Nope.
Random guy I dated in a fit of desperation who I knew wasn’t good for me or my biological clock, ready to jump to its fiery demise?
Also no.
It’shim. My father. He looks… Well, he looks good. Happy. Not like someone eaten up by regret that he’s been no-contact with his oldest daughter for the last fifteen years.
Devin’s there with a pretty-looking professional woman. She’s no Sable, but she’s made beautiful children with him. I know because I stalk her Instagram on the reg, especially when I’m drinking alone.
My dad was younger than appropriate when he got my mom pregnant at Burning Man. Now? I hate to admit it, but someone might think we were siblings—I, of course, being the haggard older sister. My dad looks jaunty and youthful, not a gray hair in sight.
“It’s a hairpiece,” I whisper to myself. I don’t even need a mirror to see the tears in my eyes. “It has to be a hairpiece, because it’s not fair otherwise.”
This right here is one of the reasons I jumped at the chance to go to L.A. with Brock after I graduated. Seattle’s a big city, but somehow, it’s small enough for me to keep randomly running into my father.
Devin looks in my direction.
I scurry behind one of the oversized flower arrangements, trying to calm down. Since I’m hidden anyway, I tug at my waistband, adjusting my tights.
Truman’s bark is the only warning before there’s a hand with a vise grip on my arm.
“I thought you didn’t sleep with clients.”Rex.Yeah, that Rex, with the undocumented sex dungeon.
“I—What?” I stammer, trying to catch my bearings.
Why is he here?
“You refused to fuck me even after I bought you that bracelet?” He’s drunk. I can smell it sour on his breath.
“I didn’t take it; it’s still in your house.” I’m trying to keep my tone even. “McCarthy is a client, just like you were. I am not sleeping with him. I’m not accepting expensive presents from him either.”
Him getting me off in his car wasn’t sex—that was just poor decision-making on my part.
“You lied to me.” Rex grabs the strap of my bag.
Where is McCarthy?part of me shrieks.
“You going to stop being a tease and put out for me like you are for him?”
Truman growls.
Rex scowls down.
“Filthy animal.” He glares at me. “I don’t let women humiliate me. Don’t ever forget that.”
I gag after he stomps off.
I don’t need McCarthy to save me. I don’t care what he thinks.
Heart hammering, I bend over, trying to catch my breath and hushing Truman. With the other animals roaming around, he doesn’t draw any looks.
I smooth down my dress.
It’s good McCarthy didn’t try to save me. That would have been bad. It would have caused a scene.
The chocolate-covered potato chip helps me calm down. Another handful and I’m ready to hit the champagne again.
“I thought those were mine.”
