“And you’re absolutely right! I would have dumped you on the spot! Why would I have continued dating the man who—” I felt his lips on mine, his hands around my hips, him pulling me closer and closer to him.
I tried not to kiss him back, but I couldn’t help it. I missed him more than I cared to admit. I opened my eyes and saw that his were still closed so I abruptly broke away, catching him completely off guard.
“I said I was sorry…” he whispered.
“Well, I don’t forgive you and I never will. I think you should go now.”
“Really?”
“Yes. You’re an awful person and I hate your guts. I think we should remain apart and that—”
He kissed me again and I couldn’t remember the rest of what I was going to say.
“I don’t care how great of a kisser you are,” I hissed. “You’re still an ass**le.”
He smiled at me but I turned away from him.
We watched as Matt and Melody danced their first dance as a married couple, as he serenaded her with a Frank Sinatra song. We ate our dinner in silence—conversing with the people who sat on either side of us, purposely making sure we didn’t say anything to one another.
When the DJ announced that it was time for everyone to hit the dance floor, Ethan stood up and reached for my hand. “I need to talk to you some place quiet.”
“Well, I don’t feel like talking to you. Ever. I’m going to go dance. Who knows, maybe I can find someone to join me back at my hotel later tonight. Maybe I can experience making love with someone else. Wouldn’t that be awesome?”
He turned red and narrowed his eyes at me. “Selena, don’t—”
I practically jumped up from the table and ran to the floor. I rushed up to Matt and tapped him on the shoulder.
“Selena?”
“Congratulations on finding real love Matt,” I smiled. “You and Melody are gorgeous together. I wish you both the best.”
He took his arm from around her waist and hugged me. “Thank you very much. I’m glad you came…Wait, you didn’t bring any paparazzi along did you? Joan did tell you that this was a private event right? When did you tell E News?”
“Stop that Matt,” Melody shook her head at him and smiled at me. “Thank you for coming, Selena.”
Matt kissed her again and gushed about their upcoming honeymoon in the south of France and their house hunting plans for the New York suburbs. We chatted for a few more minutes before they both hugged me and turned their attention back towards one another, walking off to greet the rest of the wedding guests.
I danced to every single song, accepting offers to dance from whoever asked—swaying my hips extremely suggestively, knowing that Ethan was watching my every move. I drank glass after glass of wine and was about to dance with a hot guy in a gray tuxedo, but I felt Ethan grab me from behind.
“Are you trying to make me jealous Selena?” he whispered into my ear. “If so, it definitely worked, but I can’t deal with it anymore…I need to talk to you right now.”
“Too bad,” I shrugged and started to walk away, but he pulled me into his arms and looked directly into my eyes.
“Please come with me right now. It’s important.”
“Ethan, you and I are over. Forever. Accept it. I don’t like you anymore and I just want you to leave me alone.”
“You mean that?” he looked hurt.
“Yes.”
“Okay...I’m sorry I ever bothered you tonight,” he let me go and walked away.
I watched him exit the tent and thought I would feel liberated, happy to know that I’d hurt him like he’d hurt me, but I only felt heartbroken. I sat back down at my table and watched everyone else enjoy the rest of the party—without him around, there wasn’t any point in dancing.
“Selena,” Joan shook my shoulder. “The reception has been over for like an hour…We’re the last ones here.”
I looked around and saw that every chair in the tent was empty and the catering staff was putting decorations away.
“Sorry, I guess I zoned out for quite a bit…It was a beautiful wedding, wasn’t it? They looked so happy together…Your toast at dinner was really thoughtful too. I didn’t know you were his assistant before he became famous. He’s come a long way from those Lifetime Channel movies…”
“He has,” she smiled. “And thank you for the toast compliment. By the way, I meant to tell you earlier today, but next week will be my last week working with you.”
What!
“Why? Did I make you mad? Did I disrespect you somehow? I swear, I didn’t mean to do anything—”
“It’s not that at all. I was offered a job today from West Inc. in New York so I’m going to take it. It’s time for me to pursue my own dreams you know?”