“What’s your goal?”
I knew she was going to ask that question; it was her favorite one to ask.
“I’m not sure. I want to yell and tell him how bad that hurt me. Shout that this is literally the reason I’ve been hesitant the entire time. To be fair, he doesn’t know the full story about Theo and why this cuts so deep. But I want him to explain whyhe sat there and let his parents talk like they did. I should have left, Jules. I should have flipped them all off and walked out with my head high twenty-five minutes before I did.”
“Did you know his parents were fucked up?”
“We haven’t exactly delved deep into our traumas yet, but I’ve gathered that his family drama is significant. I know he doesn’t have a good relationship with either of his parents. He drained his trust and ran when he was twenty-five, and he hasn’t seen them since. There was so much thrown around tonight. A possible baby. And apparently he knew that tall bitch was going to be there.”
“Wait … he has a kid? The fuck? Also, side question; Why did he agree to come if things are so fucked up?” she asked.
“His sister begged him to come. She passed her bar on the first try, and she’s my age. I don’t think there was an actual baby. Maybe a miscarriage or something?”
“Ah, so he’s close with the sister, then?”
“Yeah, and she’s wonderful. I don’t know how the two of them were raised by such assholes.”
“Because their parents didn’t raise them. There had to be nannies involved. They’re normal because a normal person raised them and loved them.”
“You’re right. He has talked about his nanny a couple of times. One time, he mentioned she would be the one scolding him if he didn’t remember his manners.”
“Okay, you want what I have to say?” she said as I nodded. “I think you have to give him a chance to explain himself. He’s not Theo. I rather like Sir Donovan.”
“I know that tonight was an overreaction. Not to his parents and the tall bitch being horrible, but running out because it just cut too deep. Now that I’m removed and have taken a breath, I’m able to be a little more rational. And side-note, I can’t believe I was hit on by a hot guy who you’re going to sleep with later.”
“Damn right. Did you see his hands? And he is obviously very nice, given that he switched gears from wanting to hit on you to comforting you. I know many men who would try to take advantage of that situation. Bet he’s a giver in bed, too, and I will definitely be testing that theory. But let’s circle back. I say give Donovan a chance to explain himself, and also it’s time for you to lay your cards on the table, too.”
I nodded at my friend.
“For the record, you know I never would swoop in like that if poor Nathan actually had a chance with you,” Jules added.
I laughed because she was right. In another life, maybe, but I wasn’t going to run out and sleep with someone to feel better about a fight with my situationship.
“Obviously, I know that, Jules. Just as much as you know he didn’t have one.”
Jules got up to hug me. How lucky was I that she was there? I was completely drained.Maybe the talk with Donovan could wait until the next day?
“Do you want Donovan to come here? Neutral ground? You still have to get on a plane with him tomorrow, right?”
“Shit. Tomorrow.” I kind of forgot that I was going to have to get back on a plane with him. He was still waiting for an answer to whether he could come to me. Ugh. I’d have to deal with it. I didn’t want to meet in a public space, though, so it was Jules’ hotel or his place. I didn’t want to put Jules out anymore, seeing as she had to leave her work event to find me. “Is your work event still going on?”
“Girl, no. But even if it was, I’m not going back. If you leave, I’ll find some... thing to do,” shewaggled her brows at me.
“Can I ask you a personal question, Jules?”
“Shoot.”
“You and Murphy.”
“You didn’t ask a question,” she looked at me, smiling.
“Are you guys … hanging out?”
“We’re doing a lot more than hanging out,” she laughed. “He’s fun, and we are having a great time. But we’re not exclusive or anything, if that’s what you mean. Have I been hanging around Savannah Springs more? I have, because that man is magic in bed and I’m having fun. I have no doubt he’s still playing around, too, though. That’s just how it is with us…”
“Got it.” I laughed. Although I wasn’t quite so sure that Murphy was still playing the field. in fact, I was almost positive he wasn’t. He certainly seemed tuned into her when they were together, and I hadn’t seen or heard him around town with anyone else in months, either. But I had no time to worry about Jules and Murphy when I was knee-deep in my own shit. I debated calling Donovan, but ended up just texting.
Audra
