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Dammit, Cal was right. I’ve been pining for her all along.
But now, I love the incredible woman she’s become, too.
Slowly, I nod. “Yeah, man. I do.”
A mischievous twinkle glints in his eyes. “I was hoping you’d say that.”
“Why?” I ask, wishing I could stop the aching in my chest.
“Because it’s time you stop dicking around and win her over.”
CHAPTER24
Lily
Trollop. Harlot. Floozie.
I jab my thumb into my right eye socket, trying to will the pounding in my head to subside. Sleep was elusive and I know it’s all my fault. It was my penance for my indiscretion. Especially since I couldn’t bring myself to tell Seth about what I’d done.
Instead, I’ve been stuck in this incredibly uncomfortable place between hating myself and feeling like I need to do something. I need to make a move to ease this tension.
My only problem is … I don’t know which move is the right one.
So naturally, I’ve thrown myself into work. I’ve been atBean There, Done Thatcoffee shop for hours, working on the event for Nocté with the hope that I can pass the rest off to London and his team, then back away.
Until I find the courage to tell Seth about the kiss, I have no business being in the same room as London.
I don’t trust myself.
The caterer is set. The florist is locked in and the party decorators have sent their invoice.
At this point, the only thing left is to get the invitations out—something I’ll be handling personally, so I can add some personal touches. They’ll go out tomorrow. Then, it’s in the hands of the Upper Tier.
Truthfully, it’s better if I’m not there during the event. After witnessing—what I witnessed—I don’t think I could handle it anyway.
I glance up from my laptop, my eyes scanning the familiar coffee shop. The occasional clink of a spoon against a mug and the soft murmurs of conversations around me are comforting sounds that momentarily ease my turmoil.
Coming here used to be my office of choice. It reminds me of simpler times.
Lost in my thoughts of the past, the chime above the door snaps me back to the present. I’m about to get up to order another coffee when I double-take at who jangled the bell.
Angie.
Her long, dark hair is sprinkled with hints of golden highlights and cascades gracefully down her back. Her skin is slightly more sun-kissed than mine, showing traces of laugh lines around her hazel eyes—the mark of a woman who's experienced more of life's highs and lows. Her vibrant energy immediately fills the room, and though she's older, there's an undeniable youthful spirit about her.
A pang of jealousy hits me that she can live her life so happily when I’m an absolute mess.
Then, the guilt hits.
If she finds out my marriage is crumbling …
Angie’s eyes light up when they land on me. She waves dramatically and alters her course, making her way towards me.
“You look like hell,” she quips, setting down her oversized handbag on the seat across from me with a thud. "One caramel macchiato, coming right up.” She winks and heads to the counter.
I lean back, trying to force the panic clawing its way up my throat to settle back down. Instead, I blink hard at my sister’s back, trying desperately to think of talking points that won’t have anything to do with the mess I’ve made of my life.
When she returns, two mugs in hand, her face is more serious. "Okay, spill. What’s going on with you? You've been absent for days now. You think I haven't noticed?"
