"When he realized he was making a mistake," Claire said.“He just stopped cold, sat up, and excused himself.A minute later I grabbed my things, and he took me back to the hotel."
“What the hell?”
“I know,” Claire said softly.“I was stunned.”
“Did he say anything?Offer any sort of explanation?"Molly asked.
"Not much.He just apologized and said it had nothing to do with me."
"Sounds like residual guilt."
Claire sighed."That's what I think too."
"Have you talked to him since?"
"No.I thought about calling him, but I think it might be too confusing.For both of us.Obviously, he's not over his wife.And I'm not interested in beingRebound GirlorHelp Me, I'm Lonely Girlor evenI'm-Rich-So-Use-Me-'Til-My-Head-Clears Girl."
"So, what are you going to do when he does call?”Molly asked.“Because he will call, Claire.Men just don’t walk away from you without a word."
"Maybe I won't answer."
Claire looked down at her feet, nestled in pink bunny slippers.
CHAPTERSIXTEEN
JAY
Aclap of thunder from a morning storm echoed through Jay’s bedroom, forcing open his tired eyes.Sleep had not come easily, his brain toggling between Claire and Hope all night.An unhealthy game of compare and contrast between the two women.
He sat up and perched on the edge of the bed, rubbing his eyes with force.When he focused again, his gaze fell on his wedding band lying on the bedside table.He slid it in place, the metal cool against his skin.Was the band suddenly a little loose on his finger?He’d lost a few pounds in the months since Hope’s death, but nothing truly noticeable.Hope was a slave to the gym and watched her weight like a prize fighter.She’d probably congratulate me.
The buzz of his cell phone pulled him back.Hoping to see Claire’s name on the screen, he sighed with a touch of disappointment seeing Rob’s name instead.
“Hey!”Jay answered, trying to sound upbeat.
“Hold on.”Rob covered the receiver and hollered several firm commands which Jay suspected were directed at his children.“Sorry.Abby’s out and it’s a zoo in here.How’d it go with Dragon Lady Nails?”
“She wants in.I emailed legal and the contract is being drawn up right now.”
“Jay, this is fantastic!”Rob said.“This collab is gonna be huge.I can’t believe you didn’t call me.”
“Yeah, sorry.I’ve been busy catching up with an old friend.”
“Anyone I know?”he asked.
“Yes, actually.Do you remember the woman I met in the bar in Negril?”
"The married woman?”Rob questioned.“Who looks like Kate Hudson?"
"Kate Winslet.But yes, that's the one."
"No shit?But how?"
"I ran into her.She's still a dead ringer for Winslet but it turns out, she's not married.Never has been."
"I knew something must have happened Friday night, I just didn't know what.Then when I didn’t hear from you yesterday I thought maybe the deal crashed and burned."
"Listen, can I ask you something?”
