Page 2 of Tied In Tentacles
“Wow. The saying is true then. A leopard doesn’t change its spots.”
“There’s more.”
Justin’s eyebrows shot up. “More?”
“Hmm. Garry found the new guy and told him everything. Simon freaked out and caused a scene. Apparently, it happened in a restaurant. They all got kicked out after Simon threw a glass of water over Garry, then tried to scratch his eyes out. Apparently, Garry slapped him after that. Oh, and the newboyfriend dumped Simon and Garry left with him after their fight carried on outside. Simon was left crying on the sidewalk. Don’t be surprised if he calls.”
“I have his number blocked.” After finding out Simon had cheated, and plenty of nights going to bed drunk, Justin had blocked Simon’s number on his phone. That had hurt, but it had been necessary if he was to move on.
“Good. You don’t need him in your life.”
“Mom, I know you didn’t like him. I know you never said anything about it, but it was obvious at times.”
“I never thought he was good enough for you, but he made you happy. All a parent wants is for their child to be happy. Anyway, Steven is dating some woman from work. I met her yesterday, and she seems nice.”
Steven, Justin’s brother, was two years younger than him at twenty-six and had to be one of the smartest people Justin knew. “What’s she like?”
“She seems nice. A little quiet, shy, but the way she looks at Steven is lovely to see.”
“I’ll have to meet her when I return home.”
“Are you spending the full two weeks there?”
“I sure am. I paid for it so I’m going to enjoy every day. I have plenty of books to read, lots of food, and amazing views. The fire is nice, and the hot tub will get some use.”
“Good. You need some ‘me time’ after everything you’ve been through. I need to go, but call Steven. He asked about you.”
“I will. Bye Mom.”
Shania hung up and Justin called his brother, who answered on the third ring. “Justin. How’s the cabin? As good as it looked in the brochure?”
“Yeah, better, in fact. It’s nice and peaceful and the views are gorgeous. You should bring your girlfriend here.”
“Mom called.” Justin chuckled as Steven continued, “I love that woman, but it would be nice to have told you myself.”
“Mom didn’t tell me much. Only that she seems nice.”
“She is nice, and it took me a month to work up the courage to ask her on a date.”
“That quickly.”
“Fuck off. We can’t all jump in like you do.”
“And look where it got me.”
“You’re better off without him and he’s single now, so haha, Simon!”
Justin chuckled. “I’m glad he was found out. It still hurts to know I spent all that time with him, and he’d been cheating behind my back, but it taught me a lesson not to jump in, as you put it.”
“Ugh! Okay, I hate to say it, but you’re a good brother and I know you’ll find the right man. Don’t ever remind me I said that.”
“Only when we’re drunk.”
“I am never drinking again. How can it take two days to recover? You were fine the next day and I looked like something a dog had vomited.”
“Because I actually drink and you don’t.” Justin looked at the time and realized he hadn’t eaten properly since leaving that morning. “I’m going to go now. I need something to eat, then I need to check the hot tub out.”
“You’re a bastard. A hot tub all to yourself.” Steven coughed, then added, “Go and enjoy yourself. You deserve it. Seeya!”
