I said nothing and chewed my food. “I thought Nate liked me. I thought we had this connection because we share something, but the way he dismissed me was cold.”
Frisco sighed. “Okay, so the guy isn’t warm and fuzzy and doesn’t say all the sweet and cuddly things you need to hear. But maybe he does want to see you again, and if so, you talk about your needs. And if he doesn’t and brushes you off, chalk it up to a great night and move on. Your boy Jared played you like one of those antique violins you’ve always wanted. He knew what strings to pluck to get you in bed.”
“Making Jared feel wanted was the basis for our relationship. My needs were always secondary.” After years of being with someone who played on my sympathies, it seemed odd to expect otherwise. “You think I’m being stupid again.”
“No, not stupid. But you’re building this into something bigger than it needs to be. You’ve met Nate twice. You fooled around. He’s not a married guy who needs to slip it to you quick, fast, and in a hurry so his husband won’t suspect. Learn to walk before you run.” He began to laugh and shook his head. “This is really priceless.”
“What?” I didn’t see anything funny in our conversation.
“Me giving dating and relationship advice.”
I snickered. “What is it they say? Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach everyone else how to do it.”
His eyes twinkled. “Hey, just because I don’t believe in it for myself doesn’t mean I don’t recognize what it should be.” His lips tightened. “And I also know what it shouldn’t be. I refuse to let you get twisted into knots over another guy who doesn’t see how good you are and what you’re worth. So I swear, Press, if you get involved with another bastard, this time I will do something.”
“I don’t think you have to worry about Nate. He didn’t seem so interested in the group. It was probably why he wanted to hook up with me so quickly—he has no intention of coming back.”
“Well, now you’ve taken that first step, you keep your eyes open. Promise me you won’t retreat into that depressed person who refuses to go out.” He beckoned the waiter, who poured the coffee with shaking hands. Several drops spilled on Frisco’s white cloth napkin, and the young man’s eyes widened in horror.
“I’m sorry. Please don’t worry. I’ll get you another one right away.”
“It’s fine. The meal was delicious as usual.”
Relief smoothed out the tense lines of the waiter’s face. “Thank you.”
Frisco’s gaze followed the man, and I saw the interest in his eyes. “Anwar always hires the best-looking waiters.”
“Is that why you like coming here, or the food?”
“Having sampled both, I can safely say the food is delicious and the service never disappoints.”
I forced a smile, but that was the problem with someone you’ve known all your life. They saw through your bullshit.
“Press, you didn’t answer me before. I’m warning you. Don’t waste time on someone who isn’t going to make you his number-one priority. This time Iwillbutt in. I won’t let you be an afterthought.”
“Yeah, I’m not. I’m sure I won’t hear from Nate again. And like you said, I did it and now I can move on.”
Realistically, Frisco was right, but I’d never been one to enjoy the real world over fantasy. Life was always better when I imagined how it should’ve been. It was one of the reasons I loved working with antiques—I could invent an entire background around a piece of art or furniture, imagining why it was made and whom it was bought for. And while I ought to be thankful for friends like Frisco, all I kept wondering for the rest of our lunch was,What is it about me that makes it so easy to walk away?
Chapter Six
“What’s put you in such a good mood?” Ethan stood in front of my desk, his head tilted as he studied me. “I haven’t seen a real smile on your face in…well, I can’t even say.”
“I’m no different than any other day. You’ve been away in Chicago, and I’ve been working my ass off here, staying late every night.”
But Iwasdifferent.
It had been five days since I’d been with Presley. Five days since I’d had my first full night’s sleep since my father died. When I woke up the following morning, I was a little surprised not to see him there, but thinking about it over the next few days, I ascribed it to embarrassment on his part. From our conversations, I suspected he hadn’t had much sexual experience and might not want to face me in the morning. Tonight was our meeting, and I wondered if he’d talk about why he’d sought out the group.
“You are the worst liar, have been since you were a little kid.”
My smile faded, and the beginning of a headache throbbed behind my eyes. How the hell did he always see me hiding? I set my jaw. “I’m not lying. Ask anyone. We had filings that had to be prepared and checked. I did that. So fuck off.” I’d wanted to see Presley but didn’t have a moment to breathe. I didn’t get home before eleven each night, and then fell into bed, yet four a.m. found me with eyes burning, unable to fall asleep.
“Tonight’s another meeting. Are you going?”
Without asking, he sat in a chair, and though I shuffled the files on my desk, Ethan refused to be denied. Plus, he knew I’d never throw him out. At least I hadn’t yet.
“Yeah. I told you I’d make the effort. I may be many things, but a liar isn’t one of them.”
