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“What you mean is you have a new boyfriend.” Sarcasm leaked from his tone.
I straightened my shoulders and glared at him. He wanted an argument; he was going to get one. “Yes, I do have a new boyfriend, but I also have a lot more than that. I have friends who I’ve come to love. I have the gallery and all the artists. I also have you, and even though you’re being a prick, I’d like to think you like having me around.”
Shock registered on his face then quickly disappeared. “Of course, I like having you around, but I’m not going anywhere. Neither is the gallery. We’ll both be here when you come back. As for you having friends, that’s great, Grace, but those are Nick’s people. His family. Are you actually going to make a decision this important based on them? If there’s no more Nick and Grace, there are no more friends. Don’t you see that?”
“That is low.”
“Think about it, Grace. If you two split up, whose side do you think they’ll be on? I’m sure they’ll be around for a little while, but then they’ll fade away.”
“Why do you think we’ll split up? We’re in a great relationship!”
I kept the last few days of rejection and fear to myself. It was none of his business.
“Oh, that’s right. You’re on the accelerated path of becoming a quarterback’s wife. A life of luxury and riches. Then, in ten years when he’s done, he’ll find a new trophy wife.”
His statement stung, and I fought the tears that threatened. “Is that what you think of me, Logan? You think I’m with Nick because I want to be a quarterback’s wife? Luxury and riches? Am I that shallow to you? If I were to marry Nick, it would be because I love him with all my heart. How dare you characterize my relationship with such disrespect? Is that what you’ve been thinking all along? Of me?”
He shrugged without an ounce of regret. “I’m looking out for you, telling you what you need to think about. You’re so blinded by lust that your judgment is clouded. I’m not going to let you throw away this opportunity.”
“Do you think I’m incapable of making my own decisions?”
“When it comes to Nick Bennett, I think you’d do anything.”
“You asshole! I told you, I like my life here. This is my decision. Nick is a factor, but he’s been nothing but supportive.”
He smirked with such venom a chill ran up my spine. “Supportive? Yes, he is. That’s why I called him to see if he was in on this decision. Imagine his surprise.”
“You didn’t.” My heart sank.
“He’s not too happy.”
Getting up slowly, I slipped my shoes back on and turned to leave. I was done with our conversation.
So this was what betrayal felt like? A deep hatred stirred inside me.
“Grace, I’m sorry. This is not how I wanted the conversation to go, but your best interests are always my first priority. You need to think long and hard about your future.” I heard him sigh, but I kept walking, never looking back.
My phone rings, jolting me back to the present, a picture of Nick and me flashing on my screen. God, I need him right now.
“Hey, Nick.”
“Sweet Peach, where are you?” His concern gives me hope.
“I’m on my way home. Are you already there?”
“No, I’m at my place, but I’ll meet you in an hour.”
“Okay.” I hiccup, the tears threatening again. “Are you mad at me, too?”
His pause is the confirmation I need. “We need to talk.”
“You know what, Nick, I’ve just had the worst conversation of my life with my brother. I’m not in the mood to talk. If you’re angry, then stay home. I have my reasons for not telling anyone I declined the program. If you’re going to come over and be ugly, I can’t take it tonight.” My voice cracks, and I start bawling.
“Grace, where are you exactly? I’ll come get you.”
“Don’t bother. I’ll be fine.”
“Baby, I’m not mad. I’m worried. We’ll talk about it in a bit. I need to make a quick stop, and then I’ll be there.”
