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Who isn’t willing to put on a white sweater and red ascot for the woman they love?
I’m getting off track.Brain, please focus on the calamity of weirdness in front of you.
“What the hell?” At the sound of my stunned question, he whirls around.
If I’d bet that Martin would say something to clarify the situation, I would’ve lost.
“Why did you come in that way? You were supposed to follow the rose petals.” He sounds put out, as ifI’mthe one acting odd. A lot of times I get this tone from people, and I know I’ve made a misstep. But in this situation, I’m almost positive I’m not the weirdo.
“Why would I do that?”
Before Martin can answer, the creak of the front door opening echoes through the large house.
“Paige,” Dash calls out from down the hallway, “any idea how many boxes you’ll need?” His voice reaches us a second before he does. Dash stops dead in the doorway Martin expected me to walk through, expression as shocked as I’m sure mine is.
The three of us stand silently for a moment.
Martin shatters the quiet by slamming down a wine glass I only now realize he was holding. The dark red liquid sloshes over the rim with his aggressive movement. “What the fuck is your dog walker doing here?”
A response doesn’t even form in my mind before the squeak of the front door’s hinges announce another cast member appearing in this comedic show.
“I brought four. More in the truck if you need ‘em.” Cole’s dry voice proceeds him as he appears just behind Dash’s shoulder. The only sign of surprise he gives is a slight raise of his brows. “Who’s the naked dude?”
A pause, then—
“It’s her ex,” Dash answers, as if it’s just the two of them having a casual conversation.
“Thought he wasn’t supposed to be here,” Cole responds in a deadpan tone, that is somehow extremely hilarious in its emotionless delivery.
My throat tightens as I shove down a hysterical giggle.
“I think he’s trying to win Paige back.” Thankfully, Dash doesn’t sound too concerned about this.
Cole’s eyebrow quirks up again. “By stripping down? Don’t think girls go for that.”
Dash meets my eyes across the room, a smirk curling the corner of his mouth. “Sometimes they do.”
Tears push at the back of my eyes from the demands of holding back my laughter. I might die of it if I don’t let it out soon.
As my two companions trade comments, Martin’s face transforms from a bright red to a deep purple. He may also die from emotional overload, but I don’t think it has anything to do with humor.
I still haven’t made sense of the situation, but it looks like at least one new introduction needs to be made, and that gives me something to focus on other than Martin’s exposed…everything.
I clear my throat. “First off, Dash has never been my dog walker. He is Pumpkin’s dog trainer. He is also my boyfriend, now.” I gesture over Dash’s shoulder. “This is Cole. He’s my friend. Here to help me pack my stuff.” I turn to said friend now, to finish the intro. “This is Martin. My ex-fiancé. He was not supposed to be here.”
When I face Martin again, I consider Dash’s interpretation of the situation. Maybe thisisa ploy to win me back. If it is, once again, my ex has proven he no longer knows me.
The urge to laugh fades momentarily.
I’m done with this. I’m done with him.
“This is your house,” I say to him, “so if you want to hang out in the kitchen in your underwear and drink wine while we pack up my stuff, then go right ahead. But I am not coming back another day.” I meet Martin’s once hypnotizing green eyes, making sure he understands me. “When I leave this house today, it’ll be for the last time.”
DASH
After Paige dismisses her almost-naked ex, she leaves the kitchen and waves for Cole and me to follow her. We share raised eyebrows and amused smirks before following her imperious command.
I catch sight of her sneakers jogging up the staircase.
