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“Then there’s something you need to know. Pics were taken of Max and me when we were in Paris. The buzz is that we’re dating again.”
“I know.”
“You do?”
“Mira saw the pictures and mentioned it today in the fashion week recap. It’s not true, right?”
“Well…”
She felt him stiffen. He sat up and placed her away from him. “Are you back with him, London?”
“We didn’t sleep together but he’s wanted me back this whole time, and after our fight I told him I’d think about it.”
“Where’s your phone?”
“Where’s my… What?”
“Your cell phone. Where is it?”
“In my purse. Why?”
“Because he needs to know that there’s been a change in plans. If he wants you, he’ll have to come through me. And I’m not moving.”
CHAPTER 26
The next day, London and Ace joined her parents, Ike Jr. and Quinn, Niko and Terrell for lunch at the Paradise Cove Country Club. They were in one of the private rooms, being catered to by a personal chef.
“So, Mr. Montgomery…” Terrell’s voice was cordial, his smile pleasant. “Tell us a little something about yourself.”
“Don’t let the smile fool you,” London warned. “That question lands you squarely in the Drake hot seat.”
“I like heat,” Ace calmly replied. “Niko, right? Pass me those rolls, brother.”
“Confident.” Jennifer beamed. “I like that.”
“Confident or cocky?” Ike Jr. asked, brow raised.
“Your choice,” Ace said.
Terrell laughed. “My man. I like you!”
London’s phone vibrated. Again.
“Turn that thing off,” Niko suggested. “When your man is present, he should have your full attention.”
This elicited the responses Niko expected. Indignation from the women. Laughs and agreement from the men.
“On that note—” London pushed back from the table “—I’ll excuse myself for just a minute. I really need to take the call.”
She left the room and walked down the hallway. Max had been calling since shortly after Ace arrived yesterday. She’d lost count of how many times. Since he was going to be upset whenever it happened, she decided to take the call, end the affair that hadn’t even happened and move on with Ace and their happy life.
“Hey, Max.”
“Finally. I was beginning to think I’d have to come down there.”
Oh, no. Not you, too. Just the thought of Ace and Max colliding in Paradise Cove made London almost pass out.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. There’s a lot going on.”
“I told you not to worry about packing anything. Just move back up here. I’ll buy whatever you need.”
“I’m not coming, Max.”
“What do you mean? Are you coming next week, next month, when?”
“There’s no easy way to say this, Max. I made a mistake in Paris. We’re not getting back together.”
“Has Ace gotten to you? What did he say? Does it have something to do with your modeling contract? Look, I know some of the best lawyers in the world. We’ll get you out of it. Pay them off. Whatever we have to do.”
“It’s not about the contract, Max.”
“Then what is it?”
“I’m in love with Ace.”
She hadn’t meant to tell her ex before she told her lover. It just worked out that way.
“I don’t believe it. Look, come up. Just for the weekend. If you feel the same way after, I’ll leave you alone.”
“I’m sorry, Max. There’s no changing my mind. Please don’t call again.”
“Okay, London, please. I’m sorry. Let’s not end angrily. You just shocked me, that’s all. Your happiness. That’s always been what’s most important to me. As long as you’re happy, I’m happy for you.”
“You mean that?”
“Of course I do. Am I hurting? Sure. You’re one helluva woman. That’s why I’d never want to be totally disconnected from you. We’re both in entertainment. Never know when our paths could cross. So can we at least be friends?”
