Page 32 of The Exception

Heading back to the hotel, I gave a lot of thought to what Ano said. My whole life had been spent being around people who controlled me, and now that I was alone, what I thought I knew, I didn’t really know at all.

Chapter Thirteen

Drew

“Thanks, Randall. I’ll see you in the morning,” I spoke as I climbed out of the Bentley.

Walking up the steps of my townhouse, I saw my next-door neighbor and friend, Liam Wyatt.

“Hey, you’re back. How was Hawaii?” he asked.

“It was eventful.” I smirked.

“In a bad way or a good way?”

“Both. I broke up with Jess and made her leave early.”

“Oh. I’m sorry to hear that.”

I gave him a small smile. “No, you’re not. You never liked her.”

He shrugged. “True, but still. You’re better off without her. She reminded me too much of Oliver’s ex.”

“Yeah. I should have listened to you on that one. Stop by this week, and we’ll have a drink.”

“Sure will, Drew. Welcome home.” He waved.

Stepping into the house, I took my suitcase upstairs and then headed to the kitchen for something to eat. I smiled when I opened the refrigerator, and a couple of stacked containers were sitting there with a note from my housekeeper, Jane.

“Welcome home, Drew. I slaved to make these meals all day, so you better eat them.”

Taking one of the containers out, I threw it in the microwave and walked over to the bar to pour myself a scotch. I already missed her. The moment I walked out of her hotel room, a feeling overcame me. A feeling that something was missing from my life. The time I spent with her on the plane, and the few times in Hawaii, made me feel like a different person, and now, I didn’t think I’d ever felt so lonely.

* * *

Opening my eyes to the sound of my alarm, I stumbled out of bed, showered, and headed to the kitchen for coffee.

“Morning, Jane.”

“Good morning, Drew.” She smiled as she poured me a cup of coffee. “How was your trip?”

I sighed. “Let’s just say that Jess won’t be coming over here anymore. I ended things with her.”

She made the sign of the cross and then placed her hands together.

“Thank you, lord.”

I lightly chuckled. “I know you weren’t a fan of hers.”

“No. No, I wasn’t. What did she do this time?”

“Just her usual shit. She basically told me that I was a bad boyfriend because I wouldn’t buy her something.”

Jane rolled her eyes. “Well, maybe if she weren’t such a bad girlfriend, you would have bought her what she wanted. You’re a good man, Drew. Don’t let that little hussy tell you any different.”

“Trust me. I’m not giving her a second thought. Thanks for the coffee, and now I have to head to the office.” I kissed her on the cheek.

“Have a good day.”

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