Her tone was light, almost teasing, but I knew better.
“I did,” I replied evenly, keeping my voice calm.
She gave me a once-over, her lips twitching like she was holding back laughter. “You always did surprise me.”
I forced a polite smile and walked past her, pretending not to hear the small, amused breath she let out.
But that was just the beginning.
Nancy had perfected the art of the insult disguised as kindness.
“I love that you’re still rocking the same haircut from high school! Not everyone can pull off nostalgia.”
“I heard you’re still single? That’s so freeing, right? No one to check in with, no expectations.”
Each comment was delivered with a bright smile, her voice sugary sweet, just enough plausible deniability to make me look like the overly sensitive one if I reacted. At one point, as the room buzzed with conversation, she leaned in close, her voice low enough that no one else could hear.
“Still the same little loser,” she murmured. “It’s almost cute.”
