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The woman that I thought was my rock taught me a lesson. One that I haven’t forgotten. From the day I found out Natasha was sleeping with other men behind my back, I realized that the pain wasn’t worth it. Not again. The last thing I expected was for the person I put my heart on the line for to be cheating when all along I thought we were in a monogamous relationship.
Well, I gave her a taste of her own medicine.
I purse my lips as the images go through on repeat, stirring a pain in my heart that I still haven’t overcome, but it’s turned to hatred, not sadness.
Two years. A monogamous relationship for two years! And yet, after doing all the doting boyfriend things I could do, I ended up being hurt. So, I realized one day that if this happened to me, then there are lots of other people who are going to fall into the same situation.
My book is a way of telling people about this trap.
I call it commitment.
A woman’s voice interrupts my thoughts, and I focus sight on the direction it’s coming from. I see her standing with both hands on her hips, in the back row, and I already sense an unhappy customer.
“Wait, so you are literally telling people that being single and sleeping around is better than settling down with one person? Are you for real?” Her voice gets louder towards the end, her tone incredulous.
Her comment stumps me because, well, it’s the first time that someone confronts me in front of all my readers. And if she doesn’t like what I preach, then why is she even here? I take a quick glance at the rest of my audience and see them studying me, waiting to hear my response.
Shit, minor setback, but I can smooth it out.
“As with much of what I have already mentioned in my book, I’m not forcing my opinion on anyone, and sleeping around with someone isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. What I am aiming at is not to censor a man or woman because they have a different lifestyle and sexual interests. I am here standing up for those who have a guilty conscience and shouldn’t. Or for those who want to know the facts of promiscuity. It’s not the end of the world.” I give her a smile and shrug.
However, that doesn’t deter her.
“Fine,” she says exasperatingly. “But what about settling down with someone? Are you telling others it’s fine to get married, have kids, and then sleep around because ‘it’s their prerogative?’”
The audience stays silent and watches our discussion. I suppress an eye roll and calmly clear my throat and address her question, wanting to emphasize my point.
“I’m not of telling anyone to cheat or leave their partners. No. My book is for people who feel tainted by slurs or for their own general curiosity.”
I must have said something right as I see heads nod, and even a few smirks on faces, which makes me feel better about the direction this is going. I was worried it would become a shitshow for a second there.
Up in the front, a couple of young guys fist pump each other so clearly something I am saying is sparking their interest.
Although how can I openly tell them I would rather just fuck for the rest of my life than settle than have my heart ripped out again? Women are good for me, but only in the short term. Nothing more, and my dick happily agrees.
The woman just shakes her head and turns around, storming her way out of the room.
Well, fuck you too. Go get yourself a relationship and then you’ll come crawling back. Or better yet just get laid.
I hold the microphone tighter and smile. “As you’ve already witnessed, my book—or my thoughts—aren’t always well received.” I hear some laughter echo and finally begin to feel at ease again, with the tightness which built in my chest from that woman’s accusations loosening. Determined not to let it ruin my event, I continue. “Yet regardless of what others think of me, I decided a long time ago that I wouldn’t let anyone get me down or pin me down.”
Enthusiastic chants of “Hear, hear!” and “Well said” make me grin.
“Time to close off as we have the next guest author lined up ready to go.” I hear Amy, the coordinator, say in the earpiece she gave me.
I discreetly nod and open my hands to the audience, as if I’m giving them a wide berth.
“So now that you’ve heard from me, the next step is up to you. Do you want to get your book signed? Check the program and meet me here tomorrow. If you want even more from me, then you can catch me on Sunday morning for a Q & A session!” I finish with a cheeky grin and wave.
Once I’m off the dais, I shake hands with Amy and head out to the bungalow I rented for the weekend.
As soon as I step outside, my shoulders relax as the scent of salty air hits me. It’s as though my body knows the hard part is over. At least until I have to do it again tomorrow.
Chapter Six
ABIGAIL
In a relationship? You had to go that route, didn’t you?
