Page 65 of Speak from the Heart

“She’ll never accept you. She’s too good for you.”

“You’re probably right on both counts,” I state, my teeth grinding. “She’s also not Debbie, and this isn’t high school. Quit being second in line. Grow the fuck up.”

Gabe snorts dismissively, and that’s it for me.

“Oh, and you’re forgiven for fucking my wife. And as smart as you are, you were stupid for going after her.”

Emily gasps, and Gabe’s nostrils flare. I wasn’t loud, but we have an audience. It’s a small town, and news will travel fast.

“You boys are gonna need to step outside and head on home,” Baz warns us. He’s the baldheaded owner of the bar and an old friend, and I hate that I’m making trouble in his place.

“Gabe was just leaving,” I state.

“Both of you are going. No trouble here, gentleman. This is a family place.”

It’s a fucking bar, I want to yell, but it’s fine. I’m out of here.

“Yeah, I’m heading home. To my family,” I growl.

I’d say Gabe could keep my cheating ex-wife, only I know she dumped his ass too after he helped her. I circle around him, keeping a wide berth, though I’d like nothing more than to knock into his shoulder like we were back in high school. I cross through to the back of the bar and exit through the door leading into the alley. I’m stomping fast when I hear my name.

“Jess,” Emily calls out behind me. “Jess, wait!”

Shit. I stop abruptly and turn to face her. She continues walking toward me, struggling in those damn tall shoes of hers, but the energy vibrating off me warns her to stay back.

“He slept with your wife?” she confirms, coming too close to me.

“Oh, did he forget to mention that when he hit on you?”

She shakes her head. “You told me he helped her leave you. I didn’t know there was more.”

“He fucked her in our bed!” I yell. “And I’m the fool who took her back. I did it for Katie. For my family.” I swipe my fingers into my hair and tug it to the back of my neck.

“Jess, I’m so sorry that happened to you,” she says, her voice full of regret on my behalf.

“You know, he’s probably right. I don’t deserve you, and you are too good for me,” I huff.

“Jess! Why would you say that?”

“There’s nothing here for you, Emily. This is a small town. There’s no story waiting to happen or opportunity for the adventure you seek as a journalist. It’s . . . nothing.”

“Don’t say that,” she says, her voice cracking.

“I’m surprised you didn’t follow him,” I yell.

“Why would you say that?” she questions defensively, and she has a right to be defensive. I’m taking out my anger on her, but the shitstorm of history that just exploded in the bar for all to hear is just too much for me to handle. Gabe Carpenter slept with my wife. I took her back. And then he helped her leave me.

“Maybe he’s a better option,” I snap although I don’t believe that. Not for a minute do I believe Gabe is a better person or even a decent human being, but he isn’t wrong that Emily will leave. He doesn’t need to help her. She’s going of her own accord.

“Than what?” Her tone turns deadly, and I don’t blame her. I’m being an ass, but I can’t seem to quit. She pushes my buttons one more time. So pushy. “You offering me something?”

“Nope.” I hold out my arms taking a step back, one slow movement at a time before I turn on my heels with her calling out my name as I stalk down the alley.

Nope, this time I’m the one leaving before someone dumps me.