‘Is it that obvious?’

You smile painfully. ‘Is it that obvious?’

Emma shrugs gently. ‘Just a little bit. Hey, I get it – you’re trying to give her space. It’s probably the right thing to do. Doesn’t mean it’s fun.’

‘Yeah…’ You stare into your coffee, until a stray thought enters your mind. ‘Wait, how did you know I’m giving her space?’

Emma’s laugh is just a little bit guilty. ‘Ah. Well. Funny story. So, after that night at the gala, I kind of went home and called everyone I knew to get the lowdown on Justin. See just exactly how bad I should feel about fucking up your girl’s relationship, you know?’

‘Oh, yeah?’ you say casually, keeping your expression under control. Emma’s not fooled for a moment.

‘Hey, c’mon. I swear I had no idea. I don’t play that way, for one thing. And I have less than no interest in guys who cheat on their girlfriends, because fuck that shit, life’s too short. But, Jesus H. Christ…’

Emma whistles softly. ‘The fuck was she thinking, dude? This guy’s got a worse reputation than John Mayer. I mean, I know I shacked up with him anyway, but I was drunk as a skunk and it’s not like we were official or anything. Your girl’s either the most forgiving, optimistic person ever – like, to the point of insanity – or she never Googled his name.’

Or she’s just not the kind of person who does a background check before she falls for someone.

You don’t say it, though, because it feels too weirdly personal. Emma’s still talking.

‘But, anyway. Long story short, I found out she dumped his ass last week, and immediately started hanging out with some mystery man – that being you.’ She pokes a finger at you over her coffee. ‘Apparently that really pissed off our mutual friend, the bastard, which is why he called me up and silver-tongued me into coming to the ball with him. The next day, your girl’s stepping out on the town all by herself – no guy, no friends, no nothing. You don’t have to be a genius to figure out she freaked out, pushed you away… and now you’re on a break. QED.’

You blink, twice. ‘Wow. That’s actually a little bit creepy. It’s like you were there.’

Emma smirks, rocking back on her chair. ‘Never underestimate the Hollywood grapevine, man. There are no secrets in this town.’

‘Yeah…’ You’re not entirely sure how to feel about that. ‘Great. So the whole world knows she’s dumped me.’

At that, Emma lets her chair fall back to the floor. ‘Wait, hold up. I didn’t say that. Did she actually dump you?’

You shrug. ‘Might as well have. It’s been a week.’

Emma’s face twists in sympathy. ‘Babe. Hey. Come on. That doesn’t mean it’s over.’

‘Doesn’t it?’ You hold Emma’s gaze, expecting her to look away.

But she stares back at you, eyes clear and undaunted. ‘No. It doesn’t. I hate to remind you of this, but you gotta remember – she’s a girl.’ Emma taps her head lightly. ‘They’re wired up differently, man. It sucks, but that’s the way it is.’