Page 128 of Playing A Risk
“It’s hard to believe this is the last time we’ll hang out here, discussing all our dreams.”
She runs her fingertip along the top of the desk. “Just think. A week ago, we were both wondering where our life would lead as we waited for the app to go live. And now, here we are, getting ready to embark on a new journey.”
“It appears to be the case.” I swallow the pain in my chest. “Are you excited about Miami?”
“Yeah, I am. Thanks for the tip. It never would’ve happened if it weren’t for you.” She pushes up on top of the desk and lounges like she used to. “Jamison, are you sure you’re doing the right thing?”
“Taking on another lucrative contract? Definitely.” I turn away so she can’t see the sadness in my eyes.
Walking away from Dori is the hardest thing I’ve done out of anything I’ve had control over. I thought it would get easier,but each day, I feel the loss ten times worse than the day before.
Mel growls. “You know that’s not what I mean. Have you talked to Dori since you told her you’re moving?”
“Nah. I’m giving her and Hunter the space they need to make it work. She made her choice, Mel, and I’ve come to peace with that. I’m surprised you don’t already know this. Have you not worked out your issues with her?”
Melanie doesn’t say anything, so I turn back her way. She’s studying me like she has something to say but won’t.
I shake my head. “What do you want to say that seems to be stuck in your throat?”
“Dori’s not doing well. Like at all. I’ve never seen her so…broken.” Mel pushes up and spins to hang her legs off the side of the desk. “She’s losing so much and because of that, she’s clinging to anything she has.”
“She’s not losing us. We’re just moving on. Besides, she has Hunter. The next board meeting is coming up and they’ll get her clause removed. Everything will be fine by the time I pack up my place and move next month. You still have three weeks here. There’s plenty of time for her to find her footing.”
Melanie rubs her lips together. She’s keeping something from me.
I segue to see if I can get Mel to open up. “This is how we’re going to end it? Melanie finally found some boundaries?”
“I’ll forgive you for being so rude if you admit that leaving isn’t what you want.”
My shoulders round. “I want to go, Melanie. That’s not a lie. Nothing but emotional pain lives here for me. I fucking hate it here.”
“Okay, I believe that’s true. But what if I told you Dori’s dealing with one of the most difficult situations I think a woman can go through? She needs you but won’t tell you thatbecause she’s faking her happiness. She’s trying to be strong, but I know her. She’s crumbling.”
My mind goes back to her miscarriages. She pretended to be okay, but was depressed and barely hanging on.
My heart cracks in half. “Did she suffer another miscarriage?”
Mel sings the words. “No, but you’re getting warmer.”
“Fuck, Melanie. You promised her you wouldn’t tell me what’s going on with her, didn’t you?”
“I always knew you were brilliant. Now, keep on guessing.”
I puff out my annoyance in a hiss. “Can you give me a hint?”
“I already told you that you were close. Keep thinking along those lines. Think about what happened at the launch party.”
My mind goes back to the event. I skim through the day and can’t come up with anything other than Dori and me kissing.
Hunter saw us come out of the closet and left angry. Then I remember how I got Dori alone. Isabella took Hunter away.
“No fucking way. Tell me I’m wrong, Mel. Because if I’m not, Dori must be dying inside.”
Melanie lifts her eyebrows. “I can’t tell you. You have to say it.”
“Isabella’s pregnant?”
Mel hops off my desk and sticks her finger into my chest. “Bullseye.”
