Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 41351 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 207(@200wpm)___ 165(@250wpm)___ 138(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 41351 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 207(@200wpm)___ 165(@250wpm)___ 138(@300wpm)
“Until you start spending time with him again and you do something foolish again. Just don’t let him get into your pants again. Since he’s your ex, he probably thinks he’s still entitled to hit it. That’s what you young people say nowadays right?”
“Mom, please stop watching MTV and leave the slang to the teenagers. And I know you think you’re giving me savvy advice and you mean well but I’m twenty-eight and capable of making my own decisions.”
There was a long pause on the other end of the phone. “What aren’t you telling me, Riley?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Mom.”
She should have known her mother could see right through any deception on Riley’s end. “Cut the crap. What are you hiding from me? You haven’t met up with that man again have you?”
“I did see him at Megan’s engagement party,” she answered evasively.
Sheila Mason was like a pit bull with a bone when she was on a roll. “And have you seen him since?”
“Yes, I have. As a matter of fact, I’m on my way to have dinner with him.”
“Are you nuts? That man can’t be trusted. Why would you take up with him again after the way he treated you. Have a little self-respect, Riley.”
“Mom, he wasn’t the only one to blame for the failure of our marriage. I accept my share of the blame.” It was the first time she’d actually mentioned that out loud and it was almost a cleansing experience. But just because she was willing to admit she contributed to their divorce didn’t necessarily mean she and Ethan had a future beyond having a brief fling to get out of each other’s respective systems.
“Riley, you might think you know what you’re doing but I remember how you’d constantly come crying to me when he spent late nights at the office with that personal assistant of his. He claims they were just working but you know what the deal was. And look at how he treated you after you lost his child. Do you honestly want to go through with that again?”
All the memories came flooding back. Tears sprang to her eyes as she remembered all the lonely nights she wanted him home with her. She’d known he was working toward a partnership in his firm but she didn’t like that his personal assistant seemed to be interested in him beyond his capacity as her boss. No matter how Riley had pointed it out, Ethan refused to listen and it led to more arguments than she could remember.
When Riley discovered she was pregnant they were both thrilled but even that couldn’t stop the constant bickering. And when she’d lost their child when Riley was proven right about his assistant, things only got worse. Their last argument led was the worst, resulting in him walking out the door. It was the last time she saw him up until recently.
”Riley, baby. Are you still there?”
Riley hastily wiped a tear away. “Yes, Mom. I’m here.”
“I know you think you can handle it but you’re already upset. Why put yourself through any more heartache.”
“Actually, I was fine before you called.”
“Don’t get sassy with me. I know what’s best for you. If I hadn’t taken that— Well it doesn’t matter. I just want you to be happy and I’m convinced you can never be with someone like Ethan. Just look at Raine, always chasing after some man and look where that’s gotten her. Three kids with all different fathers. It’s disgraceful. You have your career, a home. That should make you happy. I have to run to the grocery store but don’t take too long to get in contact with me again, okay?”
“Okay.”
“I love you, baby.”
“Love you too.”
Riley pressed her head against the steering wheel trying to get her emotions under control. Even though she loved her mother, sometimes talking to her was emotionally draining. Maybe her mother was right. She was playing with fire for even entertaining Ethan’s crazy proposal but part of her couldn’t stay away. She couldn’t do it. This unhealthy thing she had for Ethan had to end. She’d be civil to him at the wedding and all the functions involved but that was it.
She dialed his number.
Ethan answered on the third ring. “Hello, kitten. Did you get lost?”
“Well, um actually I think I’ll need to cancel. I’ve had a long day and I’m not feeling too well.”
“Riley, you’re a terrible liar. From the sound of it, you’re not at home. Are you outside?”
“It doesn’t matter. I can’t make it.”
“So you’re standing me up?”
“I guess I am.”
“Okay.”
She didn’t expect him to give in so easily. Riley should have been relieved that he did but part of her was disappointed. “Well, maybe another time,” she offered lamely.
“You can count on it.” He hung up.
Riley wanted to cry. She couldn’t figure out these warring emotions inside her but she figured once she got home and slipped into pajamas she could go to bed and forget about them.