Page 28 of King of Justice

“Well, I’m glad you approve,” I mocked, taking another bite.

He eyed me from under his eyebrows. “You… don’t?”

“Oh, no.” I continued. “It’s pretty good.”

Too bad she thought that turning good into better wasn’t something worth trying.

I spent the rest of the afternoon playing golf with a business associate, and in the evening, Chad and Abel invited themselves over. We gathered in my study with a good bottle of whiskey, while Chad passed around his latest object of interest—cigars. Even though I hated the way they smelled, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and try one.

And like every time Chad was around, the subject of women came up. Without going into detail or any background information, I shared with them the awkward situation from this morning.

Abel chuckled. “You’re just not accustomed to rejection.” He turned to Chad. “Honestly, most of us aren’t.”

“Why do I not see it as that?” I argued. “It didn’t feel like I was being rejected, it was more like…” Gesturing with my hand, I tried to find the word.

“Like she’s got issues?” Chad suggested.

I pressed my lips together and shook my head. “Like she was worried of getting too deep.”

“That’s issues, man,” Chad said. “Are her parents still together?”

“Happily.” I gave him a berating look. “And please, don’t pretend to know what you’re talking about.”

With the glass between his fingers, he pointed at me, then Abel. “My experience surpasses both of yours.”

“Maybe,” Abel said before turning to me with a smile. “Yet you still act like you don’t know the difference between a relationship and a fuck-buddy, so…”

He and I chuckled, while Chad gave us a lazy stare that screamed, ‘you’re lame’. His eyes then suddenly lit up as he raised his hand. “What about that chick, what’s her name?”

“What?” I shook my head, confused.

“Look, the classic saying goes; the best way to get over someone is by getting under someone else,” he stated it like it was science. “What was her name? The one who almost won that case and killed you?”

I chuckled. “Hunter Bennett.”

“Oh, she was hot.” He smacked his thigh with his hand before turning to Abel. “Tall, fit brunette.” Gestured in front of his chest, cupping his hands. “So confident.” Then down to his hips. “And smart. Damn!”

“Yeah.” I chuckled. “She’s engaged to Eric Elordi now, besides… I’m not looking for a replacement. I just wish I could understand.”

“What about Rola?” Chad suggested.

“Will you stop?” I tittered. “And, FYI? Rola was stalking me; I had to block her number.”

Abel lifted a finger and furrowed his eyebrows, parting his lips for a second. “Maybe, and just humor me for a sec—maybe she was… intimidated. These things take a while to sink in and for her, that couldn’t have happened overnight.”

My friend’s theory was a valid one, but I still wished Sophie would’ve handled it better.

nine

To Feel

Sophie

At the center, Travis and I were facilitating an improvisation class for high school kids. During the break, I checked my phone to find that my mom had tried to reach me. Calling back, I stepped out into the natural light so she would see me better.

“Bonjour beauté!” she giggled as she always did when we kicked off a call. “You look fabulous. Ça va?”

“Bien, et toi?”

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