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“Masen?” Mom tilts her head in confusion. “Is there something your father knows that you want to share?”
“Leave the boy alone, you two,” Lex chastises. “He’s got more important things to worry about than women.”
And with that said, I stand up from the table with my shoulders straight and chest out. “Are we done? I have a red-eye to Manhattan tonight.”
“Yes, let’s reconvene when you’re back. I have to head home,” he mentions, placing his phone in his suit pocket. “Addison’s been staying with us and I’m not sure what’s going on. Of course, Charlotte is keeping the details to herself. Woman problems most likely.”
I go to open my mouth but then remain tight-lipped. Why would Addison be staying with Lex and Charlie? Something must have happened, and the only person to tell me will be the very person I’ve tried to avoid all day.
Back inside my office, I dial Ava’s number, waiting as it rings out.
“Wait, so you are alive?” she says upon answering.
“Why is Addison staying at your parents’?”
“Addy is at my parents’?”
“Yes, according to your dad.”
“Wait, why?”
I press the phone to my forehead, closing my eyes to control my frustration. “I don’t know, that’s why I’m asking you.”
Ava sighs deeply, the sound loud over the speaker. We both fall silent, neither one of us with answers to the question.
“Look, I don’t know. Addy is not one to open up and talk. It might explain why she’s gone quiet in the group chat,” Ava says in a neutral tone. “Listen, I have to pack for Manhattan and organize the kids. I’ll see you at dinner?”
“Is she going?”
“I believe so, but don’t get your hopes up, okay?”
“Hopes up?” I repeat in an arctic voice. “She’s the one who decided to go home with my brother instead of me. I’m not waiting around like some lovesick fool for her to call me to tell me what, exactly?”
“I know it hurts, but it will work out if you just control your anger, please.”
Ava knows me too well, and with her—it’s almost impossible to hide the truth.
“I’ll see you at dinner, okay?”
“Yeah,” is all I mumble before hanging up the phone.
* * *
The noisy city streets of Manhattan are a welcome change from my chaotic thoughts of late.
I’m standing inside my apartment, dressed in my suit for tonight’s dinner. Walking around the living room is my realtor, Serena. She quietly observes the space, taking notes down as I stand here and wait for her appraisal.
I bought the apartment in college and paid it off over the years after investing in the stock market and pulling out an excellent return. The place is barely used, and word is the property market is predicted to plummet. If I can sell now, I’m able to reinvest elsewhere and get a better return.
“It’s a very marketable apartment, Mr. Cooper,” Serena compliments with a smile. “Are you sure you want to sell?”
“Yes.”
Serena continues to walk around, making her presence known in a very tight white dress. I have to admit, she does have a fantastic body and her ass is …
Don’t even look or think about it.
Then, the image of Addison’s beautiful face comes to mind. The way she smiled inside my arms as we lay in bed after fucking for hours on end. The memories are like loose shrapnel scattered inside of me inflicting pain.
