Total pages in book: 141
Estimated words: 141676 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 708(@200wpm)___ 567(@250wpm)___ 472(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 141676 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 708(@200wpm)___ 567(@250wpm)___ 472(@300wpm)
He doesn’t quite say ‘take it or leave it,’ but it’s what he means.
I don’t understand how we’ve been torn apart.
I don’t have a clue how to sew up the damage either as I drag myself after him.
He sighs and runs a hand through his damp hair.
“I’m sorry.” He sounds like he means it. “I don’t mean to take this shit out on you. I’ll be back for dinner, I promise.”
I could fight him, but what’s the point?
“Let me make you a coffee,” I tell him as he runs to the bathroom. He flashes me a quick smile and he’s gone.
The worst part is he’s right.
I do work unholy hours that usually include weekends. The only reason I’m not at the Sugar Bowl today is because I wanted to spend that time with Dexter, because I thought we could finally talk about the future.
Because right now we’re trapped in a very confusing present.
And I shouldn’t care so much.
This was never meant to last and being with a businessman born into generational wealth means putting up with his insane hours.
So, yes, it’s fine, I tell myself as I flick the fancy coffee machine in the wall on and lean against the side. It’s fine that I’m spending Saturday alone.
It’s just another day of putting off the conversation—or the apocalypse that ends us.
There’s a loud knock on the front door.
I start. I’m pretty sure the gates are supposed to stop people from just barging in, but when I open the door, it’s Delly Rory standing outside.
“I’m so sorry for dropping in on you unannounced.” She walks in with a burst of floral perfume and perfectly styled hair. “I didn’t realize how early it was.”
I glance at the clock out of habit.
Eight a.m. on a Saturday morning and his mom’s dropping around as a fun little surprise.
Also, she’s flipping gorgeous.
She looks like American royalty in her burgundy designer dress and gold earrings so bright they leave stars in my eyes. There are highlights in her hair that lighten her complexion, and her makeup is exquisitely done, her nails long and painted peach.
My self-esteem isn’t stellar at the best of times, but Dexter’s mom looks way more put together in her fifties than me. Bye-bye, confidence.
I’m standing here like a dope, still wearing my pajamas—an old Easterly Ribbon t-shirt with her silhouette and moody lyrics and gym shorts—and my hair is one big rat’s nest at the back of my head.
“You’re so effortlessly pretty,” Delly says, giving me a perfumed kiss on the cheek. I can feel the slick press of her lipstick and I resist the urge to wipe it away. “Do you know how long it takes me to get ready in the morning?” She laughs, throwing up a hand. “No, don’t answer that.”
“Would you like some coffee?” I open the cupboard with the mugs. “I’m making Dexter some right now before he’s off to work.”
“Work on a Saturday? Where are his manners?” she huffs loudly. “But yes, I’ll have a coffee please, darlin’. Decaf, if you’ve got it. Can’t stand more than a milligram or two of caffeine these days or I get the shakes all day.”
I finish their drinks and fix myself a fully caffeinated coffee with an extra shot of espresso while I’m at it. Something tells me I’ll need it today.
“Speaking of my son, where is he?” She glances around the kitchen like she’s half expecting him to pop out of the massive cabinets. Absurd or not, they’re actually big enough.
“He’s upstairs getting ready after his workout,” I say, wishing I’d gotten dressed before I came downstairs. “He’ll be down any second, I’m sure.”
Because he’s so desperate to get to work and avoid me.
“That’s just like him. The boy never learned how to relax.” Delly sends me a sympathetic look.
Like he knows we’re talking about him, Dex enters the kitchen with perfectly combed hair, wearing a full suit that looks almost painted on.
“Mother? What are you doing here?” He stops short at the sight of her.
“Oh, I thought I’d drop in and spend some time with my new favorite couple.” Delly gives him a kiss on the cheek he doesn’t return. He frowns at her, not missing the glance she sends at my bare hand. “But it looks like you’re all ready to go.”
“I am,” he says. “And for the record, Mother, normal people don’t just ‘drop in’ this early.”
“You know me. I’ve been up since five.” She waves a dismissive hand.
“Junie needs to sleep in when she’s off.” He glances at me apologetically, but our little argument still sours the air between us. I shrug. “Bye, sweetheart,” he says, accepting the coffee and kissing me on the cheek. Although he does that a lot of mornings, there’s a different vibe today, like we’re really pretending now and it feels forced.