I pulled my phone out in a rush, realizing I’d had my social media app open this whole time. I switched over to my messaging app and the dread in my stomach almost became projectile.
DBB: Sorry, baby boy. The board re-prioritized this project and I’ve been called back to the home office. I left a gift for you in the top drawer.
I hadn’t seen the message because I had turned off my notifications when I joined the family for pasta night. Then I got sidetracked by the cowboy, and now this. Numb, I walked back into our bedroom and pulled open the top drawer.
In it was cash—a lot of cash—and a diamond choker. I slipped it on and took a quick selfie, which I sent to him.
Me: I just got home. I wish I could’ve given you a proper goodbye. *pouts*
DBB: Me too, darling, but I had a plane to catch. You know how it is.
Me: When do I need to move out?
DBB: Actually, you can stay. The next exec lined up for the condo is a good buddy of mine, and he promised to keep you warm for me.
DBB: Flight is boarding. I’ll call you when we resume the project next year.
I stared at my phone, my jaw loose. It sucked that he had to up and leave so quickly, but I understood the nature of his business and was more than happy to accept his parting gifts. But then he went and offered me up to his executive bestie like a piece of property.
Fucking hell.
I despised the single tear that found its way down my cheek.
I knew the score.I knew the goddamned score.Rowdy always said he never judged what I did, but he didn’t think I had the heart for it. Or, rather, that I had too much heart.
I pulled up my favorites and hit Rowdy’s number.
“Hey, did you leave something at dinner?”
“No, I?—”
“Sky? What’s wrong? Why do you sound like you’ve been crying?” Rowdy asked, interrupting me. “I’m pulling up FaceTime.”
“No, don’t—” I said as the FaceTime notification came up.
My finger hovered over the Reject button, but I knew he’d get into the car and come out here if I avoided him. Fine.
I hit the Accept button and Rowdy’s face came up on the screen.
He took one look at me and demanded, “What happened?”
Kess floated by in the background. “Who’s that?”
Kess was the love of Rowdy’s life, and while I was genuinely happy for my friend, watching him fall head over heels in love while my heart was breaking all over the place was a tough pill to swallow.
Rowdy quietly told him it was me, and Kess murmured something, then leaned over and kissed my friend’s shoulder.
“Sorry, Sky. My man’s super touchy feely.”
“Well, that’s better than my situation. Turns out my man’s super flighty.”
Rowdy tipped his head back and groaned. “Are you serious? He’s taking off?”
“Took off. Left me a text, and said I could stay in his company’s condo because the next executive coming in is a good pal, and that his friend could, and I quote,keep you warm for me.”
“Jesus fucking Christ. Please tell me you told him to go fuck himself.”
“No, he was too busy boarding his flight. He did leave me a stack of cash, along with a ridiculously expensive diamond choker.” I gestured to the jewelry on my neck and faked a smile as I fanned myself with the cash. Rowdy whistled.
