Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 73930 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73930 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
The same isn’t quite true at the office. Garrett and I do go to lunch together occasionally, and the things we talk about are the same as they were before everything happened, but I can see in his eyes that it’s still on his mind as much as it is on mine.
As if the universe is confirming my decision not to continue to be involved with the men, three things happen in one day: Garrett’s promotion is announced to the entire office and he officially becomes my boss; Trevor and Adrian find out that they’ve been accepted for the fire academy in Raleigh, which is three hours away; and Kelly contacts me to tell me she has a good lead on a new apartment nearby, and to ask if I’d like to move in with her.
It’s torture seeing the men around the house, and even when they’re not around, I still remember the things we did together in the house, so I quickly agree to look at the apartment with Kelly the next day, and within a week’s time, she and I have signed a lease and are moving in together.
Duke, Trevor, and Adrian help me move my things, and they reassemble my bed and help Kelly with her furniture, too. She and I buy pizza and beer to thank them, and I’m sad as I eat because it feels like the last meal I’ll probably share with them.
I try once again to pay Duke back for the guitar, but he won’t take the money. The men each hug me goodbye, saying they hope they see me around. Trevor and Adrian tell me I should come to the club before they leave, and I tell all three of them to keep in touch, though it seems unlikely at this point.
And then they’re gone.
It’s always strange sleeping in a new place for the first time, but my first night in the new apartment, despite the fact that it’s a perfectly nice place, is the loneliest, saddest night I’ve ever endured.
Things aren’t all bad. Barrett at Rusty’s books me for more performances, and in all of my free time, I learn a lot of new songs to add to my repertoire.
Lindsey sends the rest of the money she owes me, so I no longer need to worry about having any contact with her. I’m glad that chapter of my life is closed, but it also means putting those four nights I spent with the men behind me, and my heart doesn’t seem to be ready to do that yet.
Kelly invites me to go out with her on at least two occasions, but I turn her down, telling myself that I’ll be ready for the social scene after a little more time passes.
At work, someone new is hired for our department, and Garrett becomes even more professional in his interactions with me. When I ask if he wants to go to lunch, he looks conflicted. “I would like to, but I shouldn’t. We shouldn’t go alone anymore, anyway. I don’t want to appear to be playing favorites.”
“All right. Makes sense.” And it hurts, but I don’t say that part.
When he comes in looking particularly nice one day with a haircut and a new shirt, I can’t help but wonder if he has a date after work. Maybe his experience with me has helped him gain the confidence to ask someone out. I’m glad I got experience, too, but it’s left me not wanting anyone else.
Apparently, I’m not a one-night stand kind of girl.
When Kelly asks again if I’d be interested in going out with her, I’m ready to say no, but I’m stopped short when she says she’s going to Club Red.
It’s probably getting close to the time Trevor and Adrian will be leaving town, and they had said they wanted me to come to the club. It would be so nice to see them and Duke again. And so painful.
But I can’t really say that I’ve made much progress toward forgetting about them, so what’s the harm in seeing them again?
I don’t know what I’m aiming for when I pick out my shortest, most flattering dress, fuss with making my hair extra smooth, and take two attempts at getting my makeup just right.
Do I think that if I look pretty enough, they’ll take one look at me, tell me how much they miss me, and confess their undying love?
Unfortunately, that’s what I’m tempted to do the minute I spot Duke.
He’s at his post outside the entrance, surrounded by a small group of women. They’re having a conversation, and he doesn’t appear to be carding them. I hate the jealousy that burns in my chest. I have no right to feel this way.
I spent two nights with Duke. Well, there were more nights sleeping under his roof and sharing meals with him when our schedules lined up, but two nights doing intimate things. How can I possibly feel like he should be mine? I’m ridiculous.