Text Me, Maybe - Jolyse Barnett Page 0,55

in his chair. Seemed the only fault with Neil and Jackie’s parenting was the impact it would have on his relationship when Sylvia spied him with her assistant.

“Hey, chica. Matthew.” Isabella and two bubbly women like her joined the table. “Who’s the little cutie?”

While Lexie introduced the women to his godson, he tracked Sylvia in her slinky silver dress runway-walking her way around the pool and through the maze of tables. His mouth went dry. “Well, the little dude and I will head over to my table so you ladies can enjoy some girl bonding.”

Lexie stared at him like he’d lost his mind.

Yup. She’s got a point. You are certifiable.

Because only an optimistic fool like him would attend the same function as his girlfriend and the woman privy to his alter-ego identity.

Isabella piped in. “Don’t be silly. Shari went home after the 5K. Take her seat.”

He shrugged, glancing sideways, his stomach now loaded with twenty-five pound weights. Swann was five tables away and getting closer. It was only a matter of seconds before she saw him next to her assistant.

We’ve got to get out of here.

“What’s taking your father so long?” Matthew wondered aloud.

Nick looked up from his game and pointed. “There he is, talking.”

“Please don’t point,” he reminded the child, striving to sound calm, in spite of his gut twisting painfully at the fallout about to ensue if he didn’t act, and act fast.

“Sorry, Uncle Mattie.”

Lexie was fiddling with her napkin, tiny creases on her forehead.

Fuck. Where was Chris when he needed him? He lowered the brim on his baseball cap and pretended interest in his godchild’s video game.

“Thanks for hanging out with him,” Neil said when he finally returned, effectively relieving him of childcare duty.

Yes. He’d hand off Nicky, then he and Lexie could vanish.

“No problem.” He had plenty of bigger ones, like Sylvia Swann seated directly behind them, and being forced to explain why he not only lied, but then covered it up, tricking Lexie into thinking he was someone better than he was. Someone worthy of her.

I love her.

“Oh, Mr. Jacobs, sorry to interrupt.” Sylvia popped out of her chair to extend her hand to Neil. “But I wanted to take a moment to thank you for this lovely event.”

“Good to see you, Sylvia. Thanks for coming out to support the foundation.” Neil smiled. “And, nice work on the Henderson project.”

“Thank you, sir,” she crooned, her eyes sweeping the table. “Hope you all—”

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

“Have a nice one,” she finished, her voice softer and less certain than before.

Matthew stared at the centerpiece, his eyes filled with sand, his arms limp by his side.

Look at the mess you made. You deluded yourself into thinking you were being generous, but you didn’t do this for Lexie or anyone else. Ultimately, you did it for yourself. You’re no better than all the players you despise.

“Today’s been a huge success because of all of you employees and your efforts in this fundraiser. So eat, drink, and have a memorable evening.” Neil smiled at the guests within earshot then turned to his son. “Say good-bye to your godfather.”

“Bye, Uncle Mattie.” Nicky cuddled into his arms.

“See you soon.” He hugged him close then ruffled the boy’s mop of hair. He swallowed. “Be good.” Don’t screw with other people’s lives like I have.

“Promise.” Nicky’s eyes lit. “Will you come to our big party again this year? I can show you how good I swim.”

“Can’t wait. Your family’s Memorial Day barbeques are the best.” And I promise to do better. I’ll make it up to her. I’ll always put her first.

“Bring your girlfriend.” Nicky pointed, giggling.

Matthew swallowed the lump in his throat. “Okay, bud. I’ll see what I can do.”

The table fell silent as Nicky and Neil walked away.

Lexie fiddle with her silverware. “You’re related to Mr. Jacobs?”

“Not exactly.”

Isabella leaned forward, her bracelets jangling. “Look at you, Mr. Big Shot. That must’ve been the best kept secret at J&C.”

“What exactly do you mean by ‘not exactly’?” Lexie asked, hurt creeping into her voice.

Matthew scrubbed his jaw. He’d made up his mind to tell her tonight, but not with her coworkers hanging on every word. “I’ll explain.”

Her chin jutted out. “Please do.”

He stood and smiled at the trio of young women watching the unfolding events like they thought it was an episode of the Kardashians. “If you’ll excuse us, ladies.” He smiled at Isabella. “Enjoy the sunset.” Then he turned to the still, quiet woman beside him and whispered, “I should’ve done this long before