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“Did you tell him that you’re in love with him?” Gaby asked softly.
I wiped my face and looked at my friends, then shook my head.
“No, I couldn’t. Not when he said that he didn’t want to be my charity case.” I hung my head, miserable. “I tried to explain my feelings, but he just didn’t get it. He’s so hung up on the fact that I have money and he doesn’t, I don’t think it would matter if I told him how I feel.”
“Of course it would, honey.” Shelly pushed my hair back off my face. “Look, you know TJ. He’s a proud man who’s had a really rough life. Just when things were going well for him, he had the rug pulled out from under him again, and he lost his job and his place. It’s always been important for him to be independent, to know that he doesn’t have to rely on anyone. I think if you were honest with him, told him that you love him, and want to have a real relationship with him, not just sex, he would be able to come to terms with the difference in your income. But, you have to give him a chance, Sasha, and you have to look at it from his side. You’re a rich and successful woman, and you’ve always had the stability that he yearns for.”
“TJ needs to be a partner with someone,” Gaby added. “He won’t want to feel like you bring more to the relationship than he does. You’re going to have to open yourself up, and explain why you want to be with him. I know that will make you vulnerable, and that’s hard for you, but it’s the only way that you’re going to convince him that the emotional stability that he can offer you far outweighs how much money he makes.”
“Okay,” I replied as their words sunk in. They both made a lot of sense, and I hoped what they said was true. “But, what if he says no?”
“What if he says yes?” Shelly countered.
“At least you’ll know,” Gaby added. “You’ll never know his reaction, if you don’t give him the words.”
“Can I have some wine now?” I asked pitifully.
“Yup,” Gaby said with a smile. “There’s one for you, and one for me … Since this one is on the wagon for the next year or so.” Gaby pointed at Shelly with a wine bottle, then disappeared into the kitchen.
“How are you feeling?” I asked, suddenly feeling guilty that I’d been so focused on myself that I hadn’t asked.
“I’ve been a little nauseous, but it hasn’t been too bad.” Shelly smiled as she laid her hand on her still-flat belly. “Cal and I go to the doctor’s this Friday. We’ll get to listen to the heartbeat. I’m so excited!”
Gaby came back in with two glasses of wine, and handed one to me.
“I’ll put the movie in, if you’ll dish up the ice cream,” Gaby said to Shelly, who hopped up to do just that.
I sipped on my wine and asked Gaby as she turned on the TV, “Do you think he feels the same way, Gabs? That he loves me too?”
Gaby walked to me and put her hands on my cheeks, her blue eyes piercing mine. “Of course he does. I’ve always held out hope that the two of you would get together. When I saw you guys at dinner, as a couple, I knew that I was right. You belong together. You make each other laugh, have a wonderful friendship, and an obvious chemistry. You fit.”
Shelly came back with the ice cream, and I scooted over so we could all fit on the couch under the blanket. I sat back with my ice cream as the previews began to play, and beg
an to plan. I would give TJ a couple days to get set up in his new place, and with his new job, then I would talk to him. A couple days would give me the chance to figure out what I wanted to say, as well as to build up the nerve it was going to take to put myself out there.
I had to believe that he was worth it … That we were worth it.
Chapter 27 – TJ
The last couple of days had been equal parts boring and exciting. Cal and I were moving forward with our plans, we’d gotten those business cards made, and everything was starting to really feel like it was coming together. I’d picked up a few jobs with Brock, which not only kept some cash in my pocket, but kept me busy so I couldn’t focus on how much I missed Sasha. I hadn’t seen her since I left her house, but I wanted to. I needed to make sure that we were okay, and I wanted to see how she was doing. I was hoping that she was missing me as much as I’d been missing her.
I arrived at the bar, where I was meeting the guys to talk about the shop and celebrate. I was a few minutes early because I just hadn’t been able to stand being alone in my apartment for another second. I wanted to be around people, so I figured I’d have a beer at the bar while I waited for the guys.
When I walked in I was surprised to see Sasha sitting at one of the high tables by the bar. I felt the grin on my face, and the pleasure at the sight of her, then I noticed that she was with some douche in a suit.
She looked great as always, dressed in a slim white skirt and a pretty blue-and-white shirt, with her signature killer heels on. I didn’t know the douche, but when she leaned in and touched his hand as she laughed, the pleasure I’d felt was replaced with fire and jealousy.
Without pausing to think, let alone ask her what was going on, I walked over and stopped right next to their table and let my jealousy guide me.
“I’d ask how you’re doing, but you seem to be getting along well, Red,” I said rudely as I glared at the douche, not even looking at her. He looked confused and turned to Sasha for a reaction.
“Hey, TJ.” She looked surprised to see me there and I noticed her hand shook slightly as she put down her martini glass. “How’ve you been? You meeting someone?” She looked behind me before training her eyes back on me.
“I’m meeting the guys,” I crossed my hands over my chest to bring attention to my biceps and the fact that I could beat this guy’s ass any day of the week. “What are you doing here?”
I looked pointedly in between the two of them, and I could tell when Sasha got my meaning because she rose and threw her napkin on the table.
“Oh, I’m sorry … If you expected me to be home in my pajamas, crying and eating ice cream, you’ve got the wrong girl,” she spat out, her eyes burning in to mine.
