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Chapter 1

Elle

I’d like to think my past doesn’t follow me around like a shadow on a sunny day that I just can’t outrun I have a good life I’s, perky boobs, and I’ve been told the guy I sort of date is a catch-and-a-half on more than one occasion So why is it that as I look across the roo for William in the crowded restaurant, part of me hopes he stands me up? What twenty-five-year-old wants to be stood up? One that will continue to coast through life on autopilot, unless circuhly overrated I’h the chapters of inary person, when I should be the author

I’ve been this way for a long tianized and my heart rate stays constant I like it that way most of the time I should be proud of where I am in my life But the truth of thein my perfunctory life

William catches my eye and raises his hand to me at a table in the far corner of the restaurant The one we almost always sit at Same time, same place, every week, week afterat the bar nearTheir faces drop when they realize he’s waving at me and hasn’t even noticed theentleman, stands as I reach the table He kisses me on the cheek and wraps his arm around my waist with a familiar touch

“Sorry, I’m a little late” I say with rehearsed speech as I take my seat

“No probleot here myself” William replies, and I know it’s a lie William Harper would never be late I’m sure he was here fifteen minutes early and since I’ more than half an hour, but he would never complain

“Can I get you a drink?” The attentive waitress sh her speech is directed atwould probably piss me off But I’m not Possessiveness and jealousy would be e to restrain

“I’ll have a vodka cranberry Diet cranberry, please” I look to Willialass is already e hoell I know this le drink he allots himself, a vodka tonic, for a solid half hour, then he switches to water

“Just water for me, thank you” William smiles at the waitress and she beams from his attention William Harper is a handsome man You’d have to be blind not to see that Tall, blue eyes, blonde perfectly coifed hair, and always dressed like he just walked out of GQ ht and dazzle from beneath his perfect smile He comes from a respectable family and at only twenty-seven he’s already a partner at his dad’s law fir his lips ?

“Elle, are you okay?” Williaenuine He truly is a great guy, a catch-and-a-half as they say