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The only thing I knew to do was regain my composure, go out and meet his mother and then think of any excuse to leave.
I slammed the drawer shut and turned on the water to rinse my mouth. Now I was pissed. Not at Nic. At me for being like this.
“Gabi, just let me explain everything after she leaves.”
Rinsing out my mouth, my thoughts started to go all over the place. I knew a part of this was my own guilt for not telling Nic the truth. But to have an ex-lover’s note pop up in my face like that.
It was too much.
“I realize I’m overreacting. I need to process some things, but for right now, we’re going to go out there so I can meet your mother.”
When I walked into the dining area, a beautiful woman with dark hair and olive skin turned and gasped.
“I’m so sorry. I choked on bread and Nic scrambled over to help me. I was in the restroom trying to get myself back together.”
Another lie.
Nic’s mother stared at me. Once the shock wore off her face, I swore it was replaced by a look of pure evil. The way her eyes swept over my body made me want to run out the door and never come back.
“And who is this beautiful young woman, Nicholaus?”
Wow. I was honestly surprised by her kind words. They certainly didn’t match the look in her eyes.
“Mama, this is Gabi Mandola. Gabi, this is my mother, Katerina Drivas.”
I reached my hand out for hers. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Drivas.”
She forced a smile. “Mandola? Italian?” Her eyes shot over to Nic quickly before she focused back on me.
With a nod, I forced out my answer. “Yes, my mother and father moved from Italy to New Jersey before I was born.”
Shit. Shit. Shit. I just told the truth. Damn it, Gabi.
Her eyes darted back and forth from me to Nic.
“Nicholaus, you didn’t tell me you were seeing someone.”
Nic cleared his throat. “I was actually going to call you and Dad to see if you wanted to do dinner tonight. Maybe invite Thano and Kilyn and spend some time with Kira.”
Katerina’s eyes snapped over to Nic. “Uh-huh. I see.”
Oh. Shit.
“It turns out I won’t be able to do dinner tonight,” I quickly added. “I’m so sorry to run, Mrs. Drivas, but I’ve got an emergency at the bakery. It was so very nice to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”
She forced a smile. “I wish I could say the same.”
Nic reached for my hand, but I quickly pulled it away.
“Gabi.”
Turning to Nic, I did my best to smile. “I’m sorry to run off.”
I walked as fast as I could to the door. Opening it, I stepped outside and hustled to the elevators. I could hear the sound of his condo door shutting and Nic following me.
“Gabi. Wait. Damn it, if you would wait for one fucking second.”
Hitting the down button, I forced myself to not cry.
Nic grabbed me and turned me to face him.
“It’s not what you think.”
A harsh laugh slipped from my lips. “Really? Because you have another woman’s makeup bag in your spare bathroom and a note telling her to meet you at your place for what—a fuck fest, Nic? I see you like your women with no panties. That must have been an extra little turn on for you earlier.”
Nic closed his eyes, and I had to look away or I’d start to cry.
“That’s Scarlet’s bag and I haven’t seen her in months.”
Hearing him say her name hurt more than I thought it would. I didn’t even know this woman, but I knew she had shared Nic’s bed and most likely more than once if she had a bag in his bathroom. Knowing that brought out a side of me I’d never experienced before.
My jealous side.
My teeth sunk into my trembling lip. Nic used his finger on my chin to pull my eyes to his. “That’s not true. I see Scarlet when we go to her dad’s place to eat lunch sometimes. But the only thing we do is exchange a hello. I swear to you, Gabi, I haven’t slept with Scarlet since I’ve met you. I haven’t slept with anyone but you. I don’t want to sleep with anyone other than you.”
“You . . . you still see her? When was the last time you slept with her?”
“It’s been months. At least six. And yes, I see her, but it’s like I said, we exchange a simple hello.”
I had to force down the sick feeling I felt at knowing Nic saw his old fuck buddy often.
I finally lost the battle and let my tears fall. I hated being so weak and vulnerable, but that was what Nic did to me. He brought out emotions and feelings I’d never experienced before.
