quick hookup, not an actual date.
“He sounds super sweet. I bet it was hard to tell him about what happened with you and Dare, but I’m very proud of you,” she says and leans over to kiss my cheek. “It’s about time you start to experience life again, bestie.”
I consider her words for a moment before I reply.
“It actually wasn’t nearly as hard as I thought it would be.
He’s really easy to talk to. I was expecting judgment, but he was so sweet about it, he almost didn't seem real.” I lean against the back of the sofa and look sideways at Penny.
She’s smiling back at me, and my heart feels a bit less broken.