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13
Jezebelle decided to put the dishes in the drying rack away. She almost balked when she saw there wasn’t a dishwasher, but after they had so much fun doing the tedious chore together she realized it wasn’t so bad. They laughed, splashed a bit of water, a few kisses here and there. With Brick, it had been a treasured moment.
Like every moment with him.
He loved her.
So much so he wanted to make the engagement real. She still couldn’t wrap her mind around it. This couldn’t be real. This couldn’t be so easy.
Yet, it was happening. It was that easy. No matter what other games her mother tried to play, it wouldn’t work. Brick was in her life and it would stay that way.
She jumped when her phone pinged, so lost in her thoughts. She put the plate away and grabbed her phone, hoping it was Brick with a lovey-dovey message knowing it probably wasn’t as he just left and would be driving. But she could hope. She was still flying high in blissful euphoria.
I’m in the neighborhood. Let’s have a drink. I’ve missed you today.
Bradley.
Interesting—and odd.
No mention of Brick as if he knew she was alone. How did he know she was even at home? She wouldn’t be surprised if her mother had eyes on her, tattling to Bradley immediately so he could swoop in and do some damage to her relationship. Well, it wouldn’t work.
What did she say?
Even if she did have one drink with him, nothing would happen. She loved Brick. Bradley could talk until he was blue and it wouldn’t change her mind.
Sure. I’ll meet you in the bar in fifteen minutes.
She had no idea how close he was, but she didn’t want to give the impression she’d jump right away at the chance to meet up with him. Nor did she want him in the apartment above the bar. He wanted a drink, they’d have one surrounded by other people.
She didn’t respond when he replied with a kissing face emoji because she had nothing else to say. This little game he and her mother were playing was getting old. She didn’t want to be rude and offend Bradley, but if he kept up these subtle plays for her affections, she’d have to be point blank with him.
As she put the rest of the dishes away, her mind swirled with every possible scenario that could happen when she walked downstairs. She conjured things she would say and how to express it politely. This was what she did for a living. Expressed every emotion under the sun, depending on the character. She only had to put her acting shoes on and pretend she was someone she wasn’t. Someone who could handle confrontation. Bradley was a good friend. A long-time friend. This didn’t have to be awkward.
When she ventured downstairs, she found him in the back room sitting at a table in the corner. As far away from everyone else as possible. So he wanted to make this awkward.
“I took the liberty of ordering you a drink.” He smiled as he gestured at a Tequila Sunrise sitting in front of a chair close to his.
She sat, nodding in thanks. “You didn’t have to, but thanks.”
He leaned closer and kissed her cheek. Something he was fond of doing on occasion, but not every time they met. This time felt planned and part of the disruption they were trying to create.
Although she didn’t pull away or make a scene. The less she reacted, the better. For now, anyway.
“How was your day? Did you have a nice time with your sister? I’m surprised she’s not here still.”
So, this was an interrogation to see how her sister fared in changing her mind. Well, they were both in for a rude awakening. Her sister had solidified how much she needed Brick in her life. Sophia had threatened to disown her if she walked away from him. What would they say to that news?
Ha! They’d refuse to believe such nonsense. Jezebelle could even hear her mother say it in her condescending tone.
“It was such a great time. We all had a spa day and relaxed.”
“All?” A lone brow rose as he took a sip of wine he had ordered.
She had no doubt he ordered the most expensive kind. He’d want to know what Brick stocked in his bar and if it was up to par with him and his hoity-toity ways. Why had she never seen how uptight and rigid Bradley was? He was just like her mother, but more subtle about it.
When he frowned, she wasn’t sure whether it was from her immediately not answering his audacious question or because the wine was phenomenal—which she had no doubt. Brick didn’t half-ass anything. He had the finest wine with the best liquor in the house. He made drinks like a pro, with style and class. Not to mention, everything always tasted spectacular.
“Oh, Brick came with.”
