Suddenly, we were more like college buddies making fun rather than lovers trying to patch things up.
We settled on stools and ordered drinks.
After our drinks arrived, Chase said, “I’m sorry about the Tinder mix-up.”
“So tell me, weren’t lots of girls swiping to meet up?” I asked.
What a silly question. It was like asking if Ryan Gosling could act.
He sipped his beer pensively. “I haven’t been paying attention. Anyway, I’m no longer on it.”
I stared down at my salt-rimmed margarita.
“Hey, listen, Ivy. I mean it.” His eyes shone with sincerity again. Was this a new Chase? Or was I finally getting to see a deeper version?
“About us going away…” he added.
I nodded slowly. The idea of escaping for a couple of days sounded appealing. I wouldn’t have to confront my mom. That was me—procrastinator to a fault. Why face something today when I could do it next week?
“Okay. Let’s do it,” I said.
His smile faded away. He bit his lip.
“What’s the matter?” I asked.
“I just realized. I can’t.” He ran his finger through his thick dark hair. “Shit.”
Just as I was about to speak, a woman dressed in a bodycon mini that looked painted on stumbled over. She shrilled, “Why haven’t you returned my calls?”
Ignoring me, she leaned in so close to Chase, she was virtually sitting on his lap.
Chase gave me a quick side-glance before responding to the drunken girl, “Um… do I know you?”
“Tiffany. Remember? We met at Ben’s that night.” She ran her tongue suggestively over her pumped lips, and I wanted to puke.
Talk about subtle.
“He’s had a few parties,” he said. “It’s a bit dark in here.”
“So why didn’t you call?”
“I’ve been away, and look…” He glanced at me. “I’m here with my girlfriend, so…”
Girlfriend?
She gave me a once-over then turned away. “You’ve got my number.” She swayed off and joined her friends again.
I shook my head.
“What?”
“We’re here for one second, and a girl jumps out.”
“You’ve had your share, Ivy.” He looked down at his drink. There it was again—Chase going serious. “I need all of that to go away. Fast. I’m over it.”
My maniacal ex appeared out of nowhere, and my shoulders slumped. “Oh shit,” I muttered.
Chase turned to see Leo lumber over.