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Lex glances to the table beside us, then back onto me. “Well, the night is young, and the two of you seem to have lost control of your ability to make good decisions.”
“I’m not tied to anyone,” I remind him, my vision blurring for a sudden moment before I can focus again. “No wedding ring on my fucking finger.”
“You’re right, there isn’t. But we both know you’re hurting, and trust me, I know it’s not easy to sit back and expect miracles when the woman you love is sleeping in bed with someone else.”
My eyes fall upon the table. “You have no idea how much it hurts.”
I expect Lex to tell me he understands just how much, for I know he went through his fair share of turmoil to win Charlie back. But instead, he motions for the bartender to return and orders the last round of drinks.
When the shots arrive, Lex slides one over. “Last one for the night, then we head back to the hotel.”
I stare at the glass, wishing it could numb the pain, erase her from my memory so I can breathe like a normal human being again. Her hold over me is far greater than I ever imagined possible. I see her everywhere in women who walk past with curly bronze hair, to my imagination which continues to torment me at every waking moment. I’ve tasted her and felt her body melt into mine.
And these memories refuse to disappear even after all the tequila shots.
The last glass sits in front of me, and with Lex, I drink it in one go.
“I’m glad you’re here,” I finally admit. “I could’ve done something stupid because… because I can’t even fucking breathe right now.”
Lex nods. “I’ve made mistakes, done things I’m not proud of. But you, my son, won’t make the same ones.”
“How do you know?”
“Because you have family who loves you and won’t let you suffer in silence.”
I release a breath, suddenly desperate to get out of here. No good can come of this anymore, and all I want to do is sleep and get through another day alive.
“It’s been thirty minutes,” I say to Lex. “Should we rescue her?”
Lex laughs. “We probably should. Just don’t be surprised if we find her head over the toilet bowl.”
“This isn’t my first rodeo with her.” I chuckle.
* * *
The only good thing about Lex being in Madrid is he insisted I attend meetings with him which distracted me from reality. The hotel’s interior has been completed, with decorators finishing their touches by the end of the day. All in all, he’s pleased with how it’s turned out and expects the hotel to be up and running before spring.
I chose to purposely not respond to Jessa’s text, wanting to give her space. It seemed like the right thing to do, not that it was easy. As hours passed, I battled with my morals and conscience, holding myself back from jumping on a plane to see her. I even go as far as to search for plane tickets, but just before I take the final step, only one thing comes to mind.
Bentley.
He doesn’t deserve his family to fall apart because I can’t control my jealousy or temper. So, this is the sick and twisted game I play with myself, fighting against good and bad.
But today is his birthday, so I sent a quick text to wish him a happy birthday, wanting so much to see him since I miss his chubby little face. I contemplate calling but don’t want to make Jessa uncomfortable if she can’t answer. My mind starts to conjure up scenarios, them playing happy family. I begin to feel sick, knowing I can’t continue to do this to myself, so I switch my phone to silent so I can continue working.
Lex left only this morning, giving me some breathing space.
Then, Noah shows up.
The shiny leather shoes appeared beside me as I tried to focus on the lens and capture the hotel’s pool area we were working on.
“If it isn’t Mr. Mason here to play babysitter,” I say with an annoyed huff.
Noah clears his throat. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Sure. First Lex, now you. Let me guess, is Dad next?”
“I’m here for work. I just thought I’d check in to see how things are going.”
