Page 77 of Pucking Rebound

“Wade gave me the afternoon off, but I’m doing movie night tonight with him and Kali so I’m not having any cocktails.”

“While I on the other hand, plan on having lots. I sold the most expensive painting in the gallery last week. I’m going to celebrate the new penthouse apartment I purchased yesterday.”

“You bought it?” I exclaim and throw my hands in the air then wrap them around her. I’m so happy for her. Piper has been on a mission to buy a penthouse in the city. “We do have so much to celebrate. But I’ll still only have coffee.”

“I’ll drink for the both of us. I’m so happy Shitty McShithead is no longer part of your life. You were too good for Graham.”

“Lola.”

I unwrap myself from Piper and spin around when I hear my name being called, my spine instantly on edge at the sound of the familiar male voice.

“Speaking of the shithead,” Piper mutters.

I school my emotions, put my shield up, and pull a fake smile. “Hi, Graham, or should I call you James?” It’s odd how much nothingness I feel toward him since learning about his misdemeanors.

“James?” Piper asks, sounding as confused as I was when I found out.

“Graham is his middle name.”

“I want to give him the middle finger.” Piper spits venom his way.

“Fuck off, Piper,” he retorts.

“I certainly will not.” She pulls me into her side, and we lock arms, putting on a united front.

“Don’t speak to her like that.” I stare him down.

“I’m sorry.” His shoulders sag. “I can explain.” His one step closer has me taking a step back.

“Stay where you are.” I look around. “Are you stalking me? How did you know I was here?”

He ignores me, which means he must have followed me when I left Wade’s compound. Wade’s right, staying there is protecting me.

I need to be a little more careful when I am visiting Jordy though. That could be a problem.

I thought I knew Graham, but in truth, I don’t trust him or know him at all, so I’m unsure what he is capable of.

“I love you, Lola. Please, you’ve got to believe me.” He’s very good at sounding convincing.

I scoff. “Love must mean something different to you because the last I heard love doesn’t make you take money that isn’t rightfully yours, and it certainly doesn’t make you cheat, or lie, or manipulate people into getting what you want. You saw me as an opportunity, and you took it.”

“I promise, I can explain,” he insists, but there’s a nasty undertone of impatience there.

Looking at him now, I don’t know what I ever saw him. My rose-tinted glasses are finally clear and the future looks much sunnier without him in it.

“I don’t want an explanation. I want my money back.” I can live in hope.

Wide eyed, sweat beads across his top lip. “I invested it and lost it all.”

I don’t believe a word of it.

Piper jumps in. “So, you’re admitting you took the money?”

“I don’t need to explain myself to you, Piper,” he snaps back.

I need to end this conversation quickly. “You’re only here because you thought you could sweet-talk me into getting back with you. News just in, dumbass, that’s never going to happen.”

“Please come home,” he begs. He looks tired, as if he’s had zero sleep.

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