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And just at that moment
, the realization that maybe I’m living in denial in this sick and twisted game is like a sword piercing my heart, continually stabbing me till I am out of breath. My hands have clasped onto the handle of the stroller and all I can see is my knuckles turning stark white. My breaths are few and far between, and all the while, I hear the echoes of Eloise’s laugh taunting me, naming me a fool.
“Oh! Here it is!” She places the cell in front of me and I push it away, unable to control the fueling rage inside of me.
“He is my son,” I grit. “I don’t care what you do. But don’t you dare expect to have my son attend your wedding!
“Presley, I—”
“I don’t want to hear it!” I face-palm her. “You don’t care about Masen. Shit, you didn’t even have the decency to come see him.”
“I sent you flowers,” she answers defensively.
“Oh!” I laugh sarcastically. “I didn’t realize flowers were the same as meeting your future stepson.”
She remains still, her face in complete and utter shock at my outburst. And I’m just getting started.
“I don’t know why the two of you are getting married. But know this. My son will not be a part of your lives. If I have to move hell and earth to make that happen, I WILL!”
I push past her, and thankfully, the elevator opens on cue. The second I’m inside, I repeatedly tap the close button until her wretched face disappears, allowing my tears to fall freely. With clouded vision, I take out my cell and send two texts: one to Vicky confirming that tonight is still on, and one to Jason, letting him know I’m excited about dinner.
I have no clue what I’m doing. And that’s the thing about broken hearts; they open up a dark abyss and all you can do is try to stop yourself from falling into that dark hole. Even if that means spending the night with your ex to get over the man who never intended to steal your heart.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Vicky arrives to babysit Masen while I get ready for my dinner with Jason. It’s no coincidence that I chose to wear my short black dress that fits even nicer than before with my new, full bust. I accessorize it with a ruby-red necklace, my hoop earrings, and those red pumps that the Jerk drooled over. They also happen to be Jason’s favorite piece on me.
“You look too hot. MILF type of hot. The girls are totally out for show. Unless, of course, they’re out on purpose . . .”
“It’s nice to dress up.”
“Pres . . . what’s going on?”
I grab my purse off the nightstand and kiss Masen on the forehead.
“Nothing. I’ve having dinner with a friend. That’s it.”
“Okay, but we need some sort of code in case you want to come back and get laid.”
“It’s not like that. I’m going. Please call me if Masen won’t settle,” I gently remind her.
She simply smiles and I kiss her on the forehead too before heading out to my dinner date with Jason.
***
Sitting in close proximity to Jason makes me realize how much I’ve missed him. Everything about him is so familiar and comfortable. Everything about him is drama-free.
He takes a sip of his red wine and I can’t help but stare at him. He has aged, just a bit, and his hair is now a salt and pepper color that reflects his maturity. His eyes still do that thing to me, calming the storm brewing in my head. With his hands resting on the edge of the table, I remember how many times I’ve kissed his fingertips, how many times his fingers have trailed my body. All the things I haven’t experienced with the Jerk.
And fuck him! Stupid motherfucking jerk!
“So tell me, how did this happen?” he asks.
I swirl the glass of wine, taking small sips so as not to get too intoxicated. I had cleverly pumped enough milk to last a lifetime so I know I can have a glass and express my alcohol-infused milk down the drain. I start from the beginning, leaving out the whole “it happened in the alleyway” part. No need for graphic details.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Honestly? At the time, I was ashamed. It was so careless of me. You know me, I’m one to stick to a plan. This was a shock to me. I had no choice but to accept the reality of the situation.”
