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“Then tell me what it’s like? Because the way I see it, the moment I’m out, you replaced me.” I know I’m not being fair, but after what happened at my parents’, she’s quick to replace me with Trey.
“It’s a fancy dinner that my mom hosts for charity. I didn’t think it would be your thing.”
“Why? Because I’m not good enough? Because I don’t wear a tie every day? Because I don’t make enough money? What is it?” My heartbeat roars in my ears. I’ve spent my entire life dealing with people looking down their noses at me, thinking they are better than me.
“It’s none of that.”
“Then what is it?” When she says nothing, I know my answer. “I can’t do this. He’s the type of guy you should be with.” I point toward the house where Trey is standing. “Not me.” I fling my door open, and she steps out of the way. The door slams as I sit and start the engine. I shift into reverse and back out of her driveway. Once I’m on the road, I step on the gas. My tires squealing as I speed away.
This situation shouldn’t be this hard. But Trey always messes things up for me. All the way through high school, it was as if I was living in his shadow. He was the golden boy who got everything he wanted and didn’t have to lift a finger to get it. While I had to bust my ass just to get by. I slam my palm against the steering wheel. Fuck! And once again, he wins. He’s taking my girl on a date.
Since the dinner from hell at my parents’ house, I’ve waged a war inside me. I’ve never met a girl like Olivia. Just her presence brightens my day, even on the shittiest of days. She’s the brightest star in the darkest skies. And I’ve been a sad piece of shit this entire week without her. She’s imprinted a piece of herself onto my soul, but she deserves better than me. Trey’s right. I can’t give her everything she deserves. After a few days of moping around the shop, as Jay would put it, he smacked some sense into me. He basically told me to man the fuck up. Don’t let someone else dictate my life. Because at that moment, that’s exactly what I was allowing Trey to do. Get in my head and wreak havoc once again. Showing up at her house today was the first step, but when Trey showed up, I couldn’t handle it. Because he won. Just like he always does. And I’m tired of playing that game.
As I approach The Blue Anchor, I debate on stopping for a beer, but I think better of it. If I have one, I’m sure it will lead to two, three, and four and I might regret any decisions I make. Instead, I head home. At least if I drink my sorrows away alone, there won’t be the possibility of waking up in someone else’s bed.
I park my truck outside the closed garage door and make my way inside. On my way through the kitchen, I open the fridge and snag a beer. Twisting off the cap, I toss it into the garbage before strolling into the living room and throwing myself onto the couch. I’m starting to believe pathetic is my middle name. I slam the rest of my beer and get up to grab another, make that two. When I return to the living room, I find the remote, turn on the tv, and flip through the channels. Jack jumps up on the couch and curls his body next to mine. He bunts his head against my thigh, searching for attention, so I run my hand down his soft fur.
“You have it easy, Jack. Not a care in the world.”
He stretches his legs as he gets comfortable, then shuts his one eye. Several hours later, I stir awake from a knock on my door.
What time is it? And who the hell could be knocking?
The knock sounds again, only louder this time. I stretch my limbs and Jack jumps off the couch and stretches himself. I rise to my feet, still drowsy from the nap and the beer. The knocking grows louder with each footfall. When I reach the door, I peek through the small window at the top and my chest tightens. Maybe I’m dreaming? Perhaps this entire day is a dream? I shake my head. Maybe I shouldn’t have chugged those last two beers so fast. Twisting the doorknob, I pull it open. I blink once. Twice. “What are you doing here?”
SIXTEEN
YOU’RE MINE
Olivia
A tear pricks the corner of my eye as I watch his truck disappear down the road, then one on the other side, until they roll down my cheeks. I brush them away, hoping Trey doesn’t notice.
“Everything okay?” Trey comes up behind me. His voice is soft, as if he’s afraid to startle me.
“Yeah. Let me put my shoes on and we can go.” I skirt past him, purposely avoiding eye contact. I don’t want him to see me like this. Once inside, I touch up my makeup and hustle to strap on my heels. I bolt out the door, letting it slam behind me.
The Dashiell Ballroom is elegantly decorated with candles and low lighting. Circular tables fill the front of the ballroom close to the small stage while high tops fill the back half for those who want a more social atmosphere. That’s exactly the purpose of these events. Everyone gets to brag about how much money they made last year, who bought the most expensive vacation property, and the gossip of who’s sleeping with whom. All I can do is put on a fake smile and be supportive. That’s what I’ve been told to do all my life.
“Olivia.” My mom comes up to greet me with a kiss on both cheeks. Before she pulls away, she whispers, “The sapphire earrings? You should have gone with the diamonds.” She turns to Trey. “And I see you brought a date.”
I force a smile. “You remember Trey?”
Her eyes light up, but it’s hard not to when Trey’s large frame fills a three-thousand-dollar suit. “Yes. You’re one of the head real estate agents at The Blue Stone Group.”
“That’s correct, Mrs. Ellis.” Trey flashes her his most charming smile and she giggles. An actual teenage girl giggle. I roll my eyes.
“You can call me Tamara.” She winks. “It’s so wonderful you could join us. I’m sure you’ll meet some potential clients here tonight. Ones that could really make your career skyrocket.” She brushes her french manicured hand down the lapel of his suit jacket.
“I’m just here for Olivia,” Trey says.
“Nonsense. These events are for socializing. One of the perks of dating my daughter. The Ellis name holds a lot of power in this city,” she says.
Times like this make me wish no one knew my last name. That I was just another body in the crowd instead of using my last name as a perk for dating me.
“We’re not dating. We’re just friends.” Trey wraps his arm around my shoulder and hugs me to him.
She whips her gaze to me. “Why not? Trey’s an upstanding gentleman. You’d be lucky to be with a man like him.”
