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Although I guess I’m too shocked to cry. The tears I expect don’t come, but that doesn’t mean they won’t. Especially if I have to face both of them together in my humiliation. “Does he know that’s why you hired me?”
“Yes, of course. He’s smart. He figured it out the day he met you. He resisted at first, but he couldn’t deny how perfect you are.”
Another massive squeeze before she pulls back and grins at me, overcome in her boozy stupor. She sighs with relief. “Just perfect.”
I force a smile in return from her compliment. “Let me finish, and I’ll meet you back at the table.”
“Okay.”
She drops her arms and sweeps out. I’m not sure if she even rinsed the soap off her hands but I can’t worry about her hygiene right now. I have to get out of here. I need time to think.
Maybe I’m a coward. Weak to hide rather than confront them. But I’d rather speak to Balthazar with my head held high even if my heart’s lower than it’s ever been.
I’ll go home and face him tomorrow because tonight the pain hurts too much to talk. Things are always better in the morning. I slide out my phone and tap the screen with trembling fingers.
My friend replies instantly.
Bree:Of course, you can come over. Do you need me to come and get you?
I’m grateful she knows through a simple text that something’s wrong. I type back, telling her I’ll call an Uber.
My cell pings with her argument that’s dumb and she’s on her way. I don’t have to respond. She won’t take no for an answer and selfishly I’m glad.
I need her.
Another message comes through.
Balthazar:Where are you angel?
Hiding in embarrassment.
His sweet endearment belies the fact that my boss only hired me so I could date her friend. In her eyes, I’m not a professional or skilled enough to support her and her business. I’m just good for being a whore, that I’ve actually turned into.
Gaspar and Melchior probably know too.
The jokes on me. My instinct was right all along. Just like I told Balthazar—I’m broken.
That’s why I missed the fact that London thought I was an idiot.
Why I believed being in a relationship with both Balthazar and Gaspar was actually okay.
Why Bree is so overprotective.
Because I obviously can’t figure out things myself. I had to have London spell out for me how incredibly stupid I am.
I shake my head. I might be just a plaything to all of them, but I refuse to be immature. I won’t just run off.
Me:I have something urgent I need to talk to Bree about so she’s picking me up. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.
All true statements. Although I’m well aware he won’t care if it’s true or not. He’ll just want to talk. I can’t. Not right now.
“Excuse me.”
I glance up from my phone hearing a woman’s voice nearby. A girl a little older than me in a gorgeous silver sparkly dress offers me a bashful smile.
“Do you happen to have any gum or mints? I’m on a first date and don’t want to be breathing garlic breath on him all night.”
The easily solved problem is one I wish I had. I nod to her and pop open my tiny clutch. My hand trembles as I hold out the Trident to her. “Here you go.”
