Page 37 of Your Rule to Break

sure

also want a pic of the outfit

you’re awfully needy today

every day, baby

I shake my headand put my phone in my bag. It’s alarming how easy it is to fall into things like that with Zack—calling him after something just to dish on what happened, as an example.

Tonight, he’s traveling for an away game. I’m bummed I’m home this weekend and not watching the Cosmos play. It’s not like I’ve ever been to an away game, but Zack has turned into my go-to when it comes to plans.

Part of me wonders if Zack has any regular hookups where he’s going. I have no business wondering about such a thing but I can’t help it. When I was looking at our selfies after the cooking class the other night, someone named “Kass blonde lawyer” sent him three texts while I was looking.

This is a bad look—for me, not for him. He’s done exactly what we planned, and then some. Besides Cassie waiting for him in the parking lot after his first home game, there hasn’t been anything—or anyone—else.

I wasn’t trying to snoop or be sneaky, it just sort of happened. He didn’t flinch like he had something to hide when I wanted to look at the photos.

Emilie, stop. He’s not yours, not really. He’s given you more than enough.

Before I saw the texts, I thought he was finally going to kiss me. It feels like we’ve been dancing around it for weeks. I still can’t get over what he said about the first time he would kiss me, how it wouldn’t be in front of a fuck friend.

Fuck, why did Colt have to be at the bar that night?

At this point, I'm agonizing over what it would be like, his mouth on mine, our lips finally touching. Would he put his hands in my hair? Or would he lightly touch my face? Maybe he’d bite my lip?

I walk into the restaurant, the buzz bringing me back to tonight: apps and drinks to celebrate Eliza. In lieu of a traditional bachelorette party, she elected to foot the bill at one of the most exclusive spots in New York.

The only ask was for everyone, besides the bride, to wear black. I’ve got a pair of vintage Chanel trousers and a black sleeveless V-neck vest, with three buttons and little pinstripes. With only a bra underneath, my curves are on display and I feel fantastic. Enough so that I'm excited to get a picture to send Zack. Our affinity for clothes and fashion is an unexpected bonding experience.

“Thank you for coming,” Eliza says, hugging me tighter than she’s done in years. It catches me off guard.

“Of course, wouldn’t miss it.” I smile at her and her friends at the table. I’ve only met a few of them in passing, and with my mother declining, there’s no one I really know.

Eliza smiles at me as she sits back down, and she’s stunning in a white halter dress. It’s basic and beautifully plain to show off her natural features.

“Is there something on me?” she asks. I must’ve been staring too long.

“No! I love the dress. Looks great on you.”

With the compliment, her eyebrows go back to their normal position as her back hits the chair behind her. She’s nervous, which doesn’t makemuch sense, considering these are supposed to be her closest friends. Maybe it’s the wedding in general—the whole thing has to be stressful.

“Everyone, this is my sister, Emilie.” Eliza introduces me as I take the only open seat.

Like moths to a flame, the attention shifts, and almost everyone’s eyes are on me.

"You lucky bitch. I can’t believe you’re friends with Willow and dating Zack Andersen. We are not worthy,” the platinum blonde woman next to me says while lifting her glass of wine into the air. The rest of the table laughs.

My skin itches, but in a place you can’t scratch. I take a long drink of the water in front of me.

“Tell me, is Willow really as nice as she seems, or what’s the deal?” Platinum asks as the entire table leans in.

“She’s not going to dish on her boss slash friend.” A brunette, with some of the longest hair I've seen and not been grossed out by, hits Platinum’s shoulder and pairs it with an eye roll.

Platinum takes a big breath. “Fine. I've heard Zack’s dick ismassive. Tell me it’s true.”

I let out a horrific cough sound, truly caught off guard by this person, and reach back for my water.

Our server comes at the perfect time looking for my drink order. Platinum sits back in her chair, giving me space, but I’m truly not sure it will ever be enough—unless it’s on the other side of the room.