“Is, is it serious? I mean, MJ mentioned she lives in Rome. There’s no way you’d be able to do that kind of long distance,” she asked, her eyes pleading.
“Again, none of your business, but I’ll say this much. Vicky is very important to me.”
She shook her head again. “I just don’t understand it, I guess. Don’t see it.”
I frowned and asked, “See what exactly?”
“Honestly? The attraction. She’s not exactly…your type,” she said with a scoff.
I knew exactly what she was referring to, and it only solidified in my mind that there was nothing left between us except her relationship with our daughter.
“I’m deeply embarrassed on your behalf. I thought you were better than that,” I said, disgust coloring my tone.
She blushed and sat back down, looking away.
“There’s nothing more to say. Where are you staying?” I asked, rubbing the tension in my neck.
“I’d hoped to stay here. Just for tonight,” she hurried and said when I opened my mouth to protest. “My next event is in Vegas in a week. I’d really like to see as much of y’all, both of you, as I can, if that’s okay with you,” she said.
“That’s not a good idea. I don’t want to give MJ the wrong impression. Confuse her.”
“I know, I know. I can get a room tomorrow night. I played back-to-back gigs in San Antonio and Austin the last three days. I’m exhausted from the travel. Please. I promise I won’t make a move on you,” she said. Her last sentence was laced with the same flirty tone I was used to when it came to Katy. When she wanted something, she was unapologetic. “Unless you want me to.”
“No. That’s not going to happen,” I said sternly, walking toward her suitcase and lifting it up. “Guestroom is this way.” She grabbed her purse and hurried after me.
When I dropped her things in the room, I scooted past her when she tried to crowd me at the open door. She was shameless, and I couldn’t help chuckling to myself about her tenacity. Years ago, she may have gotten me to lower my guard, but that time had come and gone. There was a beautiful woman I needed to call immediately.
“Night, Miles,” she said seductively as I closed her door.
“Night.”
Pacing in my room, trying to get my mind to stop spinning in circles, I dialed Vicky’s number.
“Come on, come on. Pick up, Vicky,” I whispered as it rang and rang until I got her voicemail.
Switching to a text message, I typed quickly.
Me:Hey, can you talk?
Sitting on the bed, I watched as the bubble popped up and disappeared.
“No, no.”
Me:Please call me. I need to talk to you tonight if you can.
Nothing. Looking up at the ceiling, I let my body fall backward, overcome by either physical or emotional fatigue. Which one, I wasn’t sure.
Me:Please…
Looking up Luke’s contact info, I sent a frenzied text.
Me:Not going to believe who showed up today
Luke:Bill Gates again?
Rolling my eyes, I couldn’t help but bark out a laugh even in my panicked state.
Me:Never gonna live that down am I?
