what’s going on with you and Mace?”
“She kissed Brody on Christmas eve. The boys sent me a photo. Caught them in the act.” The abbreviated version, and I still want to punch something thinking about it.
“Doesn’t sound like her.”
“Didn’t sound like Felicity either when I told you she was lying about being pregnant.”
“Felicity is a whole different level to Mace. What did they say when you questioned them?”
“Brody said he doesn’t remember it because he was drunk and it was just a kiss.” Asshole. I roll my hands down my cheeks. “I told Macy we’re done and sent her the photo.”
“You didn’t give her a chance to explain?”
“Didn’t need to. Had all the evidence I needed and…” I give him a pointed look, “… I’m not going down the same road again.”
“All I’m saying is you should’ve heard her out. I got to know Macy on the road trip and mate, she’s not that kind of girl.”
“You think you know her better than me?” I snap.
“Not at all. You’re hurting. I’m trying to see it in a clearer light.”
I shake my head. “She had me fooled. I would’ve done anything for her. Doesn’t matter. I needed the shake-up to focus because one more season, and I’m back here. So, it wouldn’t have worked out for us anyway.”
“You mean because of her being like a caregiver for her dad?”
“Yeah, in a way. Can we drop it now?”
“Yeah, but I think you need to hear her out.”
“Whatever. Now can I get you a beer?” Because damn him, I need something to help take my mind off Macy.
Chapter Twenty-One
REEF
After meeting Chance for an early morning surf, I head home and dress before swinging by to collect him for a lunch gathering—one that will no doubt continue into the night. This time it’s a twenty-fifth birthday bash. Dakota went to the same private school as Chance and me. Dakota and I excelled at AFL football and were both drafted from school. He was picked up by a Melbourne team when I was drafted to Adelaide.
I told Chance I’d drive because I didn’t intend to have more than a couple of beers. Yesterday’s comments about my drinking habits the past week is not the only reason I want to keep my wits about me. Felicity will be at the party. Her father is the president of the Devils Football Club, the team Dakota plays for, and many of the guests will be from his team.
“Here we go again,” I say to Chance when we enter Dakota’s house—a three-level beachside residence with a pool. “Seems like all I do lately is attend functions and parties if I’m not training.”
“Yeah, it’s a tough life,” Chance chuckles.
“It is when you’re an introvert as much as an extrovert.”
“That doesn’t make sense,” he says, and I follow him down the hall to the backyard where there’s a marquee set up by the pool.
“Let’s say I’m more of an extrovert when I drink. Things have changed since the good ol’ days, man.” I pat his shoulder. “Most days now, I want to hide away when training is done or surf. I was going to move out on my own last year, but thought it would be a waste of time to move again if I’m relocating in a matter of months.”
“I still don’t classify you as an introvert.”
I shrug. “Maybe it’s because you’ve always known me. If we’re in a crowd and I’m with you, then I’m okay with it.”
Or it could be a trust thing after moving to a city where I didn’t know anyone. After Felicity, something inside of me changed. At least her stunt helped me to know what my future holds, so I can deal with it mentally.
“You might be feeling out of it because you know… Felicity’s parents will be here. Have you seen them since you told her to go to hell?”
“No. Only the text messages from her mother. Man, she’s weird. She said she still believes Felicity and I will end up together. Felicity lied to her, too. Why would she think I’d want to get back with someone as deceitful as her daughter?”
“Stepdaughter,” Chance adds. “Yet, they have similar personalities. It’s the whole nature versus emotional environment thing.”
“Nature versus nurture. Whatever it is, they’re two of a kind.”
We head out to the marquee to find Dakota and wish him a happy birthday.
We chat and catch up on old times until we’re joined by Felicity and her father.
“Chance, Reef… good to see you.” He