Page 44 of Dirty Dealer
Jared: Is this a new man? Who is he? I need to know everything. And I mean EVERYTHING.
Jared: Wait.
Jared: HOLY. SHIT.
Jared: NO. Please tell me you aren’t with Ethan right now?
Jared: Tell me! OMG this is all my fault.
I let loose a groan. This morning is off to a rough start. Besides the snuggles with Walter, and the fact I have this job, not much is going right. Needing to put my brother out of his imagination-induced misery, I type as I make my way to where I need to clock in.
Me: First. NO I am not with Ethan. Ew. Next. My roommates and I had a falling out and I’m staying with a friend. I’m fine. Don’t worry. Last. Don’t call because I’m walking into work and I haven’t had coffee. LOVE YOU!
“Everything okay, baby doll?” De’Shaun asks, his gaze flicking down to my cell phone.
“Yeah,” I lie, but by his raised eyebrow I must do a poor job of convincing him. It’s probably unprofessional of me, but I could use an impartial opinion. “Actually, no.” I clock in to work using the electronic kiosk and scoot to the side so he can do the same. “Iron Maiden is out of commission, my roommates are thieves, I’m shacking up with a billionaire, and my brother won’t stop blowing up my phone.”Oh, andmy cheating ex wants to have dinner.I don’t add that last part. I left Ethan in Chicago. I refuse to talk about him to any of my new friends.
De’Shaun blinks a couple of times before answering. “Honey, you’re living someDays ofOur Livesshit right there. Come on.” He slings his arm around my shoulder and steers us toward the craft table. “Let’s get some food and you can tell me all about it. I promise things are always worse than they seem in the middle of the storm. You just need some help finding a rainbow.”
I exhale and spend the next few minutes filling De’Shaun in on all the details of the past week. He’s a great listener and while part of me feels bad for unloading my life’s drama on him, he did ask for it. Besides, there’s something about him that makes me instantly comfortable. Maybe it’s because he’s been nothing but kind, showing me the ropes and helping me settle into this role. Or maybe my soul recognizes his as a kindred spirit. Hair and makeup have to stick together.
“So car trouble and housing situation aside, it sounds like you might actually like this guy. The billionaire.”
I shake my head. “It’s not like that.”
“Isn’t it?” De’Shaun picks a grape off the stem and shrugs before popping it in his mouth. “There’s nothing wrong with admitting your feelings. Not like I’m going to tell anyone. Besides, if he’s loaded . . .”
“That’s the problem.” I pick apart what’s left of the pastry on my plate. “I’ve always gone for guys like that. Ones who are so willing to help me out or play the savior when I need it. It’s all fun and games until you find him cheating on you with his secretary.”
“Mmm hmm. I feel you there, sis.”
“Right?” I bite at the inside of my cheek. “I have no interest in getting my heart broken. I don’t even have a working car. And I sure as hell don’t want to go back to my apartment.” Though it’s probably inevitable, I’d like to put it off for at least a few more days.
“Well, I’m not sure a vehicle or a place to stay has anything to do with your heart. But I do see your point. Only thing is . . .”
I swallow the last piece of my pastry and toss the plate into the nearby trashcan, waiting for De’Shaun to continue.
He chews the last of his food, and I swear there is a hint of a smile as he makes me wait. “You plan on keeping that heart locked up forever?”
His pointed question catches me off guard. “No,” I say more forcefully than I intend. “It’s just not a good time. I know myself. And I’m trying not to repeat old habits.”
“And I have nothing but respect for that.” De’Shaun tosses his plate in the trash and holds up his hands. “Just be careful you don’t close yourself off so tightly that you forget to let the light in. We all deserve a little sunshine.”
Is that what I’m doing?Have I cast Jude into a role based on my unwillingness to move from the past? Yeah, he has money. He’s cocky and self-assured, but that’s where the similarities between him and my past boyfriends end.
“Come on, let’s get to work. Those questions crinkling your forehead can wait. Hair and makeup for our leading lady can’t.”
I nod and smile, keeping pace with his long strides. “Thank you,” I say, and at his odd expression I continue, “For listening.”
“That’s what friends are for.”
Friends.Damn. His admission warms my heart more than he’ll ever know.
26
Jude
Work keeps me busy and I score a few big finds for two clients—a 1954 Packard Panther in mint condition for a real estate mogul in Beverly Hills, and a set of Hungarian stacking dolls—the perfect gift for another client’s grandmother. There’s a natural high that comes from closing a deal, the satisfaction of another happy customer, and when I receive a text from Rachel at the end of the day, I’m already in a good mood. The promise of spending time with her only makes it better. I grab Walter’s leash and he bounds from his spot on the couch with the same excitement I feel.
