Defining Us by Karen Deen

Author:Karen Deen [Deen, Karen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-01-26T18:30:00+00:00

Six Months Later - Current Day

NATALIE

I’ve run out of options, this is it.

Standing in front of Xavier’s door, I can hardly function. I know once I open it, there’s no going back. I’ve got to be ready to put on my friendly poker face.

I can do this!

Well, so I’ve been telling myself for the last three hours while I changed my outfit thirteen times. That unlucky number should have told me the disaster that tonight is going to be. I went from jeans to pants, then I tried a skirt and felt like it was a job interview. A few dresses made the cut, but in the end, I settled on an old favorite. One that I feel comfortable in, which should give me one less thing to freak out about. It’s just a long-sleeved dress, gray with silver thread through it, scoop neckline and fitted all over. It’s super stretchy, hence the comfort factor. Oh, and it may just show off my toned body too, but that’s a bonus. It’s cold outside so I paired it with my black knee-high boots and black tights. Of course, I needed a trench coat for the drive over. I was borderline as to whether I should even be driving so I played it safe and took an Uber.

Thinking about the fact that I’ve had three tequila shots before I even left my apartment—for courage—it was definitely the right decision. Damn you, Lilly, for leaving the tequila at my place last girls’ night. Obviously, I can’t be trusted. I don’t normally drink and certainly not on my own, but I just couldn’t calm my nerves. Having dinner with Jordan tonight is overwhelming to say the least.

I take a few deep breaths and spray my mouth freshener again for the tenth time, trying to hide the smell of the alcohol.

Knocking on the door, I realize I’ve already fucked up. I never knock. I have a key, and Xavier is going to think it’s super weird that I’m standing here waiting for him to open up.

Thinking quickly on my feet, I have it all sorted in my head by the time I hear the rattle of the handle and the door starts being pulled back.

“Nat, I thought it was Jordan. Why didn’t you let yourself in?” I run over my words in my head again before I just blurt it out.

“I forgot my key, plus I need to stop doing that. Who knows what you and Alesha are up to? I can’t just burst in. I mean, you might be having sex here on the couch.” Yep, way to keep the answer simple and not embarrass anyone, including myself.

“Wow, okay, Nat. I get the picture, and yes, maybe it’s a good idea you don’t use that key anymore. I mean, we’ve already christened the couch, but you never know.” Xavier starts laughing to himself as Alesha comes from the kitchen. Stupidly I’m the one with the pink cheeks from embarrassment.

“Do I want to know what he said?” Alesha asks me as she comes in for a hug.

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