I slammed the dryer closed harder than necessary, the force sending one of Kari’s coconut-scented candles off the shelf. Thankfully, I caught it before it exploded against the tile.
At least you can divert some problems. It’s the little things, like relationships, that you can’t do.
I rolled my eyes at myself.
I had spent most of the morning catching up on errands and chores, trying to keep my mind off the night before. I had gotten worked up and pushed him away, but his arrogance mixed with the alcohol I had consumed proved to be a dangerous combination.
As much as I hated to admit it—I was angry.
I was angry that he came to get me and left with her. I was angry he showed up at all. I was angry that he acted like I was unimportant. I was angry he was so confusing. I was angry I had allowed him to get to me.
I was angry that I couldn’t stop being angry.
He clearly doesn’t want me, but why is he so hell-bent on making sure I know it?
I grabbed the mop from the broom closet, deciding that the kitchen tile could use a nice sheen, when my cell buzzed in my pocket. Annoyed, I answered the call even though I didn’t recognize the number.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Jada. It’s Simon Powers.”
I leaned the mop against the door as confusion swept over me. “Hey, Simon. What’s up?”
“I’m sorry for calling you on a Saturday afternoon, but I talked to my loan officer at the close of business yesterday, and she had some questions. I got busy and worked late last night, so I hope you don’t mind me calling you today.”
“I don’t mind,” I said hesitantly, “but Zack is handling everything now.”
Although I still don’t know why …
“Oh. Well, I guess I will try him then. She really needs the answers on Monday morning, and Mondays are crazy in this line of work, you know? I hoped to get everything straightened out today.”
“That works. I’m sure he’ll take care of everything.”
“How have you been, anyway? I haven’t talked to you in a while.” The change in his voice didn’t go unnoticed by me.
“Good,” I lied, thinking back to Lesley’s hand touching Cane’s stomach, which, in turn, made my stomach a little sick. “How about you?”
“I’m fine, always fine,” he said. “Hey. You had to bail the last time we tried to grab a bite to eat. Wanna try again tonight?”
I paused for a second, my chest compressing as I remembered Cane’s warning to stay away from Simon. I then recalled Lesley leaning her head into his side and wrapping her arms around his waist, and my blood boiled.
Don’t mow the sidewalk …
“Sure, Simon. That sounds good. Where do you want to meet?”
I knew he was smiling on the other side of the line. “There’s a great little restaurant over here by me. I can come and pick you up?”
Cane’s words rolled through my mind again, and I was a little uneasy.
Was his warning because he was jealous, or was something else going on?
I hesitated, chewing on my fingernail. “You know what? I’ll just drive over there. I don’t want you making a trip all the way over here and back again tonight. If you text me the address, I’ll meet you there around seven?”
“Sounds great. Can’t wait to see you.”
“See you soon, Simon.”
I spottedSimon’s Avalanche at the rear of the parking lot and pulled in beside him. I checked myself in the mirror before exiting my car. My hand trembled slightly as I wiped my fingertips beneath my eyes, pressing away the puffiness that I couldn’t see but could feel.
