Page 80 of Caught Up In You (The Monroes 2)

Could she sound any more like a high school girl trying to find the dirt on her ex? But she couldn’t resist asking, she was human. She was brokenhearted and sick that she’d hurt someone she cared so deeply for . . . someone she’d come to love.

“I almost hate to tell you, but he hasn’t said anything.” Sophie delivered the words with regret in her voice and almost a sadness. “He’s been quiet, keeping to himself more than I’ve seen from him.”

Cora swallowed, hating the quest

ion she was about to ask, but she couldn’t resist. “Was he like this after his breakup with Anna?”

“He was angry,” Sophie replied. “He was flat-out mad and suddenly he was acting completely unlike himself. He started drinking, nothing major but definitely more than the norm. Then he’d go missing for a day or two at a time. We figured out he was . . . um . . .”

Cora offered a smile. “I know what he was doing. He told me what happened after Anna.”

Heidi’s fur brushed against the side of Cora’s leg. Cora reached down to pat her faithful friend, loving how the dog sensed the emotional pain.

“That time he was angry because he felt like he’d been played for a fool,” Sophie added. “But this time he’s like an injured animal slinking away to lick his wounds.”

Cora closed her eyes and blew out a breath. “Is all the ice cream gone?”

“Yeah. We pounded that carton in about ten minutes.”

Flattening her hands on the table, Cora pushed away. “Then let’s go have a movie marathon. You guys up for it?”

Silence and then she realized how that had sounded.

“I still enjoy movies,” she laughed. “I just listen to them. And if they’re ones I’ve already seen, then I already know what’s happening.”

“Are you sure?” Macy asked. “I feel like we steamrolled right into your house.”

“Please, I was getting so sick of hearing myself whine and my Christmas shopping is done so I’ve been online shopping for myself. I need a break from me.”

When an arm slid around her shoulders, Cora jumped.

“Sorry,” Sophie said, still hugging her from the side. “I just wanted to tell you that Braxton will come around. He just needs some time to process how special you are and how you didn’t mean to deceive him. He was just blindsided, that’s all.”

Cora nodded, willing the burn in her throat to go away. She didn’t deserve to cry, not when she’d done this to herself.

“Let’s go watch something ridiculous and funny,” she said.

“Sounds good.” Macy’s chair scooted against the floor. “So, would you happen to have any chocolate around here anywhere?”

“Macy,” Sophie scolded at the same time Cora groaned.

“What? It’s a legitimate question.”

Cora shook her head. “No, sorry. I’ve had my fill for a while. I have potato chips and popcorn. Will any of that work? Oh, and I have wine.”

“Yes,” Macy replied.

“Yes to which one?”

“All of it,” Macy laughed. “Bring it all. Let’s binge on crap food and funny movies.”

“I’m game,” Cora replied, suddenly thrilled that these two crashed her pity party.

“What about you, Sophie?” Macy asked. “You’re in a disgustingly happy relationship. You able to stick around?”

“I can always use some girl time,” Sophie replied. “I think Brock and Zach are having some male-bonding time tonight anyway. Zach’s been trying to kiss and make up to Brock since the car accident when he overreacted.”

“Then let’s grab the necessities and head into the living room,” Cora suggested. “I have nothing to do tomorrow. Stay as late as you like.”

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