Page 53 of Still Bruised
“Not gonna lie. I’m with Roan. I miss you being with us,” Anton said, breaking the silence. “We can feel something missing. Someone.”
“You know how tense Mia gets when I’m around. She wouldn’t fully enjoy her baby shower if I’m there. I won’t ruin her day,” Jude said.
Mia had claimed she was over him and had invited him to things for Roan’s sake—but she’d acted weird when he showed up and could barely look him in the eye. It was so strained he’d simplystopped going. He hated not being with friends, but it seemed easier for everyone if he didn’t come along.
“I know I hurt her, but you’d think she could let it go. I have.”
“You’re not the one who had the broken heart,” Anton said.
“You’re not suggesting—” Jude shook his head. “She’s married to Roan. About to have their first kid. Her heart should be all mended up by now.”
“Should,”Anton said. They walked a few more paces. “She still asks me about you, you know?”
Jude glanced his way.
“When Roan’s not around, she asks me if you’re doing okay. If you’re seeing anyone.”
“Please don’t tell me that,” Jude said.
“Roan’s right. You need to sit down and talk to her,” Anton said. “Clear the air.”
“And what if that conversation just makes things worse,” Jude replied.
“Bring a hot guy to the next party we’re all invited to. Maybe that’ll change how she sees you and let her move on.”
Why the fuck did Jude’s mind go to Foster as the potential hot date?
Because I love to torture myself.
They stopped at the corner where they parted ways to head different directions home.
Anton eyed him. “You good?”
“I’m good.”
Anton searched his face.
“I’ll… be… fine,” Jude said, glaring at Anton.
“I’m calling you before I hit the hay. You’d better answer.”
“Yes, Dad,” Jude muttered.
“Later,” Anton said, offering his fist.
Jude bumped it and spun toward home, thoughts of Mia and Roan heavy on his mind. He didn’t want to be the thing that got between them. While he hated it, he would have to sit down with Mia and hash shit out and hope it wasn’t what Anton suggested.
At least he might get his friend back for the effort.
Have accent on the might.
As he neared home, he saw someone in front of the shop with both hands on either side of his head, peeking in through the plate glass. When whoever it was backed up and dropped his hands, it became clear who it was.
Jude stopped in his tracks, staring at Foster Price.
Did he figure out it was me?
Foster glanced down the street in the opposite direction. Before his gaze swept Jude’s way, he leapt into a nearby pie parlor and watched from the edge of the door. Foster pulled out his phone and typed something before crossing the street and getting into a newer model Mercedes SUV.
