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My chest tightens as I read her name on the screen. Sabrina only ever calls for one thing, and today I just don’t want to deal with her. But I do, because she won’t stop calling until I answer.
I put my phone to my ear. “Hi.”
“So, Thomas is a dick.”
Sabrina never changes. I have no idea how I ended up with a sister who is so different from me. “Yes.”
“I can’t believe the shit he’s saying about Mom and me. What an asshole.”
When asked for a comment on the story about Mom, Thomas said he’d witnessed her getting high with men many times and sleeping with a lot of them. He also mentioned that he’d witnessed Sabrina doing the same. That part about Sabrina was the only thing he didn’t lie about.
I don’t comment on what she says because I don’t want to get into an argument with her this morning. And wewouldend up in an argument, because that’s where we always end up. “What do you need, Sabrina?”
“Why do you think I need something? Maybe I just called to talk to you about Thomas.” Her defensiveness tells me otherwise.
“Did you?” I rub at my temple, feeling a headache forming.
“Well, no, but if it wasn’t for Mom needing help, I would have just called for that.”
We both know that’s a lie, but I don’t touch it. “What does Mom need help with?”
“Her plumbing.”
Right, I should have known. “How much?”
“I don’t know. A few grand maybe.”
I highly doubt she needs that much, and if it was any other day, I’d likely point that out. But since it’s today, and I don’t have it in me to get into this with her, I say, “I’ll take care of it.”
“I’ll let her know. And maybe get your lawyer onto shutting Thomas the hell up.”
The call disconnects and I take a minute to center myself before walking into my office.
If I thought I needed a year to recover from yesterday morning, I need longer today.
* * *
I survive the day.
Actually, my day goes well.
Jenna and I make good headway on our business plans and set a few new things in motion that we’ve been talking about for weeks. It feels good to get the ball rolling on these plans.
Lara only brings up the photo shoot with Jameson twice. I make it clear to her that it won’t happen and that I don’t want to hear about it again.
I get through a lot of work throughout the day and arrive home feeling like I achieved a lot. I then shower and get dressed for dinner with Jameson’s family. I take Natalie’s advice and diffuse lavender oil while getting ready, hoping it will help me remain calm during dinner.
Jameson strides into the bedroom at 6:45 p.m. He glances at me on his way through but doesn’t speak. He takes a shower and emerges looking like he was styled by a professional. I find it highly annoying that he can do this, and that he can do it in less than ten minutes. It takes me far longer to achieve that level of styling.
He’s changed into jeans, and a high neck black-and-white cashmere sweater. I may hate his hair, beard, and ink, but I like his style. Jameson has this way of making even the most casual outfit sexy. I’m convinced the man could wear anything and I’d like it.
“I’ll wait in the car for you,” he says, grabbing his black wool overcoat and exiting the bedroom without waiting for my reply.
I swipe some lipstick on, run my fingers through my hair one last time, and join him in the car.
I spent time today going over what I want to talk with him about later tonight. I also spent time trying to rid my mind of the kiss we shared this morning. I thought I’d done a good job of moving past it, but being in his presence, for even this short amount of time, shows me I didn’t do a good job at all.
Max hasn’t even exited the garage before my skin heats and my thoughts start jumbling. I swear I feel the air around us stir with a new energy.
