by A. P. Watson
“Of course he is!”
Jacks muttered something else under his breath, but I didn’t piece together what he’d said until we were riding the elevator down to the ground floor. Even though I barely heard him and my mind loved playing tricks on me, I could’ve sworn he said, “He’s not the only one.”
chapter eleven
all gone
I ROLLED OUT OF BED and stepped into the hallway. The scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, luring me into the kitchen.
“Morning!” Ter called out. She sat on the kitchen counter and watched Ryan make french toast.
“Morning,” I replied.
“How did you sleep?” Ryan asked.
“Like the dead.”
“What time did you get in, Wren? I didn’t hear you come in.”
“Not ‘til really late,” I answered with a yawn. “Jacks and I decided to set up some stuff for the party, so I ended up staying late.”
Ryan turned from the stove to glance at Terayn. They both gave each other a pointed look before acknowledging my presence once more. “Really?” Ter asked.
I sighed and moved toward the coffee pot. “Well, I haven’t had enough caffeine to even attempt this conversation.”
“What do you mean?” Ryan asked.
“Aren’t the two of you going to start hounding me about what Jacks and I did, what we talked about, and all that shit?”
“I’m not,” he replied. “Babe?”
For a split second, Ter beamed at me. “My lips are sealed.”
“Right.” I filled my daisy mug with coffee and creamer. Heat transferred through the ceramic exterior, warming my hands. “Well, are we still planning on pampering ourselves today?”
“Of course!” Ter motioned toward the living room, and my gaze followed her gesture.
The living room had been transformed into a veritable spa. Bottles of fingernail polish lined the coffee table.
“Wow.”
“I can’t wait to get started! I also picked out something of mine for you to wear. I hope that’s okay.”
“Sure, show me what you picked!”
The moment she hopped off the counter, I jumped up to take her place. Sipping on my coffee and swinging my legs, I waited for her to return with my ensemble for the evening.
“Here it is!” She held out a long-sleeved crop top and skirt set. The entire outfit had been made out of plum-colored lace.
“Damn! I love it!”
“I knew you would!”
“I shouldn’t even be surprised anymore, because you’re always right.”
Ryan laughed. “Truer words have never been spoken.”
“Quit it,” Ter teased. “You know you both love me.”
I took another gulp of coffee before setting out enough plates and forks for all three of us. Ryan turned off the burners on the stove and placed two slices of french toast and some bacon on each plate.
“Mmm. This smells so good.”
“So, are you going to ride with us over to Jackson’s place?” Ryan asked.
“No, I’m going to go over a little early and help him finish setting everything up. I’m so excited for y’all to see everything!”
“Is Kenneth going to be there? We’d like to meet him,” Ryan stated.
“No, he’s flying to Ohio this weekend for his mother’s birthday.”
“Oh, okay,” he replied.
“We’re still going to have a ton of fun though!” Ter called out, stepping into the kitchen. “And we’ll just have to meet Kenneth another time. Maybe the four of us can all go out for dinner some time.”
“Yeah,” I said with a nod. “That would be fun.”
We stuffed our faces in silence, content to eat the delicious food Ryan had prepared. After Ter and I cleaned up the kitchen, we plopped on the couch to begin our spa day.
“Give me your left hand first,” she ordered, picking up a nail file.
“You’re the boss.”
She filed and buffed my nails to perfection before painting them. The polish she chose was silver, and before long, my fingers and toes donned the metallic hue.
“What do you think of this color for me?” she asked, holding up a glittery mauve color.
“Oh, I love that! Are you still wearing the white dress?”
“Yeah!”
“It will look perfect!” The dress Ter had bought for tonight was a simple sheath dress covered in flower appliques. It was simple, elegant, and very bridal. I blew on my nails while I watched her paint hers.
“Yay!” she cried. “Thank you so much for planning this whole party. I know it has been a lot of work, but Ryan and I really appreciate it.”
“It’s no trouble at all! You know I’m happy to do it for you guys.”
“You’re the best, babe.”
I smiled at her. “Ditto, babe.”
Mud masks, hair conditioning treatments, and full-body scrubs completed our spa day. Ter was a master of relaxation. Her influence was so undeniable that even my nerves about tonight faded. Once our bodies had been scrubbed and primped, we began fixing our hair and makeup in my bathroom. I helped Ter sweep her long locks into an elegant up-do while my copper ones were curled and lightly twisted over my left shoulder. I changed quickly and zipped up the side of Ter’s skirt. After sliding on my silver bracelet and making sure the backs of my pearl studs were on tight, I stepped into a pair of nude pumps.
“Wow,” Ter gasped, stepping into my room. “That outfit is killer on you.”
“Thanks for letting me borrow it!” I gathered my pea coat and purse, turning to face her. “Do you need help getting into your dress?”
“No, Ry is gonna help me.”
“Okay.”
“I’m only going to say one thing about Jacks.”
“And what’s that?” I asked.
“I selected your outfit for a reason. He won’t be able to take his eyes off you, and I’m going to try my damnedest to figure out what is going on between the two of you.”
“Honestly, Ter, I don’t even know what’s going on between us. Last night he . . . we . . .”
“Did something happen?”
I shook my head. Nothing happened, but I knew deep down that something almost had. No matter how much I tried to ignore it or how much I tried to fight it, something almost happened between us. “Nope.”
“Right.”
I fastened the buttons of my coat and then grabbed a large bag and my purse before slipping out of my room. A few more minutes of her interrogation and I was sure to crack under pressure.
“I’ll see you soon!”
“Okay! Love you! Ry and I will see you in an hour.”
“Love you!”
I sighed a breath of relief as I locked the front door behind me. I hurried down the stone steps as fast as my feet could manage in a pair of stilettos and hightailed it to Jacks’s place. The sooner I could get through this night, the better. My feelings for Jacks were beyond the point of complicated, and if I didn’t put on a good front, Ter would discover I was in as much danger of falling for him again as I was the first time we met.
I licked my lips nervously and knocked on Jacks’s door. After a minute or two, there was no answer, so, I hesitantly used the key he gave me all those months ago.
“Jacks,” I called out, opening his door. “I used my key to get in. I hope that’s okay.” I set my bag and purse on the island. Ford trotted toward me, wagging his tail wildly. “Oh, hello, baby. Did you miss me?”
“Wren?”
“It’s me!” I followed the sound of Jacks’s voice in the direction of the hallway.
“Hey. I’m almost finished changing.” He stepped out of his bedroom, his fingers fastening the buttons of a black shirt. “The sushi is in the fridge. I’ll help you set it out once I’m finished.”
“Okay.”
His attention shifted upward at the sound of my voice. “Wow.”
“I let Ter dress me,” I blurted out nervously, watching as
his eyes surveyed my entire form.
He tugged at the collar of his shirt. “She did a really good job.”
“Thanks.”
He smiled, tucking the bottom of his shirt into a pair of charcoal slacks. “I got a present for Terayn and Ryan, and I was thinking it could be from both of us.”
I trailed behind him to the kitchen. He pulled out two crystal champagne flutes, each engraved with a monogram of Terayn and Ryan’s initials.
“Oh my gosh! I did the same thing!” I opened the bag I brought, removing the silver champagne holder and a bottle of Dom Perignon.
Jacks grinned wickedly. “We bought matching gifts without telling each other.”
“Some pair we are.”
“Some pair,” he agreed. And there it was again—that link, that undeniable tether connecting us to one another. “I already set out all the alcohol and glasses. I hope that’s okay.”
I did a quick survey of the apartment. A fire crackled in the fireplace and white candles dotted the room, adding to the ambiance. At least twenty different bottles of alcohol were perfectly arranged beside the refrigerator. “I think you’ve done a wonderful job so far. Everything looks great!”
“Thanks.”
Jacks grabbed plates and silverware while I set out all the sushi on large platters. Then, I finished the food display with the chocolate-covered strawberries and the petit fours I picked up on the way.
“This is a ton of food.”
“I figured it would be better to have too much food than not enough.”
“That is true. Would you mind putting the champagne I brought on ice while I make some tea?”
“Not at all.”
“Oh! I almost forgot.” I pulled out a bouquet of both white and red roses from the bag I brought with me. “I also thought we could decorate with some roses.”
“That’s a good idea.”
“Thanks.” I added arrangements of roses to several glass vases, scattering them throughout the entire space. The flowers added a pop of color, heightening the romantic atmosphere. Once I placed matching pitchers of water and iced tea on the island, we were ready.
No sooner than I had the thought, a knock sounded at the door. Ford rushed toward the sound, patiently waiting for Jacks to meet him.
“Coming!” Jacks called out as he rushed over to the door.
“Hey!” Ter squealed as she entered the apartment. Flinging her arms around Jacks’s neck, she hugged him. Quickly scanning the apartment, she said, “This looks amazing!”
“Thanks,” I replied.
Instantly, she rushed over to where I stood. I braced myself for her hug, but her die-hard enthusiasm nearly sent us toppling to the ground. “I can’t believe y’all did all this for Ry and me, babe.”
“Jacks and I just wanted you guys to have an amazing party.”
Behind her, Jacks and Ryan were already shaking hands. “Hey, buddy,” Ryan said, dropping to his knees beside Ford.
“Oh my goodness!” Ter cried. “I forgot you have Ford.”
Jacks smiled, bending to pet Ford’s head. “Yeah. I can put him up in the guestroom for the party if you want.”
“Absolutely not,” I replied. “He stays out. Right, Ter?”
“Right.”
“Come here, baby,” I cooed to Ford. At the sound of my voice, Ford began trotting in my direction. “You’re staying out here with me, aren’t you?” Ford responded by gently placing his paws on my knees.
Jacks snorted loudly, moving to stand near us. “Honestly, he likes you more than me.”
Ter bent to scratch behind his ears. “It makes sense, though, you know, considering . . .”
“Considering what?” I asked.
Jacks and Ter exchanged a quick glance. “Nothing,” she responded suddenly.
“How about some drinks?” Jacks asked.
“Sounds like a plan!” Ryan clapped him on the shoulder, and they rounded the large island together.
I waited for a moment, still staring between the two of them. What on earth was about to come spilling out of Ter’s mouth, and what did it have to do with Jacks?
“Is there anywhere for us to put our coats?” Ter questioned.
“Yeah. I’ll put them in Jacks’s room.” I gathered both of their coats and my and Ter’s purses before walking down the hall to Jacks’s bedroom. I dropped everything on top of his bed. As expected, his room was immaculate. His bed was made, and next to it sat the picture of his parents. It was almost as if nothing had changed . . . almost.
When I returned, two more people had joined the party. Gina, one of Ter’s coworkers, and another woman stood near the fridge, waiting for Ter as she served them drinks.
“How are you, Gina?” I asked as I approached the group and hugged her.
“Fantastic!”
I smiled at her reply. “That dress is gorgeous on you.”
“Thank you so much!” She took a long drink of red wine. “And you look beautiful too! I love that color with your complexion.”
“Oh, thank you,” I replied. “Hi, my name is Wren by the way.” I held my hand out to the woman standing next to Gina.
“Stacey,” she replied, returning my handshake. “I’m fairly new to the gallery, but Terayn and Gina have been showing me the ropes.”
“That’s excellent.”
“And we absolutely love her!” Ter added cheerfully.
“This place is amazing,” Stacey commented, her gaze scanning the entire apartment.
I nodded. “Yeah, Jackson was nice enough to offer hosting the party at his place. The view is amazing.”
Her attention shifted from the expanse of windows to where Jacks and Ryan stood. “I can definitely see that.”
“I told you Jackson was attractive!” Gina whispered loudly.
“You weren’t kidding!” Stacey agreed. “Is he single?”
“Here,” Ter said, shifting the direction of the conversation. “Wren and I will take your things and put them in Jackson’s room for safekeeping.”
“Thanks,” they intoned in unison.
Once we were out of earshot, Ter broke our silence. “Sorry. Gina only knows you and Jacks were friends. Neither of them knows y’all dated.”
“It’s all good.”
“Babe, you can talk to me.”
“Jacks is a free man. I have no claim on him.”
“Yeah, but the way she was ogling him . . .”
“It doesn’t matter. I’m dating someone and I’ve moved on. So has Jacks.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” she mumbled under her breath.
“This is your engagement party! No more discussing my drama.”
“Fine,” she huffed.
“Let’s get some drinks!”
By the time Ter and I reached the kitchen, more bodies had joined our gathering.
“Fuck,” I whispered, laying eyes on our newest party guests. “Fuck, fuck, fuck.”
Henry caught sight of me and grinned. “There they are.” He stepped in our direction, moving to greet Ter first. “Congratulations on your engagement, Terayn.”
“Thank you, Henry,” she replied stiffly.
“Henry and I decided to ride together,” another man stated.
Ter barely shook Henry’s hand before turning her attention to the second man. “Thank you for coming, Morrison.”
“Happy to be here.” Morrison beamed at her and then held his hand out to me. “I’m Morrison, one of Ryan’s coworkers.”
“I’m Wren, Ter and Ryan’s roommate.”
“Nice to meet you.”
I sighed a breath of relief. For a moment, I figured Henry would keep his distance, but I was wrong.
“You look delectable,” Henry whispered in my ear.
“Henry,” I bit out. “I don’t remember sending you an invitation.”
“I took it upon myself to add my name to the guest list.”
“Of course you did,” I said. His fingers barely grazed the skin of my back. Our
conversation was so hushed that no one was aware it even transpired.
No one except Jacks. He focused on Henry and me from across the room, his dark gaze unreadable.
“The guys are over there. We should join them!” Morrison slid a glass of scotch into Henry’s hand, leading him to where Ryan and Jacks stood.
As soon as they were gone, tension melted from my muscles. I should have known that damn fuck boy would crash the party.
“Here.” Ter shoved a large glass of whiskey in my hand.
“You’re a life saver.”
“Ryan and I had no idea he was going to be here.”
“It’s all good.” I tossed back the drink, and the alcohol burned all the way down.
“He must have heard about the party from Morrison or someone else at the office,” she observed. “Want another drink?”
The sound of Jacks’s laughter carried across the apartment and filled my ears. My attention instantly focused on him for a long moment before settling on the fuck boy.
“Better make it a double.” I could already tell it was going to be a long night.
Terayn poured a hefty amount of Jack Daniels into my glass, waiting as I drained the tumbler. “Another?”
“One more.” I smiled at her, nodding. “Please.”
“Just so you know, Jacks has been staring at you nonstop,” she noted, refilling my glass.
Against my better judgment, I glanced at the topic of our conversation. His gaze met mine for an instant, watching as I threw back another shot. Brow furrowing, he excused himself from the group of men, making his way toward me.
“And that’s my cue to leave.” Ter split just as Jacks moved in close.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“Perfect.” I plastered a fake smile on my face, hoping it appeared more convincing than it felt.
“I can get rid of Henry if you want.” His hand slid around my back, lightly clutching onto my waist.
“As tempting as that offer is, I’m going to decline. No scenes. Tonight is about Ter and Ryan.”
“Of course.”
Heat surged through my veins as the whiskey finally hit my system. “Thank you though,” I whispered, leaning into him.
“Have a drink with me.”
“Okay.”
