Page 19 of The Sweetest Surrender

“Why not?”

“Because,” Selena said, annoyed. “What do I look like questioning him about what he does? He’s a grown man. It’s his business.”

“But you’re dating him. I think you have a right to know where you stand.”

“Yeah, but you of all people know that when you’re dating, it doesn’t make you exclusive. You used to date different men all the time before Jonathon put a ring on it.”

“Which is all the more reason why you should ask.”

“I don’t want to come off as a—”

“What person who’s in like with the man she’s dating? I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.”

Selena sighed. “I just don’t feel comfortable asking, okay. Jordan’s a big boy, he knows we’re dating. If he respects me and wants to be exclusive, then I won’t have to ask.”

“Do you respect him?”

“Of course, I do.”

“Then why are you talking about jumping in the sack with someone else?”

Selena shook her head in frustration. Octavia straight-up turned the tables on her, and Selena didn’t appreciate it.

“I thought you were supposed to be on my side?”

“I am. I’m just calling the kettle black, honey. In your own words, you feel that if Jordan cares enough about you he wouldn’t be courting someone else.”

“Courting? What is this 1999?”

“Anyway,” Octavia said, “you have to give Jordan the same respect you feel he should give you.”

“So, that means I can talk to other people then because that’s what he’s doing.”

“You don’t know he’s talking to Madison. You’re assuming. So just come right out and ask already.”

“Says the person who hid her true feelings for her now lover, best friend and husband,” Selena said.

“You’re right. I had my reasons. But you, Selena Strauss, have always been outspoken about everything, and never met a challenge you couldn’t beat. So, I’ll ask this question. Do you plan to let Madison run away with your guy? Because if she is a skank, then you’re giving him right on over.”

Selena sighed and rolled her eyes. Not because what Octavia said was ridiculous, but because she was right, and Selena didn’t want to hear it.

Octavia arched a brow, waiting for her response.

“What time are you picking me up tonight?” Selena asked.

“I’ll tell you when you answer my question.”

“I need to think about it, okay?”

Octavia peered at her and sighed. “Okay, fine, it’s your life. I’ll be there around eight, so be ready.”

“I will be ready at seven. It’s not like I have anything else to do, ya know.”

Octavia rose to her feet and mumbled as she gravitated toward the door.

“Can you send in my next client, please?”

“Sure thing.”

Selena stood and strolled to the window to look out over the city. Traffic was normal for this time of the day, and the sun sat high, but Selena knew the wind chill was almost below freezing.

As she watched pedestrians move below, someone cleared their throat. When Selena turned around and saw her father, Walter Strauss, she glowered at him, knowing her depression would venture on into the afternoon.

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