“He treats women like they’re a joke,” Drew says finally. “I don’t want that happening to you.”
“Don’t you do that?”
“Are you fucking serious?”
I wasn’t, but now I am—because thatiswhat Drew does. It’s what all his friends do. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. I’ve experienced it, too.
LOL Look, you’re an amazing girl and so sweet. But I don’t think we’re really compatible like that. Sorry, babe.
It was the look in Seth’s eyes that sealed the deal. He thought I was a joke then, just like I am to Drew right now. And the realization stings.
“Staythe fuckaway from him,” Drew says as if that’s the end of the conversation. “Now, I gotta go. Stop loitering with the trash, Audrey.”
The call ends before I can comment back. I stare at the darkened screen, trying to process what just happened. I feel like I’m in an alternate reality, or else the reality I’ve lived in up until this moment hasn’t been real. I’ve never seen Drew behave or speak this way. So, why is he acting like such a fool now? Because he’s not getting his way?
The things he said about Brooks are in exact opposition to the things I know about him, and when pressed to give me examples, Drew couldn’t. In the past, I wouldn’t have argued with him and simply heeded his advice.But now?Now it feels like an assault on my intelligence. It feels … dirty. He referred to my doctoral knowledge ascute. That’s definitely hedging toward asshole behavior, something I’ve never considered my brother.
Standing in the middle of Blackbird Ranch, surrounded by rolling fields and endless sky, I’m strangely calm.
I check the time on my phone and then open my text app.
Me: Hey, Mom! I’m not going to have service for a few days. Just wanted to give you a heads-up before I go off the grid. I’m fine and will call you when I return. Love you.
I silence notifications from her, Dad, and my brother.
Then I head back to the cabin wondering how I’m going to hold up my end of the bargain and convince Drew to help get Brooks’s license back.Oof.
CHAPTER
FIFTEEN
Audrey
I peek out the window. Nothing yet.
Astrid: I’m so here for this. A little but I’m here for it.
Gianna: I’m wet for you. I mean, I’ve seen Brooks Fucking Dempsey, and that man is going to eat you alive!
I giggle, my insides bouncing around like I’m in a fun house … which I might be in a few hours.
The enormity of the situation hit me as soon as I started throwing a few things into a bag for the road trip with Brooks. A little over a week ago, leaving Nashville on the spur of the moment was a big deal to me. Today, I’m packing lingerie for a few overnights with the sexiest man I’ve ever laid eyes on—and he wants me.
No games. No crap. No excuses.
He wanted to, so he did … me, in a few hours.
Who am I?
I peek out the window again, alight with bees buzzing in my stomach. Still nothing.
Astrid: Don’t scare her.
Gianna: We’re obviously past that. It’s go time. It’s COME ON (things) time!
Gianna: Is it wrong to wish I could watch?
Astrid: YES
