I somehow got myself to the conference the next day in one piece. The bright overhead lights buzzed with energy, and the air was thick with a mix of anticipation and arrogance. Jessica’s badge hung from my neck like a reminder of who I had to be here.
People were already congregating in clusters, their voices overlapping in a chaotic hum. I tried to push through, masking the disorientation with her confident stride.
The room was dotted with tall tables draped in white cloths, each one an oasis for business cards and half-hearted conversations. I grabbed a flimsy sandwich from a catering tray and took a bite, still reeling from last night’s upheaval. So this is what you’re doing now, I thought bitterly—cheating on your wife and mingling at conferences.
I drifted between groups, offering polite nods and forced smiles. Conversations buzzed around me, but I was untethered, like I was watching them on mute.
“Jessica!” a high-pitched voice called out.
A petite woman waved me over—Lindsey, her name badge declared.
“Did you see the article?” Lindsey's eyes were wide with excitement, “The one on the merger?”
“Oh,” I said, scrambling, “which one?”
She laughed, “You’re funny! The one you wrote!”
“Right!” I echoed nervously.
“It’s brilliant! Everyone is talking about it.” Lindsey leaned in conspiratorially, “They’re all wondering what your next move will be.”
I fumbled to keep up as she swept me into a circle of polished suits and professional smiles. Jessica’s
reputation far preceded her. The group fired questions, opinions, predictions—what did she think of the market trends? How would this affect clients? I threw out vague, non-committal responses, hoping they would pass for insight.
“Jessica’s always two steps ahead,” someone said admiringly.
I eventually slipped away, seeking refuge near the back where the din was less intense. But no sooner had I taken a breath when Lindsey reappeared.
“Don’t think you’re getting away that easy!” she laughed brightly, “Are you grabbing drinks with us tonight?”
“Oh, you know,” I hedged, “I might just stay in and get some rest.”
“Boring!” She chided affectionately, nudging my shoulder, “Don’t be a stranger! We’ve missed you.”
She flitted off, leaving me to wonder how long I could keep ducking out on whatever Jessica’s social schedule demanded.
I leaned against the wall, the noise of the conference a dull roar in the background. This was her world—successful, demanding, full of expectations I wasn’t sure I could meet. How far would this go? A week? A month? Until Jessica magically reappeared?
I slipped out early, retreating to the hotel room that was both refuge and reminder of all I’d done. My phone buzzed again with another message from Alex.
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