Page 86 of Playing the Game
“I thought I’d have a chance of getting the board to change their minds about Dorothy, then when the tests proved I wasn’t the father, I could win her back.”
“But now?”
I wade through memories of the last year. Dorothy and I were strong in the beginning, despite being in a secret relationship. Everything changed when Jamison came on board. I knew in my gut something was transpiring between them.
Looking back on it, I wish I would’ve believed in our relationship and never ordered those damn video links. None of this would be happening if I hadn’t.
My stomach rolls. “I don’t see how that happens now that she’s thinking of moving to Miami, and Isabella will be singing from the trees she’s pregnant with Hunter Efron’s child. Hell, it will probably be front-page news by tomorrow morning.”
“Shit, Hunter. I’m sorry.”
“How did we go from owning the world on New Year’s Eve to this?”
“Things took a drastic change when Jamison got shot.” Jonah rests against the back bar.
“Do you think Dorothy would stay here if the board overturned the ruling?”
He shrugs. “I don’t know. The way she stares at Jamison is like a woman deeply in love.”
My throat narrows. “I know. I saw it for myself tonight. She doted on him like he’d break if she left his side.”
Jonah takes a pull of his drink. He studies me for a beat while I try to find any hope that I can win Dorothy back.
“Don’t sugarcoat it, Jonah. Have you ever seen her look at me like that?”
“I can’t say I have, but I didn’t see you together until thosetwo weeks over our break. Most of that time, she was mourning the loss of Jamison.”
I release a heavy sigh.
Was she ever really mine?
He tosses an apologetic gaze my way and then juts out his chin. “Do you think whoever shot Jamison could be someone her brother knows, or was that something you said to raise doubts in their heads?”
“I’ve considered it.” The letter I sent to our mother comes to mind. “If our mother takes the bait and comes out here to confront me, I’ll have my answer.”
“I still can’t believe you did that.”
“If Dorothy’s in danger, I need to put a stop to it.” I spin off my stool and trudge toward the window. “Let’s just hope I don’t get killed in the process.”
Jonah joins me by my side. “I don’t think our mom wants you dead.”
“No, she just wants my child.” I sit on the couch and run my hand down my face.
My chest cavity fills with iron and causes my heart to pound harder.
How did my life get so screwed up?
I was doing everything to right my wrongs, but I’m in no better situation than before. Actually, it’s worse.
Jonah sits beside me. He places his drink on the coffee table and rests against the arm of the couch.
“Now that you know this kid Isabella is carrying is yours, what’s your plan?”
I pull in a heavy breath. “I have no idea.”
“Do you want to be a part of its life?”
“I don’t know, but the thought of Isabella raising my child is enough for me to want to fight.”
