Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 35534 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 178(@200wpm)___ 142(@250wpm)___ 118(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35534 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 178(@200wpm)___ 142(@250wpm)___ 118(@300wpm)
I chuckle. She teases but the pair are madly in love. They are also two of the scariest lawyers in the city.
“Kelly.” James comes walking back towards the table. “Can I get you a drink?”
“Nope.” She leaves the folder on the table. “Look that over and call me if you have questions. I’m meeting the husband for dinner.” She gives a small wave before heading back out.
“Are you going to eat? This is the best steak I’ve ever had.”
“Yeah.” I knew there was no way in hell I wasn’t go home tonight. I’ll never last. I’ll finish my steak and head home. I’ll tell Tinsley my work trip was canceled but I need to get some work done in my office. I’ll use that time to get my shit together to see how I’m going to handle this.
I take another bite, still not tasting anything. Everything is tasteless and dull when Tinsley’s not around.
10
Tinsley
My feet hurt. I’m abandoning my idea of roaming around. The sun is starting to go down. I think it’s all been a bit pointless really. Reed has no idea I’m not home. I thought Rita might tell him and then he’d call me. Or does he not care? I try not to dwell on it.
I want to go home. If Reed isn't going to be there I might as well take advantage of soaking in his tub that’s as big as a small swimming pool. He never uses the thing. The one in my room isn’t bad, but Reed’s is better. I bet I’ll need three bath bombs for that one.
My stomach grumbles as the smell of steak catches my attention. I look over at the fancy steakhouse. I don’t think I’ve eaten since this morning. I don’t feel like cooking either. Shoving something in the microwave doesn’t sound so appetizing now that I’ve caught the scent of that steak.
I stop walking when someone familiar catches my eye inside the steak house. I step closer to look in the glass windows. I’m taken aback when I see Reed sitting with a very beautiful woman. She looks polished and fancy. He smiles at something she says before taking another bite of his steak.
A deep ache starts in my chest. I experience a range of emotions within a few seconds of each other. For some reason even the sight of french fries on his plate has me wanting to cry. I’m the only one that can make him eat junk food usually. I need to get away from here. I need to go home. I need to move out immediately. I step back from the window. I turn to move as quickly as possible, feeling unsteady on my feet. I bump into someone on the sidewalk.
“Watch it,” the woman snips at me.
“Sorry.” I look back at Reed one last time before I pick up my pace to get home. I will not cry in the middle of the sidewalk. It’s not happening. He lied to me. That is the one thing I never expected of him.
He isn’t out of town. He is on a date. Eating french fries. Why would he lie? Is it because of last night? Or is it something more? Is this what he always does? Goes on dates that I don’t know about? I could see that. Reed is so private.
I’m not sure he would talk about anyone he was dating. Plus, he doesn’t have to explain himself to me. He opened his home to me. He has been a good friend to me and his personal life is really none of my business. But that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t hurt like hell.
The lump in my throat starts to get bigger. I know that this will change everything between us. The bath I was planning to take will have to wait. I need to begin packing. I don’t think I can face him. Would he lie to my face?
I look up when I feel a drop of water hit my head. Lightning lights up the almost dark sky. Crap. I hold my bag tight as I take off running. I’m still a few blocks away from our building when the rain starts to come down harder. Me and my stupid fear of taxis. I always found it so weird that people have no problem getting into random cars for rides. You even pay for it. Your whole childhood you are taught to never do that.
I see our building in the distance. It’s now pouring down rain. I scream when my foot catches on something, causing me to slip. I try to brace myself but end up landing on my knees. Pain shoots through them. At least it wasn't my face. I clench my jaw, not sure if I can stand.
“Let me help you,” a woman says, approaching me. She pulls her hood down from her head so I can see her. She grabs me under my arm. “Lift,” she orders me in a stern voice. I let out a small whimper as my legs stretch out, but I manage to stand.