“Not his fault he was born woefully fuckin’ unfunny - Jealous Miguel
Networking events are quite important. Good reputation in the industry can make or break a person, and that includes a system analyst like her.
She should be socializing. But Trevor, another system analyst from her company, was one hell of an introvert and was following her around like Xina had grown a second shadow. She didn't mind much. While socially awkward and not the brightest coin in the fountain in group settings, Trevor was kind– raised with three sisters, so he knew not to be prejudiced about a woman in their field, regardless of how rare it was even in 2099.
It isn't until he finds some friends from an old job that be unvelcros himself from her side and, just as quickly, is replaced by Miguel.
Xina had noticed him. It's hard not to notice him. But she had been doing her best to ignore him, go their separate ways the way he wanted because if he hadn't wanted that then surely he wouldn't have tripped and fallen dick first into his brother's fiance's pussy.
But resentment is an ugly look on her.
Just one year ago, she would have decked him on sight. Now, she knows better. She doesn't even resent Deana, Dina, Dona, or whatever her name is– not as a bitter ex at least; she only resents her as a woman who watches Gabriel O'Hara grow up, who was there when he learned to ride a bike, who took him home when shit got bad in his house and Miguel would call for her to take Gabe away, who knew how in love he had been with that woman who didn't hesitate to jump into bed with his brother.
For that, oh, she could have slapped her until her face turned as red as that lipstick she wore. Maybe then it would look good on her.
And to add insult to injury, Miguel thought he could have an opinion about who she was hanging out with these days.
"Well, I've taken a page from your book," she hummed, taking a sip from her champagne— not for liquid courage but to lubricate her throat before she insulted him. "Because you were right, dating someone less smart is such an ego boost. It's near orgasmic, really."
Xina and Trevor aren't even dating. Hell, Xina is almost a hundred percent certain that they both play for the same team, but that doesn't stop her from smiling sweetly when their eyes meet and Trevor smiles at her, awkward and apologetic for leaving her, but Xina blows him a kiss to let him know there's no hard feelings— and to piss off the man standing right beside her.
Because the true ego boost is knowing that she could have Miguel back if she so desired, that he wouldn't have given Dana the time of day beyond sex if Xina hadn't left him. That he would throw that woman to the street and crawl five miles on his knees if she told him that's what it took for her to take him back.
THAT is damn near orgasmic.
"How is Donna, by the way?" she took another sip, knowing damn well that isn't Dana's name. "She didn't tag along? I can't feel her eyes glaring daggers at the back of my head."