Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye - Jacquelyn Middleton Page 0,111

and understood. You won’t hear another word from me.”

It’s a miracle. “Thanks.”

“But…” Sarah chuckled.

She always wants the last word. “What?!”

“Maybe now you’ll see…losing your job, running into Tarquin and his girlfriend—today was a gift!”

Leia grimaced and swiped a clammy hand across her forehead. “Yeah, one I’d like to return.” She sniffed again, her attention jumping from one unfamiliar building to another where three streets all converged into a six-pronged wheel of choice. Isn’t the M train entrance here? This is West 11th and Seventh, right? She huffed through a pout. Shit! I always get lost around here. Try 14th Street, maybe? Favoring her right leg, Leia hobbled, heading northeast up Seventh Avenue. “I could’ve done without today’s drama.”

“Well”—Sarah yawned again—“sleep on it. I’m sure you’ll feel better in the morning.”

Fat chance of that. “Tarquin wants to see me tomorrow.”

A heavy pause hung over the line. “Ley, you can’t go.”

“I have to—for closure.”

“That’s a terrible idea! What if he gushes about Cressida? Or wants sex with you and her?”

I never thought of that. A breath lodged in Leia’s chest. Shit. Did he lie about liking threesomes, too?

“I really don’t think it’s a good idea to go, not when you’re feeling so vulnerable,” said Sarah.

Leia blinked, avoiding the drunken leers of three prowling Wall Streeters, sweat-stained and ties askew. “Maybe he wants closure, too.”

“He’s already got it—he’s with Cressida!”

Cheers, Saz. Don’t even try to sugarcoat it.

“If I were you, I’d take a hard pass on tomorrow. God knows what you’ll be walking into.” Sarah’s scoff was underlined by the rattle of more Smarties.

“No. I need closure, and I can’t get it if I’m wondering why he reached out after seven months of silence. I mean, what’s so important he can’t tell me in a text?” Eyes searching ahead, she fought with her bra strap, which was biting into her shoulder. “Saz, can I ask a favor?”

“Name it.”

“If I do visit you in London, you have to promise me you won’t tell Tarquin I’m there.”

“He’ll probably find out—” Sarah’s voice jumped an octave.

“Not from you he won’t,” Leia fired back. “And I’ll speak to Simon. If I’m moving on with my life, I can’t let Tarquin be a part of it.”

Twenty-Two

TARQUIN

I’m glad I stopped drinking before midnight. This humidity on top of a throbbing hang would’ve killed me. Tarquin climbed the final stair of the 28th Street entrance to the High Line, an elevated public park and outdoor arts space built above Chelsea and the Meatpacking District. A slight breeze meddled with his hair but did little to alleviate the oppressive midday heat. He whisked sweat from his brow and opened another button on the neck of his shirt, its slightly rumpled white linen tucked neatly into his black shorts. I love this place, but why’d she choose it? I thought she’d pick a café or a bench in Central Park, something near the Met.

Tarquin squinted through his shades, his roving eyes zeroing in on a redhead wearing a familiar white lace dress, her straight locks coiffed in a high, swaying ponytail. She strode toward him with purpose, her emotions hidden behind a pair of aviator sunglasses. She’s here! His pulse took off like a rocket, his smile wide and friendly. “Leia! How are you?”

“I’m good.” She grinned, tentatively leaning in like she was unsure what to do. “You?”

“Sun’s shining, you’re here—life’s great!” Tarquin edged closer, kissing Leia on both cheeks.

“Oh!” Her awkward laugh matched Tarquin’s and they loosely embraced, his hand flirting with the soft hair at the nape of her neck.

God help me, I’ve missed this. Leia’s subtle perfume triggered memory after sweet memory. I’d never get tired of waking up with her in my arms, her scent on my sheets… on me.

She pulled away before Tarquin could get too comfortable.

We barely touched. His heart squeezed into a tight ball. Bollocks. Am I too sweaty? Oh, shit! Do I smell? He nudged his rolled-up sleeves closer to his elbows, cursing the humidity.

Leia’s gaze lingered on his forearms before reuniting with his face. “Uh, want to…” She glanced away, motioning toward the park’s path.

“Have a mosey? Sure. Love this park.”

Joining the flow of tourists, they strolled side by side, in no rush to feel the ire of the searing heat. Leia seemed happy but preoccupied, her downward gaze dedicated to her pedicure and barely-there silver sandals.

Tarquin lifted his sunglasses, nestling them in his hair. “I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me last night. One minute, I spied this captivating woman