Page 74 of Dirty Dylan: Dirty Dusters

“So, all we can do is pray for a miracle.”

“You believe in the power of prayer, Jaine?”

“No. I put my faith in the power of love.”

“It’s failed you in the past, has it not?”

“If you’re looking for an instantaneous result, then I guess you could say that. But there’s no time limit on love. At some point, the stars will align.”

“Very poetic.”

I laugh out loud. “You see? I’m not just a pretty face.”

“It’s beautiful.”

“What is?”

“Your face. It’s not pretty. It’s beautiful.”

“Thank you.” I pause. The compliment has thrown me. In fact, the whole conversation has. For once, he’s not being a pompous prick. Is he’s trying to lull me into a false sense of security? Convince me he’s a decent human being when I have first-hand experience assuring me he’s not?

“I should go.”

“Yes.”

“Goodbye, then.”

“You never say goodbye, Jaine. You just hang up.”

It’s not a complaint. He’s just saying it how it is. Does it bother him? I frown at the handset. Am I bothered if it does? I disconnect the call without another word, feeling guilty as soon as I do.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-ONE

JESSIE

The Hudson Dusters’ HQ, Manhattan, New York

I’min a cubicle in the ladies' restroom. I’m not doing anything as such. I’m just sitting on the closed toilet seat, gathering my thoughts and minding my own business.

No one can disturb you when you’re in the john. Well, not unless they’re a seriously fucked-up individual with no sense of personal space. It’s the only real place of refuge in any office environment—a sanctuary where you can breathe for five minutes.

Well, depending on what’s gone on in there beforehand.

Despicable Dylan is in the office today, and I’m trying my best to avoid him. Same as I’ve been doing when I’m at home.

So far, I’ve managed to succeed. I don’t want to hear anything he has to say. Reasons. Excuses. Lies. It won’t change anything. The outcome will still be the same.

He’ll still be getting wed to Grace Ryan.

I’ve excused myself from today’s meeting, and I’ll sit in here all day if I have to to continue my avoidance quest. It’s for the best. I’ve been reliably informed by my new kindred spirit, Candice, that all of their female partners will be in attendance today. It’s my guess they’ll be discussing where the organization is headed and what each individual’s expected contribution will be.

Business aside, they’ll then likely move on to engagement dates, wedding dates, how many kids each of them will have, which former Dusters they’ll be named after, and so on.

Trust me. There is no one better than Jessie O’Brien at maintaining a poker face. But today? I just can’t stomach it. It’s only been forty-eight hours since the shit hit the fan. And I’m not ashamed to admit I’m struggling.

I stayed. I stood my ground. But at what cost?

Quit whining, Jessie. I’m sure it will get easier.

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