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“Remember when I told you Bryce was protective of Devon? Think the words I used were ‘he’d go ballistic if anyone insulted her’. Well, you’re insulting her now.”
“Hardly, I’m trying to move past this.”
“Nicole,” I sigh, “if it’ll make you feel better to apologize then do it. Otherwise, we don’t have anything else to say.”
“What the hell do I have to apologize for?” she spouts back. “I didn’t do anything wrong.”
I’m done with this conversation, but Bryce’s face pops into my mind, and I think about what he’d do in the situation. He’d make a point to take the high road and leave no room for misinterpretation. As much as I’d like to cut her off, I take a deep breath and choose my words carefully.
“You’re right, Nicole. You’re way too defensive to understand why I’ve lost trust in you and your judgment.”
Quinn opens her mouth, but I give her a sideways glance and then a small shake of my head.
“But I’d like to explain something to you. If the situation was ever reversed, Bryce and I would not condone cheating in our home. In my mind, you may not have been at fault except you knew it was going on. You thought you walked in on it then you acted like things were normal. Regardless how sorry you felt for me, I can’t see myself moving on.”
“That’s it?”
“That’s it. No more wasting each other’s time. We have nothing more to say.”
“What the hell, Devon? I called to work this out. It’s stupid and silly. This type of shit happens all the time, and it’s up to the women to mend the fences.”
“I disagree. I think it’s up to women to stick together and know to look out for whores who weasel their way into the mix. In my mind, you were one of those women.”
“What the hell am I going to tell Tommy?”
There it is; this is about Tommy. “Tell him you’re pathetic at apologies.” I hang up and fight the impulse to throw my phone.
“Gotta say, I was seriously wrong about her.” Quinn sits back and crosses her arms, pouting. “I hate when that happens. Usually, we can pick out the bitches within a second.”
“I think we get a pass on this one. Nicole isn’t a bitch, but she wants to be liked and keep the peace. If Liza wasn’t lying, and she and Bryce ended up together, Nicole wanted to make sure they still had a relationship. Sounds like Tommy’s the one she’s keeping happy, regardless of morals.”
“Well, that’s done. Let’s see if Bryce sent any updates.”
She slides my computer across the table. Bryce tries his best to send daily emails, specifically to see if Quinn’s made me smile. He never really says it, but I know he’s letting me know about any run-ins with Liza.
My pulse races when I see a series of messages from him. I laugh out loud at the subject line of the first one.
Subject: Safe for Quinn Jackson’s Eyes
Quick note to see if you’re smiling today. Did you get the chocolates? Good news is that our run has been successful, and we’ll be heading in on time, maybe even early. At this point, I’m sure Quinn told you I’ll be there for your big event on Saturday night. But I have another surprise. Nate’s coming and bringing Jamie. They’re staying at a hotel.
Quinn- check your email- privately. I’ve transferred some money and instructions to you. I know you want to kick me in the balls, but hopefully this will help soften the punishment when you see me.
I’ll call when I can. Dev- next email is for your eyes only.
“Okay, that’s my cue to leave. I’m gonna call Dean. See you in the morning.” Quinn leaves me in the kitchen, and I wait until her door shuts to open the next message.
Devon,
Being on this ship has opened my eyes to the world without being able to contact you. I lie down and my mind floods with images of your face. This time away has physically hurt, not being able to hear your voice after all that happened. I wake up in a cold sweat, wondering if you’re going to leave me. You said you forgive me, but I haven’t forgiven myself.
I promise to never let anyone come between us again.
This weekend, we will have a lot of reasons to celebrate. In case you don’t already know, you’re an incredible and amazing woman. Lucky for me, I get to spend the rest of my life telling you these things every day.
I love you, baby, and I have one last question.
When are you going to marry me? June seems too far away.
