Chapter 343

Jared’s snarky question made me chuckle. Leaning my head against the car door, I said, “It’s still early. Maybe when the time’s right, I’ll send one.”

Jared only asked casually, but my answer made his face fall.

Just then, Warner pulled his car up next to mine. I waved at him and called out to Jared, “See you, my ex.” Then, I drove off, catching a glimpse of Jared still standing there in my rearview mirror.

Seeing that, a wave of wistfulness washed over me. It reminded me of my previous life. While I was stuck in place with my career, he was already standing at the top. He couldn’t see me, and I couldn’t really see him, either.

Now, when it came to feelings, he was still where he was, but I had already moved on, leaving him far behind.

Sometimes, people couldn’t keep up with those around them. Then they were left behind, feeling lost and confused. Maybe they hoped the lost ones would come back for them. Or perhaps, one day, they would finally let go.

That evening, Nathan and I were meeting Melissa and her boyfriend, Zachary, for dinner.

Melissa still didn’t know about what had been happening between Nathan and me. By the time I arrived, both Nathan and Zachary were still on their way.

Melissa gave me a teasing smile. “Victoria, still stuck in the post-divorce blues, huh?”

I raised an eyebrow. “What’s that look for?” I already knew she was about to stir up trouble.

“Oh, nothing, I’m just saying. Life is short, and for women, youth flies by even faster. We really can’t afford to waste it,” Melissa said, giving me a meaningful look.

I laughed. “You’re one to talk. Weren’t you the one living it up single for years, with guys lining up for you?”

Melissa chuckled sheepishly and then got serious. “Alright, let’s be real. You’re divorced now, so it’s time to look ahead. Mr. Hailman seems like a good guy, and honestly, I can totally see he’s into you.”

“Oh, yeah? How can you tell?” I asked, grinning with interest.

“Sometimes, you don’t need to say it out loud. You can just see it in their eyes. Trust me. I’ve got way more experience than you; I can read guys like an open book," Melissa said, patting her chest with exaggerated confidence.

She cracked me up, so I nodded. “Alright, I'll trust you this time.”

“Really?” Melissa looked surprised. “So you would really go out with Mr. Hailman?”

“Why not? Someone that handsome doesn’t come along every day,” I said with a grin.

Melissa’s eyes widened. “Victoria, you finally see what’s so great about Mr. Hailman? You’ve actually managed to shake off Jared’s hold on you.”

Just as I was about to respond, Nathan and Zachary walked in.

Nathan sat down next to me like it was the most natural thing in the world. Zachary gave us a knowing smile, and Melissa nudged him. “What’s with the grin?”

Before Zachary could say anything, Nathan suddenly took my hand and held it tight. “Melissa, Victoria and I are together now.”

“What?” Melissa practically screamed. “Victoria, you’re just messing with me, aren’t you?”

I burst out laughing, throwing my head back. I loved seeing Melissa act all dramatic. It made her seem less like the sharp, put-together woman she was now and more like the carefree girl from our crazy college days.

“Alright, hand over the gift,” Melissa huffed, sticking out her hand.

I froze for a second. “Oh, please, where am I supposed to get a gift right now? I’ll owe you one.”

Just then, Nathan pulled out a box from his pocket and placed it right into Melissa’s hand.

“Wait…” Melissa was just messing around. Back in the day, we made a deal that whoever got a boyfriend first had to make the new guy buy a gift.

“Go on. Take it. Thanks for always sticking by Victoria and bringing her so much happiness,” Nathan said, smiling.