Page 7 of Playing With Secrets
I take it back and erase Julie’s message without reading it. “I’m just dealing with a lot. This thing with Dori has me on the verge of a mental breakdown.”
“What thing with Dori?” Mel rests her arms on her legs, giving me her full attention.
“Her being sick. Her being with Hunter. Everything has me thinking about her nonstop.”
“I’m taking Dori to the doctor tomorrow, which should be a relief. As far as her being with Hunter, she’s not with him. They’re talking and seeing where things go.”
“I thought they were back together.”
“No. She’s still hung up on you, so I don’t see it going anywhere with him.” Mel replaces her usual rough-around-the-edges energy with a gentler one.
I take the opportunity and use it to my advantage. “Have you talked to Dori much? I mean, about her and me?”
“Sure, we talk all the time. She’s in the office today if that makes you feel better. I’m not sure she’s feeling well, but she made it in because she has division meetings to run.”
I nod and glance down. At least Dori’s not so sick she can’t make it in.
Mel cuts in on my thoughts. “Dori was a mess when you shut her out. I think it made her realize she could lose you.”
“Well, it wasn’t enough for her to want to be with me.”
Mel takes a second to consider something. “I’ll tell you something if you promise not to tell her.”
“I’m much better at keeping secrets than you, so give it to me.”
“You were right when you told Dori she keeps you as a backup plan. I didn’t believe that initially, but I see her doing that with you and Hunter. When you called her on it, she had to look hard at it.”
“Whatever good that did.”
“You shut her out and I think it scared her.” Pausing, Melanie shakes her head. She glances away and then back at me. “If Dori comes looking for a relationship with you, it’ll be the last time.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.” Mel shrugs. “She still thinks you run hot or cold, and I can see where she’s coming from, but how she always picks the other guy can’t be denied. It’s a fact and she knows it. I think it’s finally hitting her that she can’t do this to you anymore.”
I stand and meander to the window. “It’s not all her fault. I have plenty of things I need to take accountability for, but I’ve never picked anyone over her. I don’t think I ever will.”
“So this ends in a fairy tale, or she’ll be the one who got away. Any woman you date after will always come in second place.” Melanie joins me at my side. “I don’t envy the woman who comes after Dori.”
“You say that like you know she won’t choose me.” I turn to Mel, nearly losing my breath from the iron foot kicking me in the gut.
She places her hand on my shoulder. “If the past has taught you anything, I wouldn’t hold your breath.”
I swallow hard. Melanie’s right. Dori’s never picked me.Even if she’s pregnant, she could leave me for some other guy once she’s settled into motherhood. I have no claim on her.
That thought sends me directly into panic mode. I can’t lose her or my baby if she’s pregnant. No fucking way will I stand by and watch that happen.
My eyes penetrate Melanie’s. “It’s time she picks me, so I’m going to need your help.”
I thought I’d see Dori today, but between her meetings and all my own demands, I keep missing her. When I text, she responds with a one-word answer.
My stomach keeps growling, and I’m snapping at everything and everyone. Not to mention, I’m worried sick about her.
I enter the lobby of my building and stride toward the elevators. As I pass the sitting area, a familiar face catches my attention. My eyes round as I almost fall over in shock.
“Aiden, what the fuck?” My smile takes over as I give him a manly hug. “What are you doing here?”
“I used my medical leave and finally made a visit out to see you.”
