She belly laughed. “Dude, you’re so outta circulation that you can’t sus out whether you had sex or not?”
“Like I said, I was drunk. I’m not sure of anything that happened that night, but it seemed real.”
She facepalmed.
“Stop. This is really serious. I ... think I’m ... um ... still—” he stammered.
“Bruh! Oh, c’mon. Noooo. You can’t literally be thinking you’re still in love with her after what she did to you.”
He dropped his chin, shamefully admitting. “I am! I don’t know! I’m so confused. Why else would I be resorting to love advice from my smartass sister?”
“Before I share my coveted wisdom, tell me what the hillbilly is like after all this time. Apart from Beanz, your standards are a lot higher than what they were back then.”
“Man, she’s brilliant. Gorgeous. Accomplished. Matured.” He thought of the painting in La Tempera and what she said to Wickham about his parents. “Thoughtful and caring and ... still fearless. Not to mention, the chemistry between us is still through the roof.”
“Is she still waiting tables and dog walking?”
He made a face. “Of course not. After studying in Paris, she’s now the owner of a fine arts gallery in Tribeca.”
“Wow. Impressive. I’ll give her that. Are thereanynegatives or is she just a repentant fallen angel after making you an alcoholic?”
“Imade myself an alcoholic. Of course she has negatives. We all do. For one, she’s still hanging out with her toxic sister, and ...” he prevaricated.
“And?”
“She is clearly lacking sound judgment concerning her future, maybe even has some lingering self-confidence issues from her shitty upbringing.”
“How so?”
Realizing where this was going, he blurted, “Forget it. It’s not relevant.”
“It is relevant. You said it, so finish the thought so I can continue talking smack about her.”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Too late.”
“Okay, but don’t get angry with me for bringing it up ... she’s engaged to ...” He looked her straight on. “a real creep, a guy with a history of manipulation and womanizing.”
“It sounds like you know the guy.”
“I do. It’s Wickham.”
Georgiana’s chin dropped, and she silently lowered herself onto a stool. “George?”
“Now you understand why I stopped myself. I’m sorry to mention him, and I know it’s shocking to you that he’s in New York. Damn, I mean, I’m sick that he’s with someone I loved, love, cared about, obviously still care about.” He exhaled. “I’m sorry to even mention his name, but it really took me aback. How can I possibly love someone who wants to spend the rest of her life with someone like him?”
She exhaled a deep breath. The shock on her face surprised him.
“Fuck. Are you remembering that day? I’m so sorry, Gigi.”
“I didn’t know he was getting married,” she said with a tremor to her voice.
“Of course you didn’t.”
“You’re sure he’s engaged?” She looked about to cry.
“Positive. He was at the wedding with her. I punched him out.”
