Page 5 of Sexting My Ex's Dad
I can’t help but smile at her candidness. “That’s definitely a plus,” I admit. “Especially considering my current situation.”
“Then we might just be the perfect solution for you,” Marnie says, a hint of playfulness in her tone. “Why don’t you swing by tomorrow and check the place out? See if it’s something you’d be interested in.”
“Alright, I’ll do that,” I agree, feeling a surge of cautious optimism. “Thank you so much, Marnie. I really appreciate it.”
“Of course! Just let me know when you’re on your way, and I’ll make sure to meet you there,” she replies, her voice warm and welcoming. “I’m looking forward to meeting you, Stella.”
“Me too,” I say sincerely.
“See you tomorrow, then,” Marnie says before we hang up.
“Bye,” I reply, ending the call and turning to Anastasia, who has been watching me intently throughout the conversation. “Looks like I have an appointment tomorrow.”
“Really?” Anastasia’s face bursts into a beaming smile, her eyes shining with excitement and relief.
“Really,” I confirm, allowing a small, tentative smile to cross my lips. “I never thought I’d be a stripper.”
“You’re not,” Anastasia says quickly, giving my hand an encouraging squeeze. “They don’t do that there. Besides, it’s just temporary, and it can help you get back on your feet.”
“Yeah…” I swallow, still unsure but it’s the quickest way for me to make some money. And I need that.
“Stella, I have to ask… how are you holding up after Owen left?” Her voice is gentle, but her eyes flash with anger. I’m shocked she’s been able to withhold from asking about him this long – if there’s one thing about my best friend that everyone knows, it’s that she’s a major gossip.
I look down at my hands, clasped tightly in my lap. “Honestly? I don’t know.” My voice trembles. “Some days, I’m so angry at him for leaving me like he did, for abandoning me when I needed him most. But other days… I think that maybe it was a good thing. I don’t love him in the way that I think I should have. Does that make me a horrible person?”
Anastasia’s gaze softens, and she reaches across the table to touch my hand. “You are far from horrible, and you can’t do anything about the way you feel. You deserve so much better than him, Stella. You need someone who will support you and appreciate you, not just take advantage of your kindness. That’s all Owen did…he used you. That’s not love anyways.”
I know she’s right. While Owen finished school, I paid for all of our needs, so he didn’t have a care in the world.
I should have known it wouldn’t be reciprocated.
And she’s right…that’s not love.
My fingers curl around hers. “I know that, deep down. But it’s hard to let go of someone I’ve been with for so long. We hadplans, dreams… and now they’re gone. Now, it’s just me again. I don’t even remember what it’s like to be single.’
“Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is walk away from what’s familiar, even if it’s hurting you,” Anastasia says quietly, her eyes filled with empathy. “Did you get your security deposit back?”
The thought makes me frown. “Nope. He sent it to his dad, Elio Lombardi.”
“Elio Lombardi?” She repeats. “That name sounds familiar. What do you know about him?”
My gaze drops to the table as I consider my answer, my thoughts clouded by Owen’s negative comments about his father. “Honestly, I don’t know much. Owen always spoke poorly of him, said he was a cold, ruthless businessman.”
Anastasia’s brows furrow, concern etched in her features. “That can’t be all there is to him. Do you mind if I look him up?” she asks, already pulling out her phone.
“Go ahead,” I reply hesitantly, unsure what we’ll find but willing to learn more.
In moments, Anastasia finds an article online and starts reading aloud. “Elio Lombardi, CEO of Lombardi Enterprises, has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts, including funding scholarships and supporting children’s hospitals.” She glances at me, her eyes wide with surprise. “This doesn’t sound like the man Owen described.”
I lean closer, peering at the screen as I read further. “He’s also been awarded for his contributions to environmental conservation projects and has helped many small businesses thrive.”
“Not to mention he’s smoking hot!” Anastasia looks like she’s about to drool all over the screen.
I elbow her. “That’s Owen’s dad!”
“Hot is hot, Stella, and Elio can get some.” She sticks her tongue out of her mouth. “Did Owen mention whether or not he was married?”
“You make me want to gag.”
