Page 39 of Play Book

Tonight, we’re in Seattle, and after a big win, a group of us head out to a bar we’ve been to at least a dozen times. There’s good food, strong drinks, and usually a plethora of women to choose from.

I haven’t really thought about sex since I left L.A., but part of me is uncomfortable with the deal I made with Saylor.

Monogamy isn’t in my vocabulary, but for some reason, Saylor has me all twisted up inside. I’m completely infatuated with her, and no matter how many times I tell myself I’ll get bored in a week or two, I honestly don’t see that happening any time soon. I’ve thought of little but her in my free time, so I need a distraction.

All I need is a pretty puck bunny to sashay on over. Catch my eye across the bar. Ask me to dance. Whatever it takes to get myself back on track. If I fuck someone else, that means I can’t sleep with Saylor anymore, and then I can go back to normal.

Whatever the fuck that means.

Jesus, I need a drink.

“So, you gonna actually hook up with someone tonight?” I ask Marty as I let my gaze travel across the bar. “Or are you gonna sit here and mope all night because you still think you can save your marriage?”

He sighs, shaking his head. “I wish I fucking knew. My gut tells me there’s someone else, but she denies it. I just…I don’t know. I can’t explain it.”

I make a face. “Dude, I don’t mean to get in your business, but hire a detective to follow her. Find out one way or another. Why are you wasting your time with therapy and shit if she’s cheating?”

“Because we have three kids who need their parents to either make up or part ways as amicably as possible.”

“Yeah, but you can still do that. Your behavior going forward is a choice. On the other hand, this is about what you need. Closure. Finding out if there’s actually a chance. If you guys are in therapy and she’s got a boyfriend, what’s the point?”

He scratches his chin. “I know. I just… I guess I don’t want to believe it. There’s a part of me that’s going to be a fucking wreck if I catch her with someone else.”

“I know she’s your wife, and the mother of your kids, but don’t let her have your soul, my friend. I’ve never been married, but I’ve been around the block a few times. No woman is worth your soul.”

“You ever been in love?” he asks after a moment.

I shrug. “Kinda? I mean, in high school and stuff. Not as an adult.”

“So you can’t possibly understand. And until you’re a dad, you definitely can’t fathom the bond there. They’re these little pieces of you…you made them. They wouldn’t be here if not for you. And you’ll do anything and everything in your power to make sure they’re safe and happy.”

I shake my head. “Don’t do that. I feel like staying because of the kids is a mistake.”

“I know. I just don’t want to look back and think there was something I could have done to save the marriage. That’s all.”

“I respect that.” I lock eyes with a busty redhead, and she gives me an obvious once-over.

Yup.

She recognizes me.

“Got yourself a live one, eh?” Marty chuckles. “What about Saylor?”

I nearly give him the side eye, but red-haired-and-big-boobed is already on her way over, a flirtatious smile playing on her lips.

“Well, hi.” She grins.

“Hello.” I acknowledge her by raking my eyes up and down her body.

“I should be mad at you,” she says, a little pout on her lips as she points her finger at me.

“Oh, yeah? How come?”

“Because your team beat mine.” She moves a little closer. “But I’m willing to let you make it up to me.”

“That right?” I nod, and motion to the bartender. “The lady needs a drink.”

She orders a Cosmopolitan and then lifts heavily made-up eyes to mine. “I’m Lena.”

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