Page 5 of My Ex-Fiance's Best Men
“What’s more peaceful than white sand beaches, turquoise blue water, and perfect weather?”
“What if they’re just doing it for clout?”
“Clout?”
“Internet celebrity. Matthew dumped my sorry ass for that.”
“First of all, correction—he dumped yourgorgeousass. Second, the guys don’t need clout. They run a successful business together, remember? A business from which, might I add, Matthew was dumb enough to back out of before it actually took off. He missed out on billions of dollars’ worth of profits. Called it his biggest regret. I’m sure it was, from a financial standpoint.”
“Yet they stayed friends with him. Until yesterday, anyway.”
“Case in point, Phoebe. These guys are going to make sure you enjoy your trip. They’re going to make this whole shitstorm worthwhile,” Penny says. “Deep breath, honey. Just kick back and relax. You need this.”
“Deep breath,” I echo then gasp as I see them coming. “Call you back.”
I hang up before Penny can reply and put the phone away. It’s hard to take my eyes off Dominic, August, and Theo. They stand out in every good way possible.
All three move like they own the terminal—linen shirts that somehow don’t wrinkle, slacks that fit like sin. When they spot me, their smiles hit like a physical force. My knees threaten betrayal.
Shit, shit, shit.I start to panic. I can still back out. Call the whole thing off. I’m the one in control.
August and Dominic are identical twins, but I’ve never mixed them up. August is built like he could throw me over his shoulder without breaking stride. Dominic has this edge to him, dark eyes that suggest he’s three steps ahead and enjoying every second of it. Both move with the kind of confidence that comes from never having to prove themselves.
“Phoebe!” Theo exclaims as they reach me. He’s almost as tall as the twins, his long blonde hair caught in a tight manbun while his sky-blue eyes measure me from head to toe with a mixture of admiration and curiosity.
“I think this was a mistake,” I reply, my voice breaking.
Their good humor fades while I struggle to focus on my descent into cowardice. It’s easier if I just run away. I’ve already been humiliated in public.
“Phoebe, are you having second thoughts?” August steps forward, his gaze drilling into my very soul.
“Yes. No. Maybe.”
My brain’s fried, that’s for sure. I can’t think straight, not when he’s so focused on me. The three have always had a subtle impacton my senses, even when I was head over heels with Matthew. But I’m a loyal woman, and my heart belonged to one man.
There’s something about their presence, about the energy they manifest, both individually and when they’re together. The kind of strength a woman can appreciate. The kind of safety, I realize now, I never felt during my relationship with Matthew. Since the public breakup, and while digging through the plethora of conflicting emotions surrounding the entire event, I have to admit I’ve gained some clarity. Reasons to move on and thank the skies I didn’t end up married after all.
“Which is it?” Dominic chuckles softly.
Theo sighs deeply. “She’s going through the motions, fellas. Panic. Fear. Uncertainty. She took a leap with us, and now she’s considering a hole in the ground where nobody can find her. Am I right?”
“Pretty much,” I reply, surprised by the accuracy of his assessment.
Then again, Theo is the CFO of their company. The man makes a stellar living out of analyses and financial predictions, reports and stock market fluctuations. He can read most people like an open book.
“Will moping, feeling sorry for yourself, and waiting for the storm to pass make you feel better?”
“Doubt it. It’s just my instinct.”
“How about two weeks in Hawaii, sunbathing on a gorgeous beach, sipping on mai tai’s, eating top quality seafood, and splashing in the ocean? Among many other stress-relieving activities,” Dominic says. “I bet that would make you feel better.”
“I suppose it would,” I reply. “It’s just that everything is happening so fast.”
“Life isn’t slow, Phoebe,” August says. “Right now, Matthew is probably making the most of his newfound freedom, trashing your name wherever he goes in order to improve his image. It’s a classic egotistical move. Rally an army of shallow followers, spread the word, and enjoy a good woman’s downfall. So why give him the satisfaction after what he did to you?”
They have an interesting way of looking at things, one that resonates with the angry part of me. The part that desires some kind of revenge. I think about what Penny said about this trip and it makes sense. My courage returns as I look at each of these men. Oddly, it’s as if I am truly seeing them for the first time.
“Okay, let’s say we do this,” I reply, the wheels quickly turning in my head. “What are your expectations?”
