Page 75 of Choose Us
“What are you doing?” I scowled.
“I don’t know what you mean.” She hid behind her drink.
“Paula, whatever game you’re playing, stop it.”
“Oh, come on. I can see the chemistry between you two. I figured you could use some fun, someone to make you feel good about yourself, and who knows maybe it’ll turn into something more.” She shrugged.
“Paula, I appreciate you trying to cheer me up, but I am nowhere near ready for that. I am so far away from that I’m not even in the same galaxy.” I glanced towards the toilet, no signof them yet.
“Oh.” She sulked. “I’m fed up of seeing you upset all the time.”
“You act like I walk around snottingand crying.”
“You might as well, your face is a giant sign that reads,Don’t talk to me, I’m heartbroken. I don’t like it.”
“Oh great, I didn’t realise I’d turned into a bleak joyless billboard.” I drank the remainder of my second mojito. The cold strawberry liqueur mixed with the mint taste slowly soothed my throat. “What makes you think Francesca would even be interested. She knows I’m still in love with you know who.”
“I have no idea. It’s not like you have any goodqualities.”
“Gee, thanks.” I threw a small piece of ice. It ricocheted off her drink and bounced back in my lap—karma.
“Francesca did tell Ashleigh something though—” Paulatrailed off.
“What?”
“She still thinks about you, and she wishes one day you’ll be over you know who, so you two could give it another try.”
“She said that?” My eyes widened.
“Nope, but you liked the idea didn’t you?” Paula smirked.
“You’rean asshole.”
Paula chuckled. “Sorry, I couldn’t resist.”
“Listen, Paula.” I placed my hand on her arm, addressing her honestly. “I appreciate this, but I’m not ready yet. I wish I could forget her, but I can’t, and I don’t know how long itwill take.”
When it was time to put the jokes to one side, Paula could always offer a wholesome and understanding conversation.
“You take your time, Hol. I just wanted you to see how appealing you are that’s all. You have a hot Italian woman that would be with you given half the chance. Your heart will heal at its own pace, but don’t ever think it’s her or nothing, okay?”
“Thanks, Paula.”
“Anytime.”
Our glasses went together with a clink. I was lucky to have Beth and Paulain my life.
I watched Francesca stroll over from the ladies’ room.
Her long hair bounced. Her slender body moved with such conviction. She was a good woman, an extremely attractive woman, and if she was still interested, and that was a big if, it wouldn’t be fair to lead her down a dead-end path.
I had to do the right thing for me. I needed time to heal, to learn to be happy with myself, and to be at peace with mine and Brooke’s fate before I could think about being with someone else. All that was easier said than done, with no forecasted timescale. My emotional life was looking to be a perplexing puzzle I couldn’t solve.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The Wilde v Carlton case seemed like a sure-fire win. I had evidence corroborating my client Mr. Wilde’s story. He was the victim not the perpetrator, but the case took an unexpected turn when the assailant who attacked Mr. Wilde claimed his actions were not only self-defence, but retaliation because he was sexually assaulted by Mr. Wilde at the urinal prior to the incident.
My job was to weigh the factors and develop a strategy that was most likely to succeed. I was confident with my clients credibility after a lengthy conversation detailing his version of events; I thoroughly believed his explanation of what happened. He was a kind and believable man with no criminal record. I was fairly confident the jury would believe him too.
