Page 37 of Embers in Our Souls
“Oh, sweetie, I doubt they want to get involved in that discussion,” Indy says, embarrassment evident in her tone.
“No, I think they could help,” Roger is adamant.
“Sure, we can help, can’t we, Hunter, baby?” Marissa side-eyes me.
I shrug.
“Well, you see, at work, we have to do all these presentations. And the guys and I were discussing the exciting differences between Excel and Sheets. We are split between which is better.Indy doesn’t really care between either. Do either of you feel you can weigh in on which is best?” Roger asks.
At first, Marissa and I stand there, thinking he’s fucking with us, but after a few seconds, we realize he’s serious.
“Oh, you’re not fucking with us,” Marissa responds. She laughs, encouraging the rest of the table to join in, although they aren’t feeling as jovial. I’m looking between Roger and Indy, wondering what she sees in this guy because there’s nothing charismatic or fun about him. This is what she has chosen in a partner?
“I guess, gun to my head, I’d choose Sheets?” she says it more as a question, whereas I remain silent. In all honesty, I couldn’t give two shits. I’ve never thought of either platform for longer than a second in my lifetime and this guy is wasting an entire conversation while he has the most beautiful woman sitting next to him? I don’t get it.
Indy has a tight smile as she watches me and I can’t help, but take in the entire interaction. She knows this is bullshit and this guy isn’t right for her, but she’s so damn stubborn, she won’t admit it. Who am I to judge though?
I’m allowing Marissa to stand by me and caress me and pretend we’re dating while she has a girlfriend back home. I’m pushing Indy’s buttons and I’m liking that it’s getting a reaction from her. I can see it in the way she’s watching Marissa’s hand move along my chest.
“Listen, we’ve got to catch up to our friends. It was a pleasure meeting all of you. Indiana,” I nod at my wife, finding some pleasure in knowing I still hold that title over her for a little longer.
She nods in my direction. I don’t look at anyone else. Roger seems more perturbed Marissa chose Sheets over Excel versus my connection to Indy, but I couldn’t care less at this point.
We walk away without another glance. The moment we are out of earshot, Marissa laughs, proclaiming, “I wish I had eyes in the back of my head to see the daggers she’s throwing my way.”
“I promise you she’s not throwing daggers at either of us,” I assure her, even though I’m keeping my sights ahead of us, looking at where they sat the rest of our group.
“Oh, sweet, sweet Hunter. You really don’t know women, do you?” Marissa pats my forearm.
“I know women plenty. You just don’t know that woman well. That’s all.”
“Let me tell you one thing. I might not date men, but I can guarantee you one thing, you know nothing about women. You’re absolutely clueless about women, my dear fake date. That woman might be dating that snoozefest, but she’s only got eyes for you. It’s completely obvious.”
I try to keep myself from faltering when she spills this information my way, but it’s hard to focus on anything else. We find our group quickly. The moment I spot River and Clay, I can already tell they’re arguing about something, while Malloy is probably placing a bet with Kennedy.
I move out of the way in order for Marissa to make her way into the booth, but when I do, I sneak a peek back toward Indiana’s table. I catch her gaze still honed in on me, eyes laser-focused on where my hand is touching Marissa’s back.
I can’t help the little smirk I throw in her direction, knowing it will make her blood boil. I don’t know why I’m taunting her in this way. She doesn’t need more stress in her life, especially after everything I’ve already put her through. But for some reason, we’re at this crossroads and I’m wanting to see how far I can push her to see if we might have a chance together or if we’re simply beyond repair.
“I think you two should consider getting Ella a pet. She’d love having a dog. Have you seen the way her face lights up when she sees Lola?” River says as our plates are cleared.
“Yes, we’ve seen how animated she is, but I think we’ve got our hands full with her right now, Riv,” Abby says, looking over at Clay.
I watch as River pulls out his phone and starts scrolling through his countless photos of his niece and dog. He’s not wrong. Ella is all smiles when it comes to River and Kennedy’s dog, but I can see why Clay and Abby are hesitant to add to their family right now.
I have only heard how things weren’t all butterflies and rainbows for them prior to Ella’s arrival. Apparently conceiving Ella was a hardship and had contributed to Clay and Abby’s divorce before bringing them back together. Luckily, thanks to a little scheming on Marissa’s part—something Malloy got roped into—it all worked out in the end.
I sit back and watch the exchange between the brothers, knowing it will likely go full-circle as we settle the bill. I look around the restaurant, trying to keep my gaze from finding Indiana’s table yet again. Throughout our entire meal, I was constantly wanting to look over, but tried to refrain to keep myself from coming off like a creep.
“You’re looking desperate. She’s still there and she’s looking over here plenty. Don’t worry. She’s the one more curious about us,” Marissa says, as if she’s reading my mind.
I sigh, this thing with Indy eating at me. I rub at the back of my neck, irritated and wishing I could talk to her about everything that plagued me years ago. She seems to want to walkaway from us, although the way she stared at Marissa’s hand touching my skin, it wasn’t like she wasn’t disturbed by that connection.
We settle the bill when the server makes her way over, then I excuse myself to the restroom. I’m restless, the unease not only from tonight’s encounter, but from the last couple weeks starting to mount, starting to weigh on me.
I’m about to open the door to the bathroom when I feel a hand settle on my forearm. I look back to see Indiana’s gaze on me.
“How long have you been together?” Her expression is hard to read, but I can’t help and assume she’s jealous.
