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In the background I hear a phone ringing and Cash lets out a soft curse. “Babe, I have to get this call. Are you going to be okay? Need me to juggle things and come there?”
I love that he offered to be here with me. He did last night, too. As did Trotter, but Cash’s offer means more.
“I appreciate the offer, I really do, but I’ll be home soon.”
“Text or call when you need to talk.”
“I will.”
We say our goodbyes so he can take his work call and I make my way to the wine cellar, pulling out three bottles rather than two. One for now because I have a feeling I’ll need to be liquored up for whatever this evening holds.
ChapterTwenty
Cash
I feel it in my gut. Something is off. Really off.
I can’t put my finger on it, but I wouldn’t be one bit surprised if this dinner with this Alastair guy is a set-up. Celeste knows Hadley and I are dating and has voiced her displeasure about it many times. I’m beneath Hadley, which I don’t argue with, and I don’t deserve her. I argue that one because I have self-esteem and recognize my worth.
Celeste is one of those people who has to be in control at all times.
I feel for her. Cancer is awful and I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone, but it’s weird to me that she’s more concerned about a dinner with some guy than about being diagnosed with cancer.
Maybe it’s her coping mechanism, which is very likely, but I can’t stop the churning in my gut that tells me it’s something else.
And why can’t Hadley reach Robert? They’ve gotten much closer since she bailed them out of jail in Nashville, talking often and figuring out what their father/daughter relationship looks like.
Things with her dad are a work in progress, but they’re at a place together where I can’t believe her dad wouldn’t have told her he plans to ask for a divorce from her mother.
He’s been opening up a lot more with her and in return she’s been doing the same.
Robert and I have even had conversations when she’s on FaceTime with him and I’m around. As much as I don’t want to admit it, I like the guy.
A few weeks ago, he admitted that he was jealous of the relationship Hadley and I have. The obvious love we have for each other, even though we haven’t said the words to each other yet. Robert told us he wanted things to be different between him and Celeste and was working on getting their marriage back on the right track.
That’s why it’s so hard for me to believe he wouldn’t have told Hadley if he was planning to ask for a divorce.
The fact that he’s in London right now instead of in Chicago when his wife was getting the report back to find out if she had cancer irks me, as well. He wouldn’t be there if he knew that was going on. At least, I don’t think he would.
The man has faults, as we all do, but I don’t see him bailing on his wife during a time like this.
Something is up.
And I intend to find out what it is.
ChapterTwenty-One
Hadley
“Hadley, you need to get dressed. Alastair will be here shortly.”
“I am dressed,” I tell her, looking down at myself. I’m in black pants, a white silky shirt, and stilettos. I’m sure she doesn’t approve of the leopard print on my shoes, but I love them.
“You look like the help.”
I smirk, putting the finishing touches on our dinner. “Isn’t that kind of what I am? I’m answering the door and cooking for your dinner.”
She told me she couldn’t find someone to fill in for Georgina, but I have doubts she even tried.
