The Night He Told Everyone I Was Single

Synopsis

At our ten-year college reunion, someone asked if I had a boyfriend. Before I could reply, the door to the private room swung open. Lucas came in late, tossed his car keys onto the table, and slid into the only empty seat next to me. "Why are you asking Claire that?" He took the drink from the waiter, sounding relaxed. "Of course she's single." The room went quiet for a moment. Soon, some people couldn't help but laugh. "Lucas really knows Claire." "Of course. Everyone in college knew Claire had been trying to win Lucas's heart for all four years." "I still remember when she waited outside the boys' dorm for two hours while it was pouring, only to hand Lucas his birthday gift." "The story didn't end in college. They were together for seven years after graduation." Someone winked at me. "Claire, you haven't shown up at any of the reunions these past few years. Don't tell me you're still waiting for Lucas." Lucas leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing at his lips, as if he'd already known the answer. I glanced at Lucas. Three years had passed, and he had changed a lot. His suit was sharp, and there was a more ambitious spark in his eyes. I heard that watch on his wrist was a treat he bought himself after his company went public. He looked exactly like he did in those business magazine photos. The only thing that hadn't changed was that easy, unshakable confidence. I pulled the napkin out from under Lucas's elbow. "You've got it wrong," I said. "I'm married."