Eli
Earlier that day
Rebecca still hasn’t seen my home—the place she’ll be moving into in under six months. There’s been no reason to have her over since we’ve been hooking up at various hotels, and any meetings we’ve had regarding the trust paperwork were at the attorney’s office.
Now she’s on her way for today’s brunch with Sebastian and Lily, and I’m wondering if I should offer to show her around or just say fuck it and meet her in the lobby. I’m not sure if I’m ready to share my private space with her yet, which is a joke considering I’ll be married to the woman soon.
It’s been two weeks since our engagement party, and we haven’t seen each other since. After breaking a hard-and-fast rule of mine and waking up in the same bed the following day, I needed a breather. It was surprising, and not in a good way. I’d gotten so piss drunk the night before that I must have passed outright after we fucked. When my eyes peeled open and I saw her lying next to me, my stomach recoiled at the image, immediately feeling like I’d cheated on Cici.
Which is absolutely fucking crazy to still be thinking. In my mind, meeting with Rebecca only long enough to screw has kept it from resembling something more, something that would replace what Cici and I had, which I refuse to do. I can’t anyway, because after all this time, she still owns every piece of real estate in my heart.
We planned today so Lily and Rebecca could get to know each other better, but after seeing their interaction at the engagement party, I imagine it will be a waste of time. Lily seems to want nothing to do with her and appears to blame Rebecca for me and Cici not being together. But Cici made her decision clear before anything happened. Maybe not long before; however, no amount of time would have changed the outcome.
Today should be interesting. And since we have plenty of drama in store, when the text comes in that she’s arrived, I decide to delay the inevitable and save showing her around for another time.
When I greet her in the lobby, she’s too eager, which worries me that she’s already reading too much into this, thinking it means more than simply playing the part. So I take the opportunity to remind her on the way up.
“You realize Lily doesn’t know about our situation, right? That’s why we’re doing brunch. To keep the ruse of being a real couple?” I ask, raising a brow.
“Yeah, but why are you not telling her? I mean, she is family.”
Hmmm.I can’t exactly say it’s because I don’t want her to tell Cici. “Because we don’t want to burden her with keeping a secret. It’s hard enough for those of us involved.”
“Technically, it involves her, too, if you ask me. Wouldn’t it be a lot easier to have her in on it?”
She’s not wrong. “It would, and we may tell her eventually. For now, just play your part. And it would help if you two got along.”
“That’s not only up to me. Not sure what her problem is, but it seems like it has something to do with Cici, don’t you think?” she asks, digging for information.
I shrug. “We dated and she’s her best friend. She probably would’ve liked to see it work out between us.”
“Is that what you wanted?”
The elevator doors open, saving me from the truth or the lie I would have told.
“It doesn’t matter. Come on, let’s see if you can make a friend.”
Sebastian must have spoken with Lily about being cordial because the morning went smoother than anticipated. Whatever the case, I’m relieved when we start winding down and wrapping up the meal. It means I’m closer to getting out of here and moving on with my day. I’ve been itching to get my newest car in on the action, and I have a race this afternoon. I’ve gone a few laps to test how she handles, but I’m anxious to get her out there and see the results. I still have a few hours to be at the track, but I’m more than ready to leave.
“Well, this has been fun, but I need to head out soon,” I say, looking down at my watch as if I’m pressed for time.
Lily chooses this moment to let her claws come out as she turns to Sebastian. “Oh shoot, I almost forgot to tell you. Cici’s coming in this week for a visit.” Then she directs her attention to Rebecca and me as my head snaps up. “Maybe we should all plan dinner one night while she’s here. She’s staying with us, so it would be easy to figure something out.” The sly smile and mischief in her eyes contradict her blasé tone.
My heart immediately starts thumping at the prospect of seeing Cici, and when I turn to Rebecca to gauge her reaction, I immediately regret it, as she looks at me with scorn. What the hell is her problem?
I’m about to say something, but Sebastian prevents a confrontation by stepping in to save the day. He leans in to kiss Lily on the forehead. “I’m glad to hear that. It makes me feel better about the week ahead. Eli and I have a new merger we’re working on. We have a few dinners scheduled and late nights at the office, so unfortunately, we won’t be available. But that’ll give you plenty of time to catch up.” He winks at her. “And now I won’t make you go with me to all those boring business dinners.” He leans in and nuzzles her ear. “Unfortunately for me, they’ll be even more dreadful without you to keep me company. You’ll have to make it up to me.”
I clear my throat and stand up. “Well, on that note, we should let you enjoy the rest of your weekend.”
Rebecca follows my lead and stands, trailing me to the door. She stops and turns before we make it. “Thanks for having us over. I’m glad we had a chance to visit. We’ll have to do it more often. Tell Cici I said hi and that I can’t wait to see her at the wedding since she is practically family.” She smiles wryly.
Well shit.
I can practically see the claws come out as Lily answers, “I’ll do that. Hey, Eli, if Sebastian works you too hard this week, you can always stop by for a cocktail on your way in. Cici and I will be up gabbing every night anyway.” She beams at me.
The war is on between these two if it wasn’t already.
“I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks, Lily,” I call out as I practically shove Rebecca out the door.
