Page 6 of My Ex-Fiance's Best Men
Theo chuckles softly. “You didn’t think that one through when you posted the invitation video, did you?”
“No, sir, I did not,” I quip. “I didn’t think anything through, period. But I have heard the rumors about you three.”
“Rumors,” August replies, his eyes narrowed. “Such as?”
I’m blushing. My tongue is tied. But I opened this can and I need to deal with it. My father taught me that much before he passed away. “Your polyamorous lifestyle, let’s call it.”
The men exchange amused glances before they shift their focus back to me, and in that moment, every nerve ending in my body comes alive. Inevitably, I draw a comparison to how Matthew’s supposedly adoring gaze made me feel. It was nothing like this.
“We’re close friends. Best friends,” Dominic says. “For as long as we can remember, ever since we were kids. And yes, we share pretty much everything.”
“Once in a while, a woman comes along who entices the three of us in equal measure,” August adds. “Does that bother you, Phoebe?”
“I’m going on the assumption that we’re just taking a holiday to Hawaii here,” I nervously laugh. At the same time, new thoughts and ideas blossom in my head. The kind I’ve never had before. I find myself enticed by all three of them. “That’s what this is, right?”
Theo offers a soft, reassuring smile. “This can be anything you want it to be, Phoebe. You’re in control. We’re just going along for the ride because you invited us. You deserve better. The only thing I can guarantee is that thingswillget better. What Matthew did is unforgivable. We meant every word in that video.”
I nod slowly, a genuine smile forming on my lips. It could just be nothing more than a fun trip, something I definitely deserve. A day or six at the spa. Fruity cocktails and a cool breeze. Warm sunshine raining down on my body.
My phone rings again. “Oh, hold on,” I say as I check the screen. It’s a video call from my mother. “It’s Mom. Yikes.”
“You should answer,” August says. “Tell Helen we said hi.”
“She’ll love that,” I laugh and swipe to take the call. “Hey, Mom. And Crystal.” My sister sits next to her.
They both look gorgeous, as always. Blonde curls framing their oval faces, cheeks and lips plump with filler and a layer of dewyblush, the familiarity of their blue eyes plucking at my heart strings.
Ironically, other than DNA, we have nothing in common.
“Phoebe, what do you think you’re doing?” Mom asks, her brow furrowed. “Are you at the airport?”
“I told you she was going to do it,” Crystal says, a grin on her face.
“I’m going on my honeymoon. It’s already paid for,” I reply.
“With the groomsmen? Have you lost your damn mind? Have you no shame?” Mom gasps, looking like she’s about to blow a gasket.
Crystal rolls her eyes. “You think you’re getting back at Matthew by doing this, but you’re really just embarrassing us. Baldwin Enterprises doesn’t need your messy love life splattered all over the tabloids.”
“Someone should have told Matthew that before he started all this,” I say, stealing a glance at the guys. They’re smiling, quietly watching as I try to build up the courage to resist my family’s influence. It’s always a mission and I often fail.
“You should be the graceful one and finish it, not make it worse,” Mom says. When I don’t reply, she continues. “Phoebe, enough is enough. Cancel this circus and come home. You have better things to do with your life.”
“Actually, right now, I don’t,” I calmly tell her. “And if you cared about me, even a little, you would understand. There’s no harm in going on a holiday, especially after that monstrous humiliation.”
“Oh, please, get over it already,” Crystal says flatly.
“It just happened yesterday!” I snap, then take a deep breath. “You know what? I don’t have the energy for this. I’ll see you both in a couple of weeks. Maybe by then, you’ll remember I’m still a Baldwin and summon the decency to publicly stand up for me, be on my side. Because all I’ve heard from you in the media so far is crickets.”
I hang up, feeling remarkably liberated. To make sure there are no further interruptions, I switch my phone to silent before looking up at August, Dominic, and Theo.
“You’re serious about this trip?” I ask.
“Aren’t you?” Dominic replies, the shadow of a smile fluttering across his lips.
“I am now.”
The first-class sectionof our plane is fabulous. Extra wide leather seating that reclines into a bed and foot room that lasts forever, with just the right amount of soft lighting to help you relax.
