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“Not my point.” Simone pauses. “Why are you getting so bent out of shape about this guy? It’s not like you to act like this.”
I gulp down more wine and slump down into my favorite chair in the living room. “I don’t know. He’s…irritating. He probably bullies everyone in his life, and they’re too afraid to stand up to him.”
“Does it have anything to do with the fact that you’re scorned by your ex-husband and your father, so you’re on the attack with all men?”
A frown tugs at the corners of my mouth. “No.”
Maybe.
“If you want my expert opinion, it sounds like you’re trying to get back at your neighbor because you can’t get back at Neil.”
My stomach roils at the sound of my ex-husband’s name. “Look, I know I’m quick to get defensive with men ever since I caught Neil with another woman. But Grant—whom we shall not refer to ashot neighboranymore—was totally rude to me. If he apologized about the bowl, then things would’ve gone a lot differently. I can’t let him think he can treat me like that.”
“I love that you want to stick up for yourself. But I don’t think this is the way to do it. I think your wounds are still fresh after hearing about Neil getting his whore pregnant and you’re looking for someone to take out your anger on.”
I spin the glass stem between my fingers as I ponder Simone’s point. “I don’t think she’s a whore. I think she fell in love.”
“Yeah, with someone else’s husband.”
“I couldn’t give him a child, and now he’s having one. It’s for the best.” Unexpected tears spring into my eyes. “I just want the pain to stop. But there it is, every time I look into Jake’s eyes or when one of my students hugs me. Even when Grant’s daughter took off with my bowl, for a split second, I thought about how I would handle it if she were my daughter.”
“Oh, honey. I wish I could say the right thing to make you feel better, but I know nothing will.”
I swipe a tear from my cheek. “It’s okay.”
“One thing I can tell you is this: Don’t let losers like your father and Neil taint your view on men. You’ll find someone who treats you the way you deserve to be treated.”
“I sure hope so.” I sniffle. “Until then, I’ll focus on serving justice to the asshole across the street.”
“All right. Tell me your plan so I can help you not get arrested.”
4
Grant
“You all right, old man?”
I scoff. “I’m six months older than you. If I’m an old man, so are you.”
Trent points to my legs. “But I’m not walking like I’m eighty.”
“My back has been killing me this week. I’m injured, not old.”
“You should go to my chiropractor. She’ll twist you like a pretzel.” Mitch waggles his wiry gray eyebrows. “She’s got strong hands. I love a woman with strong hands.”
Jason shakes his head. “The only way you can get a woman to put her hands on you is by giving her a copay.”
“Fuck off. I got more women in my day than you’ve had in your whole life.”
“Highly doubtful.”
“Would you two quit it? I refuse to go to happy hour with you bickering like a married couple.” Trent tosses his hard hat into the back seat of his car. “Grant, please come and save me from these two.”
“Not tonight.”
Jason stops beside my truck. “Ah, come on. Have a beer with us and watch the game.”
“I can’t. I have to get home for Noah.”
