Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 95326 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95326 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Thankfully, the valet brings Olivia’s car around and opens the door, forcing them to get in. I tell them I’ll see them tomorrow and then take off. Only instead of taking a cab home, I decide to walk to clear my head. It’s only a few blocks away. Tomorrow night is the bachelor-slash-bachelorette party. It was going to be hard enough to go knowing Jase might be there. But now that I know he’s still with Amaya and they share a child, possibly one he had while he was hanging out with me—I’m strong, but I don’t know if I’m strong enough to face that. Will Amaya be there? Nick and Olivia have never once mentioned her. I would’ve remembered her name being said. Maybe they’re no longer together.
As soon as I get home, I change out of my work clothes and into a pair of pajamas. Then, after pouring myself a glass of wine, I head out onto my balcony. I want to text Nick and ask him about Jase and Amaya, but I know if I do, he’ll come back at me with an entire slew of questions. So instead, I sit outside and drink my wine with the hope that once I’m drunk enough, I’ll no longer think about Jase. And drunk I do get, but not even the insanely large amount of alcohol in my system can stop the thoughts of Jase.
* * *
The cab stops in front of Olivia’s beautiful two-story home in Park Slope, complete with a white picket fence. I swipe my card, thank the cabbie, and get out. I glance around and take in my surroundings. I can’t imagine ever not living in the city. Why live in New York if you can’t experience the hustle and bustle of what makes New York, New York? But then again, I don’t have children, nor will I ever. As I’m straightening the creases in my skirt, I spot Giselle and Killian walking down the street toward me. They live two houses down from Olivia and Nick. Giselle waves and gives me a knowing grin, telling me that she and Olivia are going to interrogate me the moment the three of us are in the same room. When I roll my eyes at her, Killian’s lips curl into a half-smile. Ever since he and Giselle got together, he’s been friendlier toward me, which is both strange and nice at the same time.
I wanted to meet them at the club where the party is being held, but Olivia insisted we meet here, have dinner, and then ride over together. I know this is just her way of cornering me about yesterday, but I have a hard time saying no to her. She’s just too damn sweet. My suspicions are confirmed the minute we walk inside and Olivia starts in on me. “Okay, you’ve had enough space. I even gave you twenty-four hours, now spill.”
“Yeah, the chemistry between you and Jase was so thick, I could barely breathe,” Giselle adds.
“I think you’re confusing chemistry for tension,” I mutter.
“Oh no, there were sparks,” Giselle says. “Sure, there was tension too, but the chemistry was definitely stronger.”
“Did something happen between you two?” Olivia asks.
“Did something happen between who?” Nick questions. My eyes swing over to him. He’s holding Reed in his arms, his head resting on his daddy’s shoulder, his eyes barely open. Nick must be about to put him to bed before we leave. My mind goes to Jase. He’s a dad. Does he live in the city, or in the suburbs? Does Amaya live with him? Does he make sure he’s home every night to put his daughter to bed? I can’t even remember a time when I was little that my mom put me to bed.
“We ran into Jase when we were leaving the restaurant yesterday,” Olivia says. “He was with his daughter. She’s apparently a fan of Celeste’s.”
“Oh, Skyla? She’s a sweet kid,” Nick says. “I can see that. From what Jase has said, she’s really into fashion.”
“You knew he has a daughter?” I snap, and instantly regret it, knowing my harsh tone is going to make Nick ask questions.
“Yeah…” Nick gives me a confused look. “I am friends with him.”
“I know,” I say dumbly. “I need a drink.” As I’m about to head to the kitchen, Nick’s hand lands on my shoulder.
“Celeste, what the heck is going on?” I open my mouth, about to say something—what, I have no idea—but Nick adds, “And don’t you dare say nothing. First you lost it at Forbidden Ink, and now you’re acting like I committed a sin by not telling you a guy you barely know has a daughter. I want the truth. Did something happen between you and Jase?”
When I divert my eyes, they land on Killian, who’s glaring intently at me, like he’s waiting to hear my answer as well. So much for him being nicer…