Page 3 of Irredeemable

Rolling my eyes, I grab my newly filled glass and turn away from the conversation again. I almost spit out my wine when I catch the woman walking onto the terrace. I wipe my mouth and excuse myself from the table without waiting for their responses.

Sammie stands at the bar, leaning on the counter. The young bartender blushes, his eyes trying hard not to glance down at the ample cleavage showing. Her long dark hair hangs in loose curls down her back, bringing attention to her stunning curvy body in the white dress.

“I thought you were in London for another month.”

She spins, her long hair snapping across my chest. Her red-colored lips tip into a seductive smile, her hazel eyes twinkling. “Tanner. Did you miss me?”

I lean down, kiss her cheek, and step back to lean on the counter next to her. “Always. Did you miss me?”

“Of course,” She says, the lie rolling off her tongue so sweetly that I am dying for a taste. “And my scenes wrapped up quickly. They said they could fly me back if needed.”

The bartender sets a martini down in front of her before hurrying to the other side. Sammie takes a sip and then faces me fully. “I’m surprised to find you here. You usually avoid it.”

I nod over to the table. “I’m having lunch with my parents and girlfriend.” My heart pounds when I let the word out, watching her intensely. Her face freezes for a second before I watch a mask come down over it.

“Girlfriend? Someone managed to catch your interest long enough?” Her tone drips with apathy.

Catching Madeline’s curious eyes, I wave her over, unable to keep the smile off my face as Sam watches intently. Her gaze drags down Madeline’s blue dress and white cardigan. Her blonde pulled back in an elegant twist. When she stops next to me, I wrap my arm around her thin waist and pull her closer to my side.

“Maddie, this is one of my closest friends, Samantha. She’s been overseas filming for some show.”

Madeline’s bright blue eyes widen. “Oh goodness. You’re Sammie Sumners!” She faces me, her hand coming to rest on my chest. “You never told me you knew her.”

I bite my tongue as Sammie’s face flashes in anger before she can control her reaction. I shrug, kissing Madeline’s temple for setting that up better than I could have planned. “It never came up.”

Madeline sticks her hand out. “It’s so nice to meet you. I loved you in that lifetime movie about the lifeguard.”

Sammie shakes her hand with a painted-on smile. “Thank you. You’re too kind.”

“We should get back. It’s nice to know you’re back in town. Reach out to Dean or Jasmine; we can all catch up.” I tell Sammie, ushering Madeline back to the table with my parents. My father gives me a warning look as I take in my mother’s thundering mood.

Her icy eyes stare at me. She waits till Madeline and I settle back into our seats before speaking. “I wasn’t aware you were still associated with that woman.”

I sigh. “I’ve known her all my life. You’re aware of that.”

My mother huffs, twisting the napkin on her lap. “Yes, well-”

“Darling, perhaps this isn’t a conversation to have around so many inquisitive ears.” My father speaks for the first time since we had our orders taken.

I can feel Madeline’s questioning eyes throughout the rest of the meal. Her craving for understanding simmers off her like the heat of a hot spring. Thankfully, she restrains herself till we are back in our car and on our way to my apartment.

“Why doesn’t your mother like Sammie Sumners?”

“Stop saying her name like that. It sounds way too awestruck,” I snap.

Madeline huffs, turning toward the window and pulling her knees from against mine to lean on the door instead. I groan, any type of abrasive behavior was always met with the silent treatment as if I had offended her by not kissing her ass. It reminds me of a spoiled princess.

“My mother’s friend swears that Sammie slept with her husband….allegedly.”

Madeline gasps, her hand flying to her chest in outrage. I refrain from rolling my eyes at the dramatic gesture. “Does she have proof?”

I shrug. “Who knows. Enough to get half in their divorce, but nothing ever came to light. It was just a rumor.”

It was more than a rumor. I could name every single one of her conquests. It wasn’t like she was exactly discreet, but the husbands or boyfriends were always left to clean up the pieces after the fact to hide the affair.

“That’s… horrible. If it’s true, then obviously, your mom rightfully should hate her. But if it’s false, Sammie is judged harshly for something she didn’t do.”

“Sure,” I say, irritated at her sympathy for the situation regardless. Not every situation has a fucking victim. I wonder how Madeline would feel if she knew the wife was smart enough not to get caught cheating with the underaged pool boy.

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