Page 68 of Playing the Game
He tried hard for me.
I wish I wasn’t hurting him.
He takes a deep breath and slowly releases it. “Other than taking care of Jamison, what have you been up to?”
I laugh. “Therapy. What else?”
“You haven’t gone out or taken a day to pamper yourself?”
“No. I’ve spent most of my time at the hospital.”
He picks up his drink. “You should go get a massage or something along those lines. You’re under a lot of stress and it could help.”
“It could, but that reminds me. I have spent some time with Melanie. She’s leaving in a week and a half. We’re going to have a going away party at the place across the street from work.”
“When?” He takes a sip and then places his scotch down.
“Next Friday. Will you be in town?”
“I will be.”
I reach over and pat him on the arm. “Good, then it’s settled.”
“What’s that?”
“You just RSVP’d to join us for the evening. And while you’re at it, bring Jonah.”
Hunter grimaces. “I’ll do my best, but…”
“I know. Just try to get him to go. It would mean a lot to her.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Why wouldn’t you believe that?”
“The way she ended it with him is why.”
“Yeah, but she knew she was moving. She doesn’t have much experience with a man she truly cares about, so try to get him to understand. I’d like it if he were there.”
He taps the table a couple of times. “If it will make you happy, consider it done.”
Jami enters his apartment, his gait stiff and methodical. “Mondays suck.”
I carry all his bags in behind him while our security teamchecks out the apartment. Once they deem it safe, they go wait outside our door.
“Honey, you need to get a grip on this cranky attitude.” I scurry to the living room area. “Sit down and try to get comfortable. I’m going to put these bags in your room.”
I leave to organize his room while he tries to relax. The fact that he’s home relieves me more than I’m willing to admit. Every time I think about how I almost lost him for good, my insides flip.
If he would have died, I wouldn’t have been able to face a life without him in it. That’s what allows me to be okay with my decision to be with him and not Hunter. Even my therapist seems good with how I came to this conclusion.
If only breakups weren’t so painful for everyone involved.
When I enter the living room, Jami is sitting on his couch, glaring at the ceiling.
I can’t help but laugh. “Jami, what’s wrong with you now?”
He moves his gaze to mine. “I don’t think you want to know.”
