Page 326 of New York Love Stories: Vol. 1

I turn my back to the balcony and the memories we made out there. Not that I can escape them in this room, which is the same one where we spent the night together. It was hers, but being back here, I can’t help but feel the ghosts of us together.

Madison has me wanting to leap from the room to rush down and find Tatum to tell her how I feel—the good and bad—laying it all out on the table. I’m not sure if we’re a good match, as my sister said, or we mold easily and overstayed our welcome. What I do know is that I’ve missed her so fucking much this past month that it’s not natural to feel this kind of constant ache in my soul.

But this must be handled very carefully. I can’t miss any steps when it comes to Tatum. We did that the first time, and look how that ended.

“It doesn’t matter, Maddie. Sounds like you got fairly deep into conversation about our relationship, though. Why would she tell you all of this? Not only are you a stranger but you’re my sister,” I say.

“Maybe because Iamyour sister. Maybe she knows I’ll tell you everything.Maybe, Harrison, you use that heart of yours and let it guide you for a while instead of trying to find a reason for everything. Love is an emotion. It doesn’t always make sense.” Checking her watch, she adds, “We need to leave. Are you ready?”

“I’ve invested too much time and energy into this to turn back now. This is about doing what’s right for the family. It’s time I do my duty.”

She comes to me and straightens the collar of my white shirt. “You look very handsome.”

“It’s not about me. Let’s go.”

33

Tatum

“You tricked me.”

“It’s not a trick when you love him,” Natalie starts, completely unashamed by her actions.

Shifting the phone to my other ear, I taste a cucumber lobster bite before the caterer finishes loading the tray. I’m starved, having to work a proposal event for the father of my child to another woman, and my best friend is denying all culpability in the matter. I say, “That’s why the contact information was missing. I asked for it how many times? Until I got here, I had no idea who our client was. It’s not totally foreign to work with event representatives for the location like we’re doing here, but you knew, didn’t you?” Pointing at the appetizer cucumber bites, I whisper, “Add a hint of sea salt. Thanks.”

“Just give him this one chance, Tate.”

“I’ve given him two. But apparently, I get no credit for that. It’s all about innocent Harrison. He’s a big boy. He helped create this mess, and he can dig himself out of it. Next, you’ll harp on about a third time.”

“Third time’s a charm. I know firsthand with Nick.”

I grab a piece of bruschetta and walk out to the proposal site. “Natalie, do you hear what you’re saying?” She’s got to be off her rocker. “You want me to ruin a beautiful marriage proposal that you designed and organized for my own selfish gains.”

“Yes. I do. Call me a horrible person, but if it makes everyone involved happy, why wouldn’t you do this?”

Everyone? I can’t imagine the woman he’s about to propose to is going to be too happy about this. My friend’s hormones are definitely clouding her better judgment. “Natalie, our business could be destroyed if I purposely ruin the event.”

“Love is powerful. Everyone will understand. I bet most will even support it.”

“You’re talking crazy. You need to get to the candle ceremony, and I need to check on the flower arrangements for the dinner.”

“Tatum?”

My patience has worn thin, but I know it’s not with her. It’s coming, the breakdown I’ve been dreading for a month, the one I raise my chin above and put off. “Natalie, I need to go do my job.”

“Tate—”

I hang up. I’ve never hung up on her, but this is taking things too far. Heading for the door, I tell the caterer, “It looks great. Thank you.” I rush outside, wishing it was winter to help cool my heated face. I’m met with the heat of the day instead.

With my suppressed emotions bubbling to the surface, I struggle to hide behind a stiff upper lip. I can’t do this. Why would my best friend put me in this position? I’m strong on the outside, but this is just too much. I walk the length of the dinner table, checking to make sure everything’s in place.

He may break my heart and me while he’s at it, but I won’t let him ruin my reputation. It doesn’t matter that I was so easily replaced. He’ll be in LA, and I’ll be back in the city. We’ll live our own lives separately. The baby is the only reason we need to have any contact, and as much as I never imagined I’d be raising a child alone, I can do it. That way, we don’t ever have to come face-to-face again.

I grab a bottle of water from the bar and leave to go back to my room. There has to be a way to avoid having Harrison’s family bear witness to my heartbreak. Who can I call to step in for me?

My phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out, knowing I’m not answering any calls, but texts are a necessary evil. Cookie Christiansen:I heard you were in LA. I’d love to see you if you have time in your busy schedule.

That’s it.I need Cookie.

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