Page 114 of Chasing Sparks

So, he’s not an asshole who hid the truth while simultaneously wooing me.

It’s simply something that happened before Ash and me … not that there ever was an Ash and me.

I see that now.

And, oh joy, I get to add one more thing to my to-do list: get tested. If he had unprotected sex with Lucille and me, there’s no telling who else might be in the mix.

Today keeps getting better and better.

I know I should get it over with, but I can’t bring myself to handle one more blow right now. What difference will a week or two make?

If I develop symptoms, I’ll go immediately. Otherwise, I’ll wait until it doesn’t hurt to breathe.

Good plan. Actually, it’s a terrible fucking plan, but right now, it’s all I’ve got. Future endeavors are on hold until I figure out what the hell to do next with my life.

I have a terrible poker face, as evidenced by the concern crossing Mina’s features, when I walk intoOne More Page. She rushes over but says nothing. Instead, she envelops me in a hug, her embrace warm and comforting.

I need that comfort now.

Pulling back, she thumbs under my eyes. “What in the world happened? Don’t you dare say nothing.”

See? Terrible poker face. The worst.

“Where to begin?” I huff, slogging toward the coffee bar. I need caffeine. Gallons of it.

Hey, it’s better than whiskey, and trust me, that thought crossed my mind too on the way here.

I grab a mug and fill it, shaking off Mina’s offer of sugar.

Black and bitter, just like my soul.

“Judging by your face, you’ve heard the news.”

I twirl on my heel, forcing a smile for Braden as he leans against the coffee bar. “I just came from there.”

“What news?” Mina interjects, her wide-eyed gaze bouncing between Braden and me. “Care to fill me in?”

“My brother knocked up Lucille,” Braden mutters, tugging a hand through his hair. “I couldn’t believe it when he showed up at the farm with her in tow.”

Ignoring Mina’s shocked gasp, I focus my attention on Braden. “I take it you’re not a fan of hers?”

“Not even close. She fucked with my brother big time, and it took him years to get over her.”

“Apparently, that never happened.”

Braden shakes his head, accepting Mina’s offer of coffee with a thin-lipped grin. Seems smiling is as difficult for him as it is for me right now.

“He did. When he met you.”

I amnothearing this nonsense right now.

“Trust me, Braden. I was just another woman to your brother.”

“That’s not true. You were so much more. You brought the old Ash back.” He takes a long drink of his coffee, his expression darkening. “And now I’m stuck watching him repeat the samedamn cycle. Lucille pulls him in, chews him up, and spits him out. It’s exhausting. I can’t believe I have to live with the woman. Hell, she’s making this big dinner tonight and asked me to join them. As if a meal could change my opinion of her. I told Ash I wasn’t going. In fact, I might need to find a new place to live.”

She can cook, too. Why am I not surprised?

Do I agree with Braden? On every count, but layering on insults will not help the situation.

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