Page 77 of Gross Misconduct

“Then you should have it. Every damn year,” Wolseley said.

“But I feel like a bad person for shutting her out.”

Tangi got up and gave me another hug. Wolseley did the same. We were having a big hug fest in the middle of the restaurant.

“I want you to listen to your open-minded friend,” Wolseley said, throwing my words back at me. “As someone who is so open-minded, I’m telling you to do what’s good for you and your mental health. And as someone on the outside looking in, that doesn’t include your mom. I get that family willalways be family, but you shouldn’t have to put up with them if they are toxic. And your mom is radioactive.”

“I concur,” Tangi said. “She’s never been there for you, and you don’t owe her a thing.”

“And then there is Jeremy. He’s been so good to me, but I keep waiting for something bad to happen. For his true colors to shine through. Or for him to realize I’m a coldhearted bitch.”

Tangi shook her head. “None of those things are going to happen. But I guess the question is whether you want to shut him out of your life too. Do you, or do you want to give him a chance?”

Yes, and I think I finally had my answer.

Chapter Forty

Jeremy

This was the shittiest bye week ever. Before I’d fucked up with Jill, I’d planned a weekend at Whistler with her after her friend Wolseley had gone home. I’d even booked the most expensive hotel room and paid extra so that Chloe could join us, but now I was either going to go alone or offer it to Ethan and Tangi. Ryan had recently broken up with his girlfriend, so maybe we could make it a boys’ weekend, although it was one of the more romantic suites. That would be weird. I weighed all the options as I headed for the kitchen to make myself lunch. I was rifling through the fridge when my phone chimed. I grabbed it and looked at the text.

Chloe and I are here.

Had we agreed for Jill to drop off Chloe? Not that I minded. I could use the company. I buzzed her up and met her at the elevator. I figured she’d want to hand her off and take off to wherever she was going with her friends. I waited at the doors, and when they opened, she stood there for a long time.Chloe pulled on her leash, and Jill got out of the elevator so that Chloe could greet me.

“Hey,” I said.

“Hey,” she said.

“Did we agree for me to take Chloe? It’s okay if we did, I just don’t remember.”

“I need to be more open-minded,” she said. “I need to take chances. I don’t do that enough.”

I was a bit confused, but thought she had more to say, so I invited her back into my condo, and she nodded and followed me.

“Do you want something? A drink?” She had such a strange look on her face, and I didn’t know what to make of it.

“Maybe some water,” she said, taking off her jacket. Chloe had already made herself at home on my sofa. Jill joined her. I got the water, and she stared at the glass for a long time.

“Are you all right?” I asked.

“I am,” she said. “I had a good talk with my friends. That’s why I’m here. I’m not going to be scared of what could happen. I’m going to follow my heart. And right now, I followed my heart here.”

Her blue eyes were looking at me now, looking so vulnerable. My heart had picked up a few beats, but I had to keep myself calm and let her talk.

“Oh,” I said.

I saw her deflate. “You don’t feel the same way?”

“I guess I’m a bit confused right now. Are you telling me you want to try again?”

She shrugged sheepishly. “Yeah, if you want to.”

I wanted to laugh. “Of course I do! Jill, come on! I love you!” And there I’d said it. Those three words I’d never told a girlfriend before. Wow. Jill had me hooked.

She jumped up from the sofa and into my arms. “I wasn’t sure,” she said, looking into my eyes.

“Why?” I asked as I swung her around. Chloe didn’t know what was happening, but she yipped happily.

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