Page 85 of The Keeper

We both in stood in front of my floor mirror, scrutinizing the ensemble. Typical pageant style dress. Baroque pattern, sequins, deep v-neck, maxi length with a mermaid hem. I wrinkled my nose. Why did I think this would be a good choice again?

“It looks divine on you but,” Killian paused, tilting his head side to side, “it’s not your vibe. I’m getting real housewives or something.”

“Off with this dress,” I exclaimed. I only had one more option and hoped it would be the perfect one.

“So, what did you say in your drunk text?”

Sighing, I shimmied my way out of the mermaid dress. “Nothing that would impress him. Sober me had a field day with it this morning.”

Killian eyed me with interest. “And what did Sober Tori say about Drunk Tori’s attempt at writing while loaded?”

“It was ill advised.”

“Oh come on. It can’t be that bad.” He handed me the final dress.

“I sounded insincere.”

“Baby girl, do I have to remind you that you told him you only fucked him as a way to distract yourself? The text can’t be worse.”

“Yeah, well, it wasn’t any better,” I muttered, handing him my phone. Sometimes seeing the text in its native form was better than speaking it out loud.

“I see.” He made a face. “I suppose you could have been more eloquent.”

Xavier

“Why haven’t you answered her?” Bennet sounded incredulous.

I ran a hand through my hair, trying my best to focus on the match. United threatened with an equalizer. “No reason to.”

“That’s bollocks. Why is it so hard for you to admit you fancy her. A lot. And you fucked it up when you walked out instead of being there when she needed you.”

“Well, she did call me a casual fling.” Among other things.

Bennet leaned his head back in exasperation. “You just told me she was upset and very emotional about everything that happened with her mom and the house and finding out her dad visits every year. You just said you knew she didn’t mean it.”

“Will this conversation count instead of my session with Frances tomorrow?” I bit out.

“No. You’re still going. And if you try to blow it off, I’ll know.”

Arguing with him would get me nowhere. I knew he was right about all of it. And he knew I’d never admit it out loud so we’d keep going in circles. But then there was Frances’ homework. The really feeling it bullshit that got me to this point.

I swallowed.

Really feeling it hadn’t been so bad. I actually quite liked it. At least until the part where it all went to shit and I acted like a complete tosser and took off.

I almost called her when I saw the message this morning. She was clearly up late when she sent it. Hearing her voice would work wonders. Yeah, it hurt when she told me I was only a distraction and we were nothing. It hurt more than normal because I knew she said it in a burst of emotion. She tries to hide things like that but I can see it. The last thing I wanted was for my default reaction to be to hurt her back. But I did.

“Hey.” Bennet tossed a decorative pillow at my head. “Text her. You’ll regret it if you don’t.”

Another pillow hit me.

“Do that again and I’ll cuff you to the balcony.” I growled.

“Ah, there he is.” Bennet grinned. “Thought that guy was dead and buried.”

“He had a bit of a resurrection.”

“Text her.”

---