Page 107 of You, Me, and Forever

“What is it?” I asked.

“‘Pussy cat.’” Ray laughed.

“Damn. Yours is as bad as ours,” I said.

“Why are you using your code word?” Ray asked. “We can finish dinner. We didn’t come here thinking we had to take you home for it to be a win. You two are vibing, and I like Montana. Even if she’s in love with another man. We can still enjoy some food and drinks, right?”

“Yeah. We can.” I turned to Violet. “Hold the blue balls for later and enjoy chatting with Christopher. I’m good.”

She sighed. “Fine. But if you start crying, we are out of here.”

“She’s not going to cry.” Ray smirked. “She just needs someone to let her vent. I’m guessing she isn’t allowed to do that much.”

He shot a look at Violet, but she was already deep in conversation with Christopher again. They all ordered another cocktail, but I switched to water. I hadn’t been sleeping much, and more than one cocktail would have me falling apart.

“You seem to know a lot about broken hearts, huh?”

“Yeah. My girlfriend and I called it quits a few months ago. This is the first time I’ve been out on an actual date since. Christopher dragged me here to Blushing for a few days because we’ve been working a lot. And I guess I’ve been feeling sorry for myself.”

“What happened?”

“I was the asshole,” he said.

“No. You don’t give off asshole vibes.”

“Thank you. I’m working on it. I was an idiot. I was unfaithful, and she kicked my ass to the curb.”

“Ah ... well, good for her.” I chuckled.

“Yep. So the guy you were dating doesn’t live here?”

“Nope. He lives in New York.”

“Did he cheat on you?”

“No.” I rolled my eyes. “He’s not like that. He’s the best.”

His eyes widened. “Did you cheat on him?”

“No. I would never do something like that.” I winced. “No offense.”

“None taken.” He sipped his beer. “So you were ridiculously in love, and you dated for months, and what happened?”

“He doesn’t really date. He’s more of a fling type of guy,” I said, thinking back to the night we met.

The way he came to my rescue with the guy hitting on me.

My chest ached at the thought.

I missed him so much that it physically hurt.

“But you two were together for months?”

“Yeah. He was here from out of town. And we just hung out every day, you know? It’s probably ridiculous that I’m a mess over him, right?”

“Well, I don’t know this dude. But for a guy who doesn’t date, it’s a little strange to date you for months while he was here. Sounds like he was all in too. So maybe he’s missing you the way you’re missing him. Have you asked him?”

“No. I cut off all contact. I can’t be chatting with a man I’m in love with on the phone every day while dating other men.”

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