Chapter 4
Maybe Grace really got under my skin, because I suddenly made up my mind to find a husband way better than Ryan. So I decided to take my parents' advice.
Lucas was not only outstanding, but once we got married, those two would have to show me some respect.
Just thinking about being able to stand over them in the future made half the bitterness in my chest disappear.
I started taking the initiative to ask Lucas out to dinner. He and Ryan really were complete opposites. Lucas was a gentleman, thoughtful in every way. He seemed to know exactly what I liked, booking my favorite restaurants and ordering all the food I loved.
Those hands that signed massive contracts would peel crawfish for me, and he didn't care one bit even when they got covered in chili oil.
One day, Lucas had an international meeting and couldn't keep me company.
So I went to a bar by myself for a drink and unexpectedly ran into some mutual friends Ryan and I shared.
Ever since Ryan's accident, I hadn't been in touch with them for a long time.
Since drinking alone was boring anyway, I decided to join them. They exchanged glances, all looking a little weird, but out of friendship, they didn't turn me away.
The second we walked into the private room, I understood why they had looked so awkward. Ryan and Grace were there too.
The two of them sat with their heads close together, whispering. If we hadn't been in public, they probably would've started making out on the spot.
Hearing the door open, they both turned to look. The instant they saw me, their smiles froze on their faces.
One of our friends tried to explain with an awkward laugh, but I walked right over and sat beside them. If they weren't going to let me have peace, then I sure as hell wasn't going to let them have any either.
I just sat there and watched them show off all night.
"Then everyone started playing a game. Ryan lost, and his punishment was to French kiss a woman in the room for thirty seconds.
"
The air instantly went still. Everyone looked at the three of us at the same time, their eyes full of excitement and anticipation.
They all wanted to know who Ryan would choose.
If Ryan picked Grace, would I lose it on the spot and turn it into a full-on catfight over one guy?
Ryan's gaze brushed over my face before he paused and pulled Grace into his arms. "Of course I'm picking my girlfriend."
A chorus of shocked whistles and whoops broke out. Then everyone turned to look at me again, waiting for my reaction. Too bad. They were going to be disappointed.
I smiled and clapped. "Then go ahead. Put on your little show."