Between Now and Heartbreak - Dylan Allen Page 0,23
get the money. We both need it, right? Let’s figure this out.” That desperate look is back in his eye.
Whatever he’s hiding won’t stay a secret long. I’ll just have to hope it’s nothing worse than a hidden mistress. I’m exhausted and breathing the same air as him is making me ill.
I have to keep my eyes on the prize and focus on fixing this mess. I take a deep breath and forge ahead. “You really messed up. So, I can’t walk out of here like everything is okay. Everyone needs to think we broke up. Anything less won’t be believable. And we can’t risk that kind of scrutiny. It’s bad enough that Fiona knows. But she has as much to lose as we do.”
“Fine. You’re right. So, what next?” He looks as irritated and tired as I feel. I think we both need off this ride.
I tug his ring off my finger and my lungs expand like they’ve been starved for air as soon as I drop it back into his palm.
“This sucks.” His voice is sullen and I’m overcome with the urge to slap
him.
“It’ll be expected.”
He scowls but nods his head in resignation. “I guess it’s not the worst timing. I’m leaving for that trip with your father in a few days.”
I’d forgotten he was going to be away.
This is perfect. I need the time to think without him and my father pressuring me. “When you get back, we can start going out again, and eventually get back together. You can make a show of winning me back, How about that?” I say evenly, not wanting him to see a hint of my real feelings.
“No. Your dad wants us to announce our wedding date at the fundraiser. It’s two days after we get back. We’ll have to pretend we made up long distance.”
I’ll tell your dad that we’re on a break once we’re gone. I think it’ll be easier if he can’t question you about it, you know?” It’s thoughtful consideration, so it’s probably not about me at all. But I’ll take it.
I pick up my purse and smooth my hair.
“When I walk out, pretend you’re upset because I haven’t forgiven you, okay?” I say sternly.
He nods, like a kid accepting the punishment for breaking the rules.. And then, we go and play our parts.
When we step out into the lobby, Dina is waiting for me in the chair outside the room. Georgia is still there, too.
“Can you take me home?”
“With pleasure.”
She hops up, the glare she turns on Duke is full of malice. I slip my arm through hers and make for the exit.
“Baby, come on. This is bullshit,” Duke calls after me, his attempt at anguish is feeble and rings so false, I can’t help but grimace. I glance back at him as we step out of the building and I see Georgia walking over to stand beside him.
As I climb into my friend’s car, I imagine that she’s going down on him already. And because it’s my fantasy, I imagine that her teeth are broken and jagged as she does. And that Duke can’t get his dick loose.
And then, finally, for the first time in nearly a year, I laugh out loud.
6
STUPID CHOICES
BETH
“Heading out so soon, Ms. Wolfe? ” Arnie our receptionist calls as soon as I step into the lobby of our main reception area. I stop, even though it’s the last thing I want to do.
I walk over to his desk at the far end of the stylish, warm and overtly masculine space.
“Yeah, Arnie. I’m going try and catch my family before they leave for the airport.” I try to smile as I lean causally against the nearly chest high gleaming white solid quartz block that he’s sitting behind.
“And after the weekend you had, no one can blame you for not wanting to be here.” His eyes widen and his eyes brows arch in a sympathetic and expectant way.
My stomach tightens and I swallow a groan.
Everyone has looked at me like that today. They feel sorry for me, but they also want the scoop.
Julia made a scene here before she came to the restaurant. And so even though no here knows the details, they all know what she says happened.
I can only imagine what they must be thinking.
I’ve heard stories of how my mother would storm in here to confront my father about his latest mistress. They say she threw things and screamed until my father came out of his office. Once she