I felt bitter at how he’d dropped me, sure, but his reaction to my mother’s illness spoke of a caring that I hadn’t realized still existed.
Why would he care, after all?
Sure, it could be considered as basic human decency, but to stagger back in astonishment?
That was more intense than anything I could have imagined.
Biting my lip, I turned on my heel and retreated to my office.
Leaving Cooper and Justin to their business was surprisingly hard. I wanted to interrupt, wanted to watch Cooper work if I were being honest.
I’d always had such faith in him, and that faith had never died because when I’d seen the ad agency’s site, had seen his position, I’d just known how awesome he would be at his job.
Now, I wanted the opportunity to see the man in action.
To watch him command his domain.
The notion was foolish, but then, I’d always been a fool where he was concerned.
Why else was I still a virgin? Why else did I have to manufacture this entire scenario just to see if I could get closure, to find a way to finally be free of the shadow of him in my life?
I’d never gotten over him, and I feared I never would.
We’d been so perfect together.
Why hadn’t he seen that?
Chapter 6
LAUREN
Seven Years Ago
“You’ll never believe it.”
Cooper smirked at my statement. “I bet I could.”
I shook my head. “No, freaking, way. This will astonish even you. Oracle.”
He snorted at my nickname for him. He had a way of knowing everything that was going on around campus… I figured it was to do with how many goddamn part time jobs he had.
As a bartender and barista, the man had to hear way more conversations than he wanted to.
“Come on then, hit me with it.”
“Clarice’s getting married.”
When he didn’t rear back in astonishment, I scowled at him. “Where did you hear it?”
He winced. “I was mopping up a spilled coffee when she came in. She was on the phone with her mom, and didn’t realize I was there.”
“And you didn’t tell me?” I pouted.
“I only heard this afternoon. Plus, I figured she’d tell you ASAP. I wasn’t wrong, was I? Why would I have spoiled the surprise?”
I rolled my eyes at him. “Some surprise. She’s marrying Steve, babe. He’s not exactly Prince Charming.”
“Maybe he’s her version of Prince Charming.”