"I'm so sorry," Paula continued, offering a fake, apologetic smile that didn't reach her eyes. "But I actually just paid for this entire bar to be closed off so Brandon and I can celebrate my return privately. Would you mind going out?"
Brandon crossed his arms, his posture arrogant.
He was waiting for my usual meltdown. He expected me to throw a drink, to scream, to beg him not to kick me out.
I just set my glass down and grabbed my purse. "Sure."
Brandon's arrogant expression faltered. He looked completely stunned, his arms dropping to his sides as he stared at my calm face.
Before the silence could stretch, the man next to me stood up, adjusting his expensive suit jacket. He looked down at me with a charming smile, completely ignoring Brandon and Paula.
"Well, what about coming with me, lady?" Vaughn asked, offering me his hand. "We can continue celebrating your freedom somewhere much better."
I smiled up at him. "Sure."
I took Vaughn's hand and we walked right past them, leaving Brandon frozen in place.
We stepped out into the cool night air and walked toward Vaughn's sleek black sports car.