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“That’s your cue to leave. But you seem to be missing those.”
“And just who in the hell do you think you are telling me where I can and cannot be? You might own half the businesses in this town, but you don’t own me. You think I’m childish? How childish is it to tell me I can’t take a turn on your playground? Especially with the price of admission tattooed on my back!”
We glower at each other for endless seconds before he draws on his cigarette and tosses it, grinding it out with the heel of his glossed shoe.
It’s the sound of a car door opening and closing that cuts our argument, drawing both our eyes to the source. All words fail me as a gorgeous, dark-haired woman approaches, her eyes on Tobias. She’s polished from head to heel, her hair dark spun silk, a curtain of it draped over her shoulders.
She’s stunning.
Stunning. And familiar.
“Alicia?”
Her eyes flit to mine. “Hello, Cecelia.”
“I almost didn’t recognize you.” Though her smile has some genuine warmth, her brown eyes hold some grudge as she weighs the situation.
“It’s been a long time,” she concedes. “You look well.”
My hair is plastered back with sweat, and I know I’m white as a sheet. There’s vomit on my heels. She’s being kind, cordial. The same sweet disposition of the girl I met all those years ago but…not at all a girl anymore. I’m still reeling from the change in her. She carries herself in a majestic way as she makes her way toward us, a far cry from the reluctant teenager I met when she reaches Tobias.
“Hey,” she greets him with a tone of familiarity.
His gaze softens as he addresses her. “Almost done here.”
My hurt lurches in my chest as Alicia moves toward him, placing her hand on his jaw before leaning in…to kiss him. It’s brief, but it’s enough. The sight of it knocking the breath from me like a sledgehammer. She pulls back, and Tobias looks down at her, his eyes glittering with affection.
“Take the car,” he says softly, and she nods.
“See you at home?”
Tobias nods in reply. “Sorry about dinner.”
“You’ll make it up to me,” she whispers, “you always do.”
My insides clang together as I watch their intimate exchange. Apart, they’re stunning. Together, they’re devastating. She grew up in the life, and she seems to have it together in a way I never will. She’s perfect for him. The type to keep her calm despite any circumstance, to keep her emotions in check, a strong silent support. A true queen.
And I’m willing to bet she’s never slept with his best friend or his brother.
I die a thousand times before she turns back to me, not at all intimidated by my presence, and that undoes me. I feel the stab soul deep. It’s like losing him all over again.
“It was good to see you, Cecelia.”
I can only nod, as white-hot jealousy eats me alive before she saunters away. She starts his Jag and makes her way out of the parking lot, and I stare after her for several ragged heartbeats before my eyes drift back to Tobias. My voice fails me for a handful of seconds before I finally speak.
“She’s beautiful.”
He nods, watching me closely.
“Good for you,” I rasp out. “I was supposed to get married in two months, but I broke it off before I came here.”
He slides his hands in his pockets, his expression unintelligible.
“I can see myself home. You should get back to her. I’ll figure it out.”
“Come on,” he says, moving toward me, and I shake my head, refusing him.
He pulls my keys from his pocket, gripping my elbow. I jerk my arm away and he groans out in frustration. “Just get in the fucking car, Cecelia.”
