Chapter 17
ANOTHER ROUND
NATALIE
Iwas running late, frantically brushing on mascara, then scanning my jewelry box to find something that matched my outfit. My cream sweater dress clung perfectly, paired with tan booties and a YSL clutch. Meredith would’ve been proud, but I hadn’t even had time to check in with her for approval.
My mind wasn’t on my outfit, though, it was on Will.
The day we’d spent together had been blissful, like a stolen piece of heaven.
I couldn’t remember the last time I’d felt that carefree or loved.
But as wonderful as it was, the weight of reality had already started creeping in.
Could I keep doing this? Getting lost in him for a day, only to face the endless complications of his life—and mine?
I shook my head, forcing the thoughts away. The clock was ticking, and my Uber had just pulled into the driveway.
The car door opened to Camille, already lounging in the back seat.
“Hello, love,” she said with a knowing grin. “You’re glowing!”
“Am I?” I asked, a little self-conscious.
“Absolutely. What have you been doing all day? Was it with that hot British lad?”
I laughed, shaking my head. “Not exactly.”
Camille arched a brow. “Not exactly, huh? Spill it as soon as Lauren gets in.”
We pulled into Lauren’s driveway, and she emerged looking elegant. Her newly renovated house stood behind her like something out of Architectural Digest.
“Hi, ladies! You all look gorgeous!” Lauren said, sliding into the car.
“You too, darling,” Camille replied.
“I love your blouse,” I added, admiring her chic outfit.
“And the house—it looks absolutely beau-tiful,” Camille said, the word rolling off her tongue with that unmistakably French lilt.
“Well, thanks to Natalie’s design magic,” Lauren replied with a grin.
I smiled, a little flustered. “It’s easy when you’re working with someone who has exquisite taste.”
Camille leaned in, her voice conspiratorial. “Okay, stop stalling, Natalie. Why do you look like you’ve just stepped out of a spa?”
Lauren laughed. “No kids this weekend?”
I rolled my eyes. “You’re both ridiculous.”
Camille smirked. “What happened with the Brit? Did he pluck your feathers?”
I burst into laughter. “You’re unbelievable,” I said, dodging the question as the Uber pulled up to Bourbon House.
The hostess led us to a cozy table in the back, the same spot where I’d sat with Will for our “business meeting”. The memory gave me chills as I tried to focus on the present.
As we settled in, Lennox, the manager, appeared with his usual charm.
“Hello, ladies,” he greeted us. “You all look stunning tonight.”
We placed our cocktail orders and began scanning the menus. I was half-listening to the specials when I saw Will.
He walked in with a man I presumed was Evan. They were laughing as they made their way to the bar, but his eyes found mine almost instantly.
No way.
He said something to his friend, then headed straight for our table, wearing that infuriating smirk I couldn’t help but love.
“Hello, ladies,” he said smoothly. “Funny seeing you here.”
“Likewise,” I replied, trying to keep my tone neutral.
“I’ll let you get back to it,” he said. “Unless, of course, you’d like to join us?”
Before I could decline, Camille jumped in. “I think we’d love to, and who’s that with you?”
“Yes, that’s my good friend, Evan,” Will replied. “I’ll see if Lennox can combine our tables. Natalie, is that okay with you?” He smirked again, clearly enjoying the situation.
When he walked away, Camille turned to me with wide eyes. “Mon dieu, That’s why you’re glowing!”
“Shh!” I hissed. “It’s complicated. He’s still involved with that blonde, and it’s messy.”
Lauren leaned in, whispering, “Did you sleep with him?”
“Maybe a few times,” I admitted. “Last night. This morning. All day today. Who’s keeping count?”
They both burst into laughter, earning a few curious looks from nearby tables.
Lennox worked his magic, and soon enough, our tables were pushed together.
Evan was introduced, and it didn’t take long for him to charm everyone with his quick wit and infectious laugh.
Evan was hilarious, and Will’s perfectly timed remarks had us all in tears.
It felt easy, natural, like we’d all known each other forever.
At one point, I leaned over to Will and whispered, “Are you stalking me?”
He laughed softly. “Fair about last night, I tried to figure out where you were. Not tonight, though. This was fate. Besides, you know I come here all the time. Maybe you’re the stalker.”
“Camille picked the place,” I said, arching a brow.
“Sure,” he said, winking at me. Somehow, he made it look smooth instead of cheesy.
Will insisted on paying the bill, waving off our protests. As Lauren pulled out her phone to order an Uber, she leaned over to me.
“You need to give him a shot,” she said quietly.
I nodded, though doubt still lingered. I wanted to, but I couldn’t ignore the hurdles: his kids, Blake, the chaos of it all.
“I’m going home with him tonight,” I whispered to Camille and Lauren.
Camille grinned. “You should. Honestly, I’d go home with his friend, il est canon.”
We all laughed as we hugged goodbye. Will waited with me while the Uber came for Camille and Lauren, slipping some cash to the driver and giving him a few instructions.
Evan took an Uber home as well, giving me a quick hug before he left. “It was nice to finally meet you, Natalie,” he said, his tone warm and genuine.
I felt a strange pang of emotion at his words. Will had mentioned me to his best friend.
As the valet brought Will’s car around, I noticed him glance at his phone. His face tightened briefly before he slipped it back into his pocket.
“Everything okay?” I asked.
“Fine,” he said quickly, but I could tell he was lying.
I pushed aside the thoughts lingering in the back of my mind—Blake, our exes, the kids.
Tonight was ours.