“Thanks for coming over, man,” I told Damon as I took another drink. “I really didn’t want to be alone.”
“Anytime. You know I’m always here if you need me.”
Damon and I had come back to my apartment after the dinner of disaster. Which is what I was calling it…
“Man, that was bad,” I moaned, not for the first time. “I can’t believe things went downhill so quickly. I think the biggest problem is that I’d had it so built up in my mind, ya know? The woman I love finally meeting my family. I pictured this big kumbaya moment.” I shook my head and sneered, “What an idiot.”
“Woman you love?” Damon asked.
I looked over at him and it took a moment for the three of him to merge into one.
I took another drink.
“Yeah, I love her, man. Of course I do. Why else would any of this matter?”
“You’ve never said that to me before … not even about Giada.”
“I know, right?” I said, hanging my head. “That’s why I acted like a fucking teenager instead of a man. I’m in uncharted waters here, man. And I’d never seen Whitney react to anything the way she did today. I didn’t know what to do, so I let myself get pissed and worry about how my family would react … as usual … rather than focusing on her and what she was feeling. I totally fucked it up, brother.”
“Hey, you’re only human,” Damon said, and it sounded like he’d moved closer, but when I glanced up he was still sitting in the chair next to me. “Give yourself a break, I’m sure Whitney will. You were both dealing with some stuff and neither one of you reacted well, but you’re still on a learning curve, man. You’ve never been this serious about a woman before, and all that stuff with Char … Well, that’s another discussion all together.”
“I think there’s trouble there, Damon,” I said as I leaned back against the cushions. “Nigel’s been gone a lot and Char’s really unhappy. I know how my parents feel about divorce, but I don’t think Char should be forced to be miserable because of it.”
“Did you tell her that?” he asked softly.
I opened one eye and looked at him. “I did. But I think I need to have a talk with Nigel.”
“I’d like to be there for that…”
“I’m sure you would. Just as I’m sure that’s a terrible idea,” I said with a chuckle.
“So, how do things stand with Whitney?” Damon asked, and even though I knew he was trying to change the subject, I let him. Because this was all I could think about right now.
“She said we needed to pause, whatever the hell that means. I mean, a pause can be a few seconds, a few days … longer. And you know what, I don’t want to pause. I want to press play. Just because we hit one obstacle in our relationship doesn’t mean we pause it.”
“I think you two need to sit down and have a real discussion about what it is you both want. I know you mentioned she was skeptical about starting anything with you in the first place. Maybe things are moving too quickly for her.”
I scowled at him.
“I hate it when you’re logical. I don’t need logic right now, I need you to tell me go after what I want. Tell me I deserve love. Tell me we’re perfect together.”
“I could tell you all those things. It’s not like you’ll remember it in the morning,” Damon said with a stupid smirk. “But you know I’m not the guy who’s going to tell you what you want to hear just to spare your feelings.”
“No shit,” I grumbled. “It would be nice if you did it just this once, though.”
“Just give her a minute to get her thoughts together. She was caught off-guard today and probably got her feelings hurt. Let her have the pause and then you can explain everything to her. Let her know what’s going on in Char’s life, I’m sure she’ll give her a second chance.”
“I should call her,” I decided, sitting up and reaching for my phone.
“No, you shouldn’t.”
“Fine. Then I’ll text her.”
“How about you give me the phone and I’ll text her for you, that way we know you don’t send something you’ll regret later.”
“That’s probably a good idea,” I said, handing him the phone.
“That’s me, always thinking.” He took my phone and glanced at me. “Okay, what do you want to say?”
“Whitney, pausing is stupid. I don’t want to spend another minute of my life without you. I’m sorry about what happened today and how I reacted, but you didn’t react well either.”
“Nope, not gonna say any of that. How about, ‘Whitney, I’m sorry about what happened today. I’d love the chance to talk to you about it, but I know you need time. Call me when you’re ready and I’ll be there.’”
“Yeah,” I said, nodding enthusiastically. “That sounds good. Then put … heart emoji, thumbs up emoji, and kisses emoji.”
“No, no emojis.”
“Why not?” I argued.
“Because you’re not twelve, Luca. You want her to take you seriously, not think you’re too immature to have a relationship with an adult woman.”
“Fine. No emojis … But not even the heart?”
“No.”
I scowled and took another drink. Seconds later, my phone chimed.
“Is that her?” I asked eagerly.
Damon nodded. “She said she’s happy you texted and that she’ll be ready to talk tomorrow night. Come over at seven.”
I stood up and let out a whoop. Then the room started spinning and my stomach seemed to turn in on itself.
“Uh-oh,” I muttered, pressing my hand to my mouth.
“I think it’s time to get you to bed,” Damon said, rising. “You need to get your act together by tomorrow night. I suggest flowers, chocolates, and a nice bottle of wine.”
“You’re a prince among men, my friend.”
“I prefer god, actually, but I’ll take it,” Damon replied, and I snorted in response and he guided me toward my bed.
Thirty-Five
Whitney
“You told him you wished he’d died rather than cheated?” Summer said with a peal of laughter. “I love it.”
“You are a badass,” Margo agreed with a small smile.
I’d called an emergency meeting of The Jilted Wives Club … Yes, Summer now had me saying it … and they’d come over with no hesitation.
I chuckled and said, “I didn’t say I’d wished him dead, but that I had imagined what life would be like if he’d died. He still wasn’t too happy about it. But honestly, I was just trying to relay the fact that I’d never imagined us breaking up for any reason other than death and that’s why I was so blindsided when he left.”
“Well, I’m glad you had the conversation you needed to have in order to close that chapter of your life. Now, what exactly happened with Luca’s family?” Margo asked.
As we sat around my table, drinking coffee and nibbling on macarons, I told them about the dinner at Luca’s parents. I told them about how I was feeling initially, then Charlotte’s grand entrance, and how I pretty much shut down for the remainder of the meal.
“It was bad,” I admitted. “I hadn’t had a reaction like that to anything in a couple years and it took me completely off-guard, and I couldn’t get out of my head. All the therapy, the passing of time, it lulled me into this false sense of security, and I thought I was over it. But I wasn’t, which was why I went to see Marcus.”
“Have you spoken with Luca at all since?” Summer asked.
“He texted last night, and I told him to come over tonight to talk. I feel really bad about what happened, and I could tell he was disappointed things didn’t go as well as he’d hoped. Looking back, I don’t love the way he reacted to everything either, but I can understand where he’s coming from. I think we just need to talk it out and things will be okay.”
“I hope so, I love you two together,” Summer said, and Margo snorted.
“Yeah, we know,” she said sarcastically. “But seriously, I like him for you, too. I think you
’re much lighter now, happier than when we first met, and although I don’t think he’s the sole cause, I think he is a big component in your growth.”
“Me too, and honestly, I’m falling for him,” I admitted, laughing when Summer squealed in response. “I think that’s another reason for the freak-out. My feelings have come on quicker and stronger than expected. He’s amazing and I’ve never felt like this for anyone before, not even for Marcus, and that’s absolutely terrifying.”
“That’s completely understandable,” Margo said, grabbing a macaron. “I can’t imagine being in a serious relationship with anyone right now. Honestly, with the way things played out with Carson, I may never be ready for something like that again. Maybe it’ll just be hookups for life … and I’m okay with that.”
I reached out to touch Margo’s hand and she gave me a small smile.
“I’m so ready for love I can’t stand it,” Summer said unexpectedly. “I’ve decided to give the dating app another chance. I’m tired of being alone and seeing you and Luca makes me believe there’s someone just as wonderful out there for me.”
“Of course there is, Summer. You deserve all the happiness in the world,” I told her. “If that’s what you want, then we support you one hundred percent, right Margo?”
“Yeah, but now that Whit’s tied up with Luca, don’t expect me to be your wing woman on any of those events you go to.”
“I know,” Summer said sunnily. “But if you ever want a wing woman to go with you to the bar, count me in. I’m open to meeting Mr. Right anywhere.”
“And Margo’s interested in meeting Mr. Right Now anywhere,” I joked.
“Damn straight,” Margo agreed, then popped the whole macaron in her mouth.
“So, what’s your plan for tonight?” Summer asked.
“I called Luca’s mom last night to apologize and invited her and Mr. Russo over for dinner tonight for a kind of do-over and to introduce them to the kids. First, I’ll meet with Luca and apologize and explain everything and then his parents will arrive and surprise him. Hopefully, he’ll be pleased with the gesture and we can both forgive and forget what happened.”
“Wow, and you’re ready for that? Introducing his parents to the kids?” Margo asked.
“Yes, I am. I think it’ll show everyone how serious I am about my relationship with Luca, and hopefully be the beginning of our families coming together. It’s a little scary, but also, exciting.”
“I think it’ll make Luca really happy. I know he was thrilled about meeting Stella and Si, and about you meeting his family, so all of you coming together will really fill him up,” Summer said, clapping her hands together gleefully.
“I want to make it special, kind of a big make-up moment, so I was thinking of playing some of the music he likes and filling the room with candles and flowers. Maybe get a new dress.”
“Why are we sitting here then? Let’s go shopping,” Summer said, already bounding out of her seat.
Margo looked at her phone and said, “I have to get to the office actually, so I can’t go with you guys. But I’m sure Summer is more than suited to help you find a sexy I’m sorry dress that is sure to knock Luca’s socks off.”
“But I thought you had the day off,” Summer pouted.
“I have a couple cases I have to finish up. Sorry I can’t join you guys.”
“That’s okay, I appreciate you coming by at the last minute. Talking things out with you guys really helps,” I said, pulling her in for a quick hug.
“Good luck tonight,” she said, hugging Summer before she left.
“Looks like it’s just you and me. Ready to hit the mall?” I asked.
“Always.”
Thirty-Six
Luca
I was nervous. And maybe a little hungover.
I didn’t like this feeling. It was foreign and uncomfortable and made me feel vulnerable.
I had a large bouquet in one hand, I may have overcompensated a bit, and a very expensive bottle of champagne in the other.
As I stood outside Whitney’s front door, I shifted restlessly, my stomach tightening painfully as I waited to see her expression when she answered. She’d asked me over to forgive me for acting like an ass, right? Not to tell me it was over…
It felt like the suspense was killing me and my anxiety was about to boil over when the door opened and Whitney stood before me in a sexy red dress, her hair styled seductively, and her lips painted red.
Wow! I almost dropped the champagne as my eyes surveyed her from head to toe, stopping on the black high heels that topped off the outfit.
My anxiety and nerves vanished as if they’d never been there. This is looking like an awesome make-up event.
“You look absolutely amazing,” I managed once my eyes had traveled back up to land on hers.
“Thank you,” she replied with a small smile, as if she were a little unsure of the power she was currently commanding. “Please, come in.”
I went inside and stopped short when I entered the living room.
With flowers and candles on every available flat surface and John Legend filling the room, the stage was set for a heartfelt and romantic evening.
“These may be unnecessary,” I said as I handed her the bouquet.
“No, you can never have too many flowers,” Whitney said with a smile as she lifted them to her face and inhaled. “These are lovely.”
“I brought champagne as well.”
She took both and said, “Make yourself comfortable, I’ll be right back.”
I nodded and looked down at my slacks and polo shirt, suddenly wishing I’d opted for a suit instead.
I sat in one of the club chairs and looked around the room. It was really touching how much effort Whitney had put into it. I was looking forward to clearing the air and hopefully finding out what she had on underneath that stunning dress.
“Here you go,” Whitney said as she came back into the room and handed me a champagne flute.
“Thanks.”
“Thank you for agreeing to come over and speak with me. I feel awful about the way I acted yesterday, and the way things transpired. I’d like to explain myself and do what I can to make things right,” she began.
“I have some things I need to say as well … I acted like an idiot,” I said quickly. “I was so shocked by what Charlotte said and then when you stopped talking and were obviously uncomfortable, I should have suggested we leave, got you out of the situation. Instead I focused on the fact that things weren’t going the way I’d planned, and I was a jerk. I’m so sorry, Whit.”
“Thanks. I appreciate you saying that, but, honestly, I don’t know if you could have done anything that would have made things better in that moment. I needed to work some stuff out for myself.”
“And did you?” I asked gently.
She put her glass on the table and folded her hands in her lap before saying, “I was never really close to my parents. We got along okay, but once I left for college it seemed like I was out of sight, out of mind, and they didn’t do much to maintain a relationship. We see each other every few years, whether we need to or not.” Whitney let out a dry laugh. “When I got together with Marcus, his family was the complete opposite. They were really close, loved spending time with each other, and really just accepted me into the fold. His parents and sisters became my family and taught me what a great, loving family looked like, which is what I wanted for my kids. We went on trips together, spent holidays and birthdays together, and his sisters were my best friends.”
She stopped as her eyes filled, and I could tell she needed a moment to collect herself.
I shifted closer and placed my hand on her knee to give her comfort and she gave me a grateful smile.
“When Marcus left me, he didn’t take away my husband, he took away my family. It was unexpected and hurt more than you can imagine. I mean, I didn’t know the last time I saw them that it would be the last time. And the loss I felt was so much more than simply losing the
life I’d built with my husband, but it was like he took everything from me, except my children.”
“You don’t still see them?” I asked, the pain on her face making my heart hurt.
She shook her head sadly.
“No, it would be too weird. Marcus is married to Crystal now, and they aren’t exactly going to invite the ex-wife on family vacations. Oh, I’ll see them occasionally when it has something to do with Stella or Silas, but it’s not the same.”
“I’m sorry.”
Whitney covered my hand with hers and squeezed.
“I was already scared of my feelings for you, but when I saw how wonderful and close your family is, and I could picture myself becoming a part of it, I really freaked out. Then everything happened with Charlotte, and, really, don’t worry about that. We spoke and she apologized, and I totally understand where she’s coming from as a new mom and all … I didn’t shut down because of what she said, I was simply overwhelmed by everything.”
“I can understand that. I was scared too, you know,” I admitted.
“You were?”
“Of course. Taking you to meet my family is a huge deal, and not just because I wanted them to like you, but I wanted you to like them. I know they can be a lot to handle, and I worried they’d come on too strong. Then Char walked in spouting that bullshit and I thought I was going to come unhinged. I acted like a jerk because I was in an unfamiliar situation and I didn’t know how to make things better.”
“I can relate,” Whitney said with a laugh. “And I really love that you can talk about it like this with me … It was something I never had with Marcus.” She took a big inhale before looking at me from beneath her eyelashes and saying, “I went to see him after I left your parents.”
“Marcus?” I asked, trying to ignore the stab of jealousy that hit.
She nodded.
“We never really had the big discussion about what went wrong and why he left … why he cheated, and I realized I’d never be able to properly move forward with you. To trust you and give you all of my heart, if I was still hanging on to these unresolved issues from my marriage.”
Starter Wife (The Jilted Wives Club Book 1) Page 13
