I’d laugh if the whole thing didn’t hurt so much.
“And that other woman….” He pauses. “She can’t hold a candle to you, Prudence.”
I know he’s trying to make me feel better, but spewing stuff like that does the opposite because it’s not true. Barbie Solomon is beauty-queen gorgeous. I, on the other hand, am not. That’s when I realize that he’s just saying what he thinks he should at a time like this. It’s nice of him to try, but it’s sort of like putting salt in the wounds.
Pulling back, I wipe the tears from my cheeks and smile. “I’m fine.” I head in the direction of the counter.
“Prudence?”
Without looking back, I say, “I really need to get to work, Nate. I’m on my own today.”
“Maybe you should call Laura. Take the day off?”
“Nope.” I’m now behind the register. “I’m fine. Nothing new with him.” I’m lying. The fact that he’s––she’s pregnant hurts more than I can say. I can’t let it show, though.
“Prudence.” Nate’s standing in front of me now. “Talk to me. That had to sting.”
With strength I didn’t know I had, I look up at Nate and say, “It sucks––they aren’t going to break me. They aren’t worth it. My best course of action is getting back to work. Laura pays me to do just that.” And since I know for a fact that Travis isn’t going to give up on the car payment issue, I’m going to need the money for attorney’s fees. I fake smile again. “Thanks for stopping in.”
He sets the paper bag he’s been clutching since the whole thing with Travis started onto the counter. He grunts, “That’s some ointment for your face.” He stomps toward the door. “See you around, Prudence.”
What? Why is he acting likehe’sangry? “Wait.”
He doesn’t stop. He doesn’t even look back. Instead, he walks right out the door without another word.
Men.
God, they suck.
ChapterTwelve
Nate
That woman is fucking infuriating.And that ex…Jesus, I wanted to pummel that guy. The women with him were no better. But the one I’m most frustrated with is Prudence. I heard the shit they said to her, and it’s got to bother her. Not just the shit with the car but about the affair and what surrounding it.
“Fuck.” I feel confused on what to do about all of this. If I knew her friend’s number, I’d call her, but then again, that might get me into hot water with Prudence. Still, it’d be worth it if it’d help her out.
I need to get to work. I’m late as is. Brett’s able to open the shop, but I’m in the middle of a restoration with a definite due date.
Swinging my leg over my bike, I look back at the store. Through the window, she’s opening up that box she had in her arms when I first stopped in.
Running my hand over my chin, I wince thinking about her face. Her skin must be very fucking sensitive for that to happen. I’ve never seen anything like it. Then again, I don’t barely talk to the women I bed, let alone visit them at their job the next day. Maybe it’s happened before. I don’t think Jackie ever had anything like it.
Kicking my bike to life, I pull out of my spot and head to work. I ain’t gonna solve any of these problems right now. Time and some contemplation are what I need.
* * *
Why am I here again?
I’ve parked my bike in the same spot I was in this morning. I know the store closes at five, so I left work a few minutes early to get here before then. I want to see how her face is doing and if she used that lotion the pharmacist recommended.
The door chimes as it opens. I hear her voice. “We’re closing in five minutes.” I guess she’s ready to go home.
“I know.”
Stepping around a big display cabinet, I see her at the counter near the register counting the drawer. The first thing I notice is her face. It’s still pink but not as much as this morning. “How’s your rash?” I needed somewhere to start.
She brushed her hand over her cheek. “Better. Thanks for the lotion.”
