This was true.  Becca had indeed been assuming things.  Things like Jo had forgotten about her, that Jo hadn’t waited to see whether their story still had life in it, that Jo hadn’t counted on something sparking between them when they’d meet again.

The fact that Jo had not lost her ability to accurately read her, in addition to the fact that Jo had not looked thrown off by seeing Becca, at least not to the same degree that Becca felt upon seeing Jo after all these years, was infuriating.

Becca did her best ice queen impersonation to mimic Jo’s too-cool-for-school vibe.  “No, I’m not with someone … this time.  And, by the way, I’m not assuming things, Jo.  I was just surprised to see you wear a ring like that on your ring finger.  That’s all.  Glad we can talk now, in a quieter place, though, so, why don’t you finish your text, and I’ll see you up there.”

She turned on a stiletto heel and, as gracefully as she could, and smoothly mounted the staircase.  She swung her hips slightly, as she took the steps unhurriedly, as if to show Jo that seeing Jo hadn’t bothered Becca one bit.  Becca resisted looking back when she heard Jo call out, “I gotta say I’m glad, cuz I haven’t been with anyone either for a very long time.”  It was a startling admission, and it caused Becca to pause at mid-step.  Then a knowing laugh followed, which kick-started her way up the stairs, once more.  Damn stud thinks I’ll fall at her feet helplessly like those other girls the moment she deigns to smile at me?!  I’ll show her how much I’ve grown since she last saw me!

So, three years ago, is that where I should start?

———————————–

Three years ago   

“All I have going for me is animal magnetism,” Adam jokingly boasted, pretending to pound his chest, as he introduced his childhood friend Jo to his girlfriend Becca.  “While Jo has always had the brains.  Together, we were unbeatable growing up!”

Jo laughingly pretended to punch her childhood buddy on his shoulder, not quite fully adjusted to running into him in bustling Detroit’s International Airport, of all places.

Adam, in turn, was also surprised and happy to have run into Jo.  He pretended to parry her friendly punches with air jabs of his own.  “What the hell are you doing in Detroit, anyway, blondie?  This is far from your usual place.  And I thought you’d moved to London?  At least that’s what your dad told my dad recently.”