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I sniffle and agree. Grabbing my phone, I scroll to find Colin’s number. I try some deep breathing techniques to calm myself. I don’t want to talk to Colin but if I don’t find out what happened then Tackett won’t talk to me. He’ll ask questions that I don’t have answers to. So, if it takes calling douchebag Colin, I’ll call Colin.
Placing the phone face up on the coffee table, I press call then tap speaker phone. I want Megan to hear everything. I want her to vouch for me. Megan grabs my hand, and mouths, “I’ll back you up.”
Months ago, I wouldn’t be in the position of disappointing the people I care about because there was no one to disappoint. But I take her words as an act of love, and I will do what’s necessary to make sure that both Tackett and Megan know I love them.
“Colin, it’s me.”
ChapterTwenty-Three
TACKETT
Jayson follows me to New Orleans, the next stop in hell. I love this city, but the humidity and the bugs are eating me alive. It’s been three days since I found out about Talynn being married.
She’s been calling relentlessly and leaving texts, but what is there to say?
The majority of her texts consist of statements telling me to call her when I’m ready, and that she can explain.
No, you can’t explain accidentally getting married and not knowing about it. I’m mad as hell, and I don’t think that’s going to change. I slept with a married woman. I didn’t stay a virgin out of some old timey way of life, but I do have morals. God. How could she do this to me—to us?
Ortega peeks his head in the door. “The massage therapist is here.”
“Not doing therapy today.”
Jayson jumps in, “Yes, you are.”
“I appreciate the advice but I’m not.”
Ortega shuts the door. I scoot down on the couch and blow out a whale’s breath. I know I’m being an asshole, and I also know the guys have never seen me like this. Hell, I’ve never seen me like this. I need to move on. There’s no reason to wallow in self-pity. I’m putting on my big boy pants and moving the fuck on.
It takes me a minute to find my phone but when I do, I call Archer.
“Hey. Are you in Sarasota today?”
“Yeah, whatever you need.” I sense relief. He’s the first person I’ve contacted since this happened. When I wouldn’t answer my phone or return his calls, Coach got on my ass. I don’t care. This is no one’s business. Eventually, Archer called Jayson and he relayed the message to me.
Talynn got married in Vegas and she doesn’t remember it and neither did the groom.
Groom.
As in Bride and Groom.
“Glad you said that because I need you to move me back into Wilson’s house. I want every last item of mine out of her apartment.”
“Shouldn’t you talk to her first?”
“No need. She’s married and a liar. If you can’t see through her fakeI-don’t-remembers, then… listen, I get it—she’s your sister-in-law, and this puts you in an awkward position. Jayson can get someone to pick up my things.” I arch my brows at Jayson as he nods in agreement.
Archer’s deep breath blows in my phone sounding like static. “I’ll talk to Wilson, and I’ll go get your stuff, but you’re making a huge mistake. Relationships are hard, and sometimes our pasts show up in the present at the worst possible time. She loves you.”
I’ve had enough. Why does everyone feel sorry for her? Tears threaten to spill over my bottom lids. I love her but there’s a reason most people don’t end up with their first girlfriend.
“Archer, right now you are my agent. I don’t need advice of the heart. I need my agent. Someone that cares about me and my needs. Please, in two days, I expect to walk off the plane and drive straight to Wilson’s.”
I’m being an asshole, an expletive no one has ever called me except in jest.
“Okay, but as your friend, you’ll regret this. I haven’t been in this exact situation, but you and Talynn can get through this.”
“She’s married,” I hiss before hanging up.
