whopper. You lied about being single since you were still with Sarah. So I guess you can include her in with Amber’s lie.”
I point the water bottle at him, intent on at least defending myself on that point. “We were technically not together anymore. She had ignored my calls for three days. That said to me we were done. So you can’t count either of those as lies. And in my defense, I didn’t lie to Sarah and that ended, so I think your entire thesis about my lying leading to the end of all of my relationships is total bullshit.”
“Yes, you did. You told her you were going to be managing your father’s club, which we both know you never planned to do. So you did lie.”
That very lie I told Hailey last night flashes through my mind, and I turn my head so I don’t have to face Alex. As I said, we’ve known each other for nearly our entire lives, and while we can’t read each other’s minds, I doubt he’ll miss the look I know is on my face as I remember telling her I manage the club.
“Dude, you lied to her already, didn’t you? What’s wrong with you? This sounds pathological.”
I wave away his concern, pretending it’s nothing. “I just told her I was doing something I’m not exactly doing. That’s all. We barely know each other, so it’s not a problem.”
“You lied about managing Club X, didn’t you? Why do you do that? It’s not like you’re some poor guy mooching off his parents and living in their basement. Look at this place. You own it. Like your car. And the jet skis. And everything else you have because of your trust fund. Most guys in your place brag about that kind of shit, and yet you insist on lying. Why?”
I spin around, not worried about what expression I have on my fucking face now. “Stop busting my balls. I don’t have to let any woman know about my finances. Do you go around sharing your bank account balance with every woman you get into bed with?”
“That’s not the point and you know it.”
“If all you’re going to do is lecture me, then leave me alone. You sound like my father.”
The insult hits just like I wanted it to, and Alex shakes his head. “I sound like me. She’s sweet, and you’re already lying. This isn’t even about you hurting her because, fuck, I barely know Hailey. This is about you sabotaging every relationship you have. You love the chase. You’re notorious for it, and I have no problem with that. But you’ve got a problem, Cade. This lying isn’t okay.”
On my way back into my room, I yell back to him, “You know the way out. Don’t slam the door when you leave.”
A minute later, I’m back in bed and I hear my best friend close the front door when he walks out. Nice start to the day.
Chapter Twelve
Hailey
My father stops at my dough table and raps his knuckles off the metal rack next to it. “You’ve got a visitor out front, honey.”
I lift my head from the cupcake I’ve been frosting and look at him in shock. A visitor to see me? “Who?”
“One of the guys from the other day. I don’t remember his name. They both look alike, so I’m not sure which one.”
Quickly, I tear off my gloves and look at my reflection in the metal case next to me to see if I got any cupcake batter or frosting on my face or in my hair. I don’t see any, but I want to make sure, so I turn toward my father.
“Do I look okay? Too much a mess?”
A slow smile lights up my father’s face. “You look beautiful, like always, honey.”
Pushing the hairs that have escaped my ponytail from my face, I roll my eyes. “You’re not helpful, Dad. Okay, I’m going to go out there.”
“Knock ‘em dead, honey.”
I throw him a look like I can’t believe he said that and hurry out into the dining room before stopping dead just outside the doors. I’m still wearing my apron. Damn! I hurriedly pull it over my head and toss it onto the counter near the sink.
Now I look presentable enough to see Cade.
Looking around the restaurant, I don’t see him, though. I don’t see anyone who looks like a male in his mid-twenties. The only customers around are the usual old men who sit at the counter forever