Page 38 of Those Heartbreak Scars

“What are you doing here?” she asks as he swings an arm around her shoulders.

“Got back into town a little early,” he says as they walk toward me. “I couldn’t wait to see you. So what are you two up to? Catching up?”

“Actually, I have to go back to the hotel and contact the office,” I say, making my excuses. I don’t want to leave America alone with him, but I also don’t have an excuse for sticking around. Staying now will just make things uncomfortable.

Besides, I really do need to get back to the hotel and make calls to every team manager on my contact list who might have a spot for Mikey.

“Anything I should be worried about?” Mann straightens and focuses on me. His brows lower.

“Not at all.” It’s not his contract on the line. Or his reputation that just took a hit. I was already under the microscope. Screwing up Mikey’s contract is only going to make it worse. And yet, I’m not beating a path out of here as quick as I should be.

“Good to hear.” He smiles cheerfully.

“I was thinking we should go out tonight.” Schmoozing him is still a priority. Taking him out, showing him a good time, and talking up what our partnership can do for him is the only way I’ll get this contract signed. And I need him to sign. “There’s this new club…”

“Oh yeah?” Mann’s interest is piqued like I knew it would be. He likes to drink and dance. More than that he likes to be seen in the trendiest places. “What’s it called?”

“Electric Pony.” I grin back, because I am damn good at my job, which included scouring his socials and creating a profile on him that should help close the deal.

“Damn.” He whistles. “You’ve done your homework. I’ve been wanting to check it out.”

“Drinks are on me,” I say, knowing it will seal the deal.

“What do you think?” he asks America. “Want to go out tonight? Drink expensive champagne on the company’s dime?”

America turns to me hesitantly. We still need to talk, but that doesn’t seem like it will be possible any time soon. “If you’re sure.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he says.

Perhaps this thing between them is more serious than I hoped. Surely he wouldn’t have invited her along if he was expecting to play the field.

She’s still looking at me for an answer. What am I going to say? No, I don’t want her there with us. I hate watching them together. It makes me uncomfortable. Jealous. I want her there with me. Everett nowhere in sight.

I nod.

She smiles at him. It’s genuine. The kind of smile we’ve shared thousands of times over the years. Affectionate. “I’d love to.”

“Can’t wait,” Everett tells me. He takes off his hat and rubs a hand through his hair before putting it back on. He pulls a rectangle wrapped in ivory paper and ribbon from somewhere. “I brought you something, Lucky Charm.”

Well, isn’t that cute? Did he forget her name so he gave her a nickname? Or does he refer to every girl that he dates in a similar way? It’s possible that kind of detail wouldn’t be public knowledge.

She stares at the pretty package like it might bite. “What is it?”

“Open it.” He smiles.

She sucks in her bottom lip while she tears at the paper, revealing an ancient and delicate bound book. Awestruck, she caresses the front cover. “Oh wow. Gray, look at this.”

He bought her a gift that puts the neglected book in my car to shame. One she would adore. He knows her well enough to know what would really speak to her. It takes me a moment to find my voice. He actually put some thought into it. “Is that the one you’ve been searching for?”

“No. But…” She looks up at him as my phone chirps with a new notification. “This must have cost you a fortune.”

He shrugs. “As long as you love it.”

“I do.” She holds it out to him. “But I can’t take it.”

I lift my phone and scan the screen. Mikey again.

“Don’t be silly.” He pushes it back at her. “It’s yours. I know nothing about languages.”

---