Page 76 of Playing For Keeps
“Yeah, sure. We’ll see you around.” He dismisses himself and strides to Dorothy.
She lights up like an angel the closer he gets. The love she has for him spills into the air. It’s so strong it’s got a pulse of its own.
At least she’s happy. It’s the only consolation I have.
He picks up his bag and shoulders it, peeking over at me and waving goodbye as he does. Melanie and Dorothy follow suit, and then they all disappear out the front doors of the hotel.
I watch them with my heart breaking until they get into a car and drive away. Maybe someday I’ll find a love like they have. I let myself dream of the possibility until the ring of my phone jerks me back to reality.
I laugh at my stupidity. Guys like me don’t get the happy ending. No, guys like me get to deal with manipulative women like my mother and Isabella.
I’m glad Dorothy won’t be subjected to any more of their insane antics. They put her through hell, so she deserves a life full of love and happiness on the beaches of Miami with the love of her life.
That thought gives me the strength I need to let her go once and for all.
I belly up to the bar where Aiden is waiting for me. “Aiden, sorry it took a while for me to get here. I had a call with my attorney that took longer than I expected.”
He side-eyes me from the stool he’s sitting on. “No problem. I’m a couple ahead of you though.”
“I could use a stiff drink, so I’ll make mine a double, and we’ll be even.” I relax next to Aiden and tip my chin to the bartender.
He hurries over. “What can I get you?”
“A double of your best whiskey.”
“Can I see your ID?” He spots my wallet.
I smirk at his ridiculous request as I thumb through it. Once I find my license, I toss it on the bar.
He lifts it and reads it. “Happy birthday.”
He hands it back to me.
I nod. “Thanks.”
The bartender retreats to get my drink as I put my ID away.
Aiden gives me a quick glance. “It’s your birthday?”
“It is.”
He shakes his head. “Some birthday.”
I shrug but silently agree. Maybe this time next year I’ll be in a better place. As I wait for my drink, Aiden scrolls through his phone.
I twist his way. “Did you speak with the attorney I connected you with?”
He places his phone down and gives me his undivided attention. “I did. Thanks.”
“What did he have to say?”
“He’s speaking with the department. He thinks he can get them to work with us by telling them everything they want to know. I won’t be working for them anymore, but I’m okay with that.”
The bartender slides my glass over.
I dip my chin in acknowledgement and then address Aiden. “Where does that leave things with you and your family?”
He shrugs with melancholy dripping from him. “My dad will probably cut me off, and my relationship with my parents will be severed. It’s no big loss. If anything, it’ll be a relief.”
