Page 98 of High Stakes

Claire exchanges a worried look with dad, but right now, I don’t want to know the reasons behind it. Because no matter what, I can’t stay here. Nothing can change that.

Aiden

“Relax,” says Raff, holding me against the nearest wall.

I growl out in frustration. “Just tell me,” I yell.

Cal gives Raff a look that says, ‘take him away’.“I have no idea where she’s going, Aiden. But if I did know, I wouldn’t tell you.”

“Not helping,” snaps Raff.

“She’s freed herself,” Cal continues. “And I’m glad. I hope she meets the perfect man who will treat her like the queen she is.”

“Fuck you,” I spit, pushing Raff away and rushing down the steps.

We go to the nearest bar, and I order two beers and two shots. “Not a good idea,” says Raff.

“How the fuck can she just disappear?” I demand, knocking the shot back.

“Maybe it’s for the best,” he mutters.

“Why do I keep fucking up?” I yell and a few of the other customers glance my way. “Why the hell did I tell her I didn’t want kids with her?”

He frowns, “She asked that?”

I nod. “And I told her there was no chance after everything.” His frown deepens, “What?” I ask.

“It’s just a weird thing to ask, isn’t it?” I shrug, thinking back to her earlier words. “Like she’s checking she’s made a right decision?” he pushes.

“You’re saying she’s pregnant?” I ask.

“I’m saying it’s a weird thing to ask, Aiden.”

I shake my head. “She’s not. I saw her take the morning after pill myself.”

“I think you should see this as a sign, man. She’s gone. It’s for the best.”

Maybe he’s right. And after everything we’ve done to one another, this feels final. She’s gone and now we both get to see what life is like now we’re fully apart.

I take another drink and sigh heavily. “I joined a dating app.”

He stares for a long moment before a smirk spreads over his face. He laughs, “You had me there.” When he sees I’m not laughing, the smirk fades. “You’re serious?”

“And, someone messaged me. We matched.”

“You matched,” he repeats, “Just hearing you say those words gives me nightmares. What the hell made you join a dating app?”

“I always find women in bars, right? My thought is, if I meet someone outside of a bar, maybe re-invent myself somewhat, I can change my behaviour.”

He pinches the bridge of his nose. “Aiden, just stop shagging around.”

“Exactly. That’s the plan. I’m going to meet Emmie in a coffee shop.”

He eyes me, “You’re serious?”

“Yes.”

“Holy shit. Aiden Tremos dating.”

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