“By all means, be honest,” I snap.
“I can give you twenty reasons why this is a huge problem. But I think we both know that what I think isn’t going to make a bit of difference. So what’s the point?”
Now I’m the one getting mad. “Tell you what, why don’t you just give me your top five? We can save the other fifteen for dessert.”
“Fine.” He crosses his arms over his chest. “First of all, we are light years apart when it comes to finances. Frankly, your spending habits scare the shit out of me. Do you have any concept of how a budget works?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask.
He frowns. “It means you have very expensive taste. And I have a very unpredictable income. The two don’t exactly go together very well.”
“Well then, I suppose it’s a good thing that I can support myself. In case you weren’t sure, I’m not after you for your money.” If that were the case, I’d have walked away long ago.
“Which brings us to number two. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but you have two rather large income streams about to dry up. The boardwalk is going to close in a few months and all the tourists are going to go home. You have to be able to support yourself during the winter.”
“I’m fully aware of how a seasonal business operates. I’m not an idiot, Cole. And I don’t know what I’ve ever done to make you think that I am.”
He blows out a deep breath. “Then act like it. You won’t have your royalties coming in anymore, either. I hope you weren’t counting on that to get you through.”
I roll my eyes at him and he glares at me, narrowing his eyes.
“Don’t worry, I worked it all out with Cait and Brie. We have a plan.” Well, we sort of do.
He looks at me and scowls. “Don’t worry? Seriously? All I do is worry.”
“Then please continue. I think we’re on number three?”
“Okay, sure. You’re going to sign on with Gail and write another book, aren’t you?”
“I never said that.”
His eyes frost as he scrutinizes mine, and his voice is laced with sudden anger. “You don’t have to. I already know the answer.”
“I’m thinking about it.” A surge of anger pulses through me. “But it’s good to know how you actually feel. Here I was, all this time, thinking you supported my writing career.”
“I do. Or at least I did. I didn’t think there would be any harm in having a conversation with your editor. I had no idea you were going to make a huge life-changing decision without even discussing it with me first.”
“I’ve been making my own decisions for a long time now Cole. And that’s not about to change just because you think it should.”
His eyes blaze and anger emanates off him like a force field. “It never even entered your mind, did it? Don’t you think any of this was at least worthy of a short discussion?”
He’s on a roll and can’t seem to stop railing. “Not that any of it really matters anyway. Another game or two like I had tonight and I won’t even be around to protect you.”
Protect me? Before I can respond, my phone rings. I grab my purse and look inside, but my phone isn’t there.
Cole pulls it out from his back pocket and holds it out. “You left this in the car.” He looks down and flashing on the screen is the shirtless picture of Declan I took when we were washing his car. “What is this?” he asks. “Some kind of a joke? You have naked pictures of other guys on your phone?”
“Naked? What? No! It’s just Declan. We were washing his car,” I try to explain.
Cole hands me my phone. “You should take it,” he says. “It might be important.” He turns and heads back down the boardwalk towards his townhouse. Without me.
As the phone continues to ring, I stand there stunned as Cole walks away. I wait hoping that he’ll turn around, come back, and apologize.
But he doesn’t.
What the fuck just happened? How did everything go off the rails so quickly?
I turn and head back to my car. I will not chase him. I will not beg him to turn around and talk to me. The pressure is getting to him, and maybe tonight wasn’t the best time to show up with a brand new car. I get it. But I am not his punching bag. He cannot take out his frustration on me. I will not allow it.
Now that I’m in my car alone, I start to get pissed. Who the hell does he think he is? On one hand, he’s whining that he might not be here much longer and I shouldn’t make any changes in my life that involve him. And in the next breath, he’s complaining about how I’m making big decisions without consulting him first.
Well, he can’t have it both ways.
He can go fuck himself.
I’m having a party tonight and I will not let him ruin my night with my friends. Trying to put on a brave face, I call Declan back to see what he wanted. It seems they’re having a sale on flavored vodka. I tell him he is not to bring any of that cheap crap into my house and hang up. I feel bad almost immediately, but I convince myself he’ll get over it.
I head back home, stopping only to grab a pizza along the way. If I’m going to drink tonight, and you bet your sweet ass I am, then I need to have food in my stomach. I’m not going to start getting stupid just because I had a fight with Cole.
I bring my pizza into the backyard and start getting everything ready. It’s beautiful outside and I plan on enjoying the night. With or without him.
I nibble on a fresh, hot slice while I wipe down the outdoor lawn furniture that was left behind by the previous owners in a variety of conditions. They’ve left me with quite a bit and as of now, I’m officially unable to replace it. There is an array of Adirondack chairs surrounding a well-used iron fire pit, patio tables, and even a small outdoor bar.
Brie comes home first to discover me alone in the backyard. She drags me over to one of the chairs that I just cleaned off and tells me to have a seat. I tell her about Cole’s reaction to my new car.
She doesn’t seem surprised. “And let’s be real. It’s just me – you can be completely honest. He’s not entirely wrong. There is a little truth about being embarrassed by his truck.”
“No!” I immediately answer. “I’m not embarrassed at all. I couldn’t give a flying fig what anyone else thinks,” I firmly explain. And I mean it, too.
“But what do you think?” she presses.
“I don’t like it,” I answer. “It’s a total piece of crap. So what does it matter what I think?”
“Perception is what matters. Some might say you’re coming off as a little high-maintenance,” she gently rationalizes.
“What did you just say?”
“Honey, calm down. Don’t get mad. The way you spend money scares him, that’s all I’m saying.”
“That’s ridiculous. My closet is half empty and I never go anywhere.” Seriously? What the hell is she talking about?
“It’s not how often you go out or how many things you buy, it’s how much you spend when you do. You needed a new couch, right?”
I scrunch my eyebrows together. “So? I needed one, and I bought one. That’s usually how it works.”
“Yes, but did you need to buy the best you could find?”
I shrug.
“Should I go on?” she asks.
I shake my head. There’s no need. I think back to my last shopping spree with Cole in the mall. Spending hundreds of dollars on panties and bras are starting to look a little extravagant, even if they were on sale.
“I scared him,” I finally admit.
“You did.”
“But he still owes me an apology,” I demand.
“Yes, he does,” she whole-heartedly agrees.
We talk for a little longer. Brie seems to think that Cole will calm down and come to his senses. I hope she’s right. With little time left, she scampers off to get ready before Handsome Joe arrives.
Cait pushes her way through the gate, carrying two bags of ice. I hurry to help her. “Can you send Cole to grab the liquor from the
back of my car?” she asks, slightly out of breath.
“No can do. He’s not here. And I don’t think he’s coming, either.”
She abruptly puts the ice down and looks at me. “The car?” she asks.
I nod my head. “Brie thinks I scared him,” I grudgingly admit.
“Yeah, probably. Guys are intimidated by strong women with expensive taste who make a lot of money,” she explains.
“But he makes more money than I do,” I argue. “That doesn’t make sense.”
“Doesn’t count. That’s new money. He hasn’t grown into it yet. He’s still living and thinking as if he’s a minor league player.”
“Shit, Cait. You’re right. Damn it, does that mean I should return my new car? I really love it.”
She thinks carefully before answering. “No, I don’t think so. You like nice things. You’re not about to change who you are just for a man. If he can’t handle it, screw him. You’re sure you can afford it?”
“I am,” I answer with more certainty than I’m actually feeling.
“Good.” She wraps her arms around me, “I’m sorry I gave you a hard time today,” she apologizes. “I just worry about you. Sometimes that comes across as bitchy.”
Declan walks past us hugging it out. “Sometimes?” he interjects as he makes his way to the small bar with an armful of bottles.
After hearing about our fight, Declan offers to go to Cole’s townhouse to “talk” to him. He’s sweet to offer, but I’m not about to start putting Declan in the middle of my relationship. Besides, we still have a few things left to do before everyone starts showing up.
With the yard ready for more friends to arrive, I turn around and take stock of what I’ve created here – a real home. A place I can be proud to call my own. No one helped me get here. And that is something I will remind myself of – often if necessary.
The sun has gone down and the sky is illuminated with the light of a full moon. I laugh to myself, recalling how many times my sister-in-law has accurately predicted the appearance of a full moon based on the erratic behavior of her second graders. I wonder if baseball players are affected, too. That might explain a few things.
My high wedge heels click-clack across the flagstone patio as I walk across, plugging in the string of Chinese paper lanterns that hang around its perimeter. Their soft glow lights the patio table just enough so no one is sitting in the dark.
Citronella candles light the bar, keeping the area relatively safe from bothersome blood-sucking insects. Declan lights the fire pit as our first guests arrive.
“Derek, Shea! You made it!” I call as I hurry to meet them.
Shea hands me a bottle of chilled champagne and smiles. “Of course, thanks for inviting us. You have a great place here,” she compliments, looking around. “You remember Reese, right?”
Standing behind Shea and Derek is the tall redheaded chef from Rush. She’s the driving force behind our new breakfast menu, and I make a point to thank her for it. “I hope you don’t mind me tagging along,” she asks. “Things have gotten really quiet since the arrival of little Hartley.”
“No, of course not. I’m glad you decided to join us. Come on, I’ll introduce everyone.” Caitlin, Declan, and Brie are all gathered around the fire pit, sitting comfortably on my wooden Adirondack chairs sipping cold beers with lemon wedges floating in the bottle.
Declan’s eyes light up when he sees the two beautiful women who just arrived. I make the introductions. Handshakes are exchanged all around.
I offer seats to Shea and Reese around the fire pit while I pull Derek aside to get some drinks and chat privately. Derek makes himself at home behind my small bar, chilling the champagne on ice and filling red Solo cups with wine for the girls.
Derek looks around as he pours, “So, where’s Cole?”
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. He’s not coming. We had a fight. If you don’t want to stay, I totally understand.”
Derek puts the bottle down and studies my face. “Well, that sucks. You okay?”
I nod. “Yes and no. I screwed up, just a little, but he completely overreacted. I’m just going to stay put and drink like a fish.”
Derek smiles. “Aha! Now that’s something I can help with. Name your poison.”
I don’t have to think very long. “I’ll take anything that will get me drunk – fast.”
“Well, if the lady wants to get her drink on, I know just the thing.”
He takes a quick scan of the assortment of bottles I’ve put out, and I can see his wheels spinning as he mentally goes through his rolodex of drink recipes. “Okay, we have a few options here. I have two specialties that I think you’ll love.” He moves around a few bottles and asks, “I’m making you a Leg Spreader and all I need to know is if you want it naughty or nice.”
“What’s the difference?” I ask.
“The naughty version is pretty strong and has a kick. The nice version is smoother and easier to drink.”
I may be making a mistake, but without hesitation I ask for a Naughty Leg Spreader.
Derek is fun to watch as he works his magic. He picks up bottle after bottle, flipping one into the air and catching it as he pours first vodka, then tequila, followed by spiced rum and finished off with peach schnapps.
He proudly presents me with my beautifully crafted cocktail. “Be careful. It’s strong,” he warns.
I take a sip and it almost takes my breath away.
“How is it?” he asks.
“Whew! You weren’t kidding,” I admit. “This will definitely get the job done.”
In the short time Derek and I were busy, Joe has arrived with a friend and our small group has grown to nine. I plan to drink, laugh, and have a good time tonight.
“Hey guys, who wants to play a drinking game?”
“What do you have in mind?” Brie asks.
“Let’s play, Never have I Ever,” I announce. It’s the perfect game for a group of people who hardly know one another. “Here’s the rules. I’ll start by telling everyone something I’ve never done. Anyone who has done it drinks. We go all the way around the circle once. Ready?”
Declan looks at Reese and flashes her a smile. I can see her melt under his hot gaze. I think I’ll start with something easy, making sure all the guys get a head start on the drinking. “Never, have I ever . . . kissed a girl!”
Everyone looks around the circle to watch all the guys take a drink. Declan almost chokes on his beer when Reese takes a big gulp from her cup, too.
Reese straightens her shoulders and announces proudly, “College.”
Holy shit, this girl could give Dec a run for his money.
Cait is sitting next to me and we watch as she juggles different ideas in her mind. Conveniently sitting to her right is Joe’s friend Ryan, who whispers in her ear. She seems to like his suggestion. So she nods and offers her declaration. “Never, have I ever . . . gotten a tattoo!”
The only one to drink is Joe. He lifts up the sleeve of his shirt and reveals a dragon tattoo on his shoulder. “Dragons represent strength, power, prosperity, and good luck,” he explains. “I got it when I turned eighteen.
“And does it work? Have you had good luck?” Shea asks.
“So far, so good,” he laughs, placing a hand casually on Brie’s knee.
Ryan is next, the only person here whom I’ve never met before tonight. He doesn’t hesitate to throw out a challenge. “Never, have I ever . . . Watched 2 Girls, 1 Cup!”
I have no idea what the hell he’s talking about, but apparently everyone around us does, because besides Ryan, I am the only one who doesn’t drink. Cait is flabbergasted. “I can’t believe you’ve never seen it.” She pulls out her cell phone, starts tapping on the keys and asks, “Wanna see?”
“I don’t know, do I?”
She pulls up Urban Dictionary and searches for it. “Here,” she says handing me her phone, “read the description. Start with that.”
Everyone watches the e
xpression on my face as I read the summary.
Holy fucking shit.
“Do NOT make me watch that,” I warn the group. “How can you all just sit here knowing that people like that exist?” It’s got to be, by far, the most disgusting and disturbing thing I’ve ever heard of. There’s no way it’s real. Or at least, I hope for the sake of humanity, it’s a fake.
I take a few big sips of my cocktail, nearly finishing it off in record time.
“Oh, please – that video they made us watch in sex ed of a baby being born was a thousand times worse,” Derek announces. All the guys nod their heads in agreement.
Now it’s Brie’s turn. “Okay, here goes.” She grins wickedly before beginning. “Never, have I ever . . . gone out in public without wearing underwear.”
“Does tonight count?” exclaims Reese, earning fits of giggles from the rest of us girls while the boys – all except for Declan – look awkwardly in the other direction.
“Tonight definitely counts,” Dec replies with a smirk.
I take a big sip of my very good but very strong cocktail. Damn, I really should have eaten more.
Every one of the girls drinks with me, except Brie, of course. Reese moves to the edge of her chair and challenges Brie. “Not even once?” she asks. “Come on!”
“Nope, sorry.”
The game moves onto Brie’s friend, Handsome Joe, who plays it safe. “Never, have I ever . . . been in jail.”
No one lifts a cup, except Cait. Eyes grow wide in disbelief.
“Caitlin, put that down. You’ve never been arrested,” Declan laughs as he points at her.
She takes a drink anyway. “I may not have been arrested, but I have been in jail. When I was in girl scouts, we toured the town’s jail and they put us in a cell just to see how it feels. Technically, it counts.”
I don’t fare so well during the next few rounds. I am the only one who drinks four times in a row, all because I’ve gotten straight A’s on my report card, was the first to say ‘I love you,’ been trapped with strangers in a stuck elevator, and snooped through a friend’s bathroom. By the end of round one, I’ve nearly polished off not one, but two Leg Spreaders.
Another Chance at Love (Another Series Book 1) Page 35
