First was that Denny had hidden money from her parents because he was afraid Gabriel would spend it all.Second, his friend Julian might be the most gorgeous, kind, sincere man Isla had ever met, and why in the hell was she thinking about him when she had much bigger concerns?
“What’s his story?”she asked Denny, to make conversation, or so she told herself to justify the question.
“Who?”
“Julian Remington.”
“Oh.Um.Like, you want to know about…”
“Is he married?”
“God no,” Denny said with a snort.“He’d rather have gonorrhea than a wife.”
“So he’s got commitment issues, then?”
“Nah, nothing like that.His folks, both of them high-powered family lawyers, dragged him and his siblings through an endless custody battle back in the day.It cured them of wanting marriage or permanence.Not to mention, they spend their days unraveling other people’s happily ever afters.”
“I suppose that’d spoil all things romance for them.”
“For real.”He glanced over at her when they were stopped at a light.“Are you pissed?”
“I was, for a minute… And then Julian explained what you saved me from, and now… I’m sad.”
“Because of what I did?”
“No.I’m sad you felt it was necessary.”
“I’m sorry, Islander.I never trusted him.I wish I’d been wrong.”
“I should’ve listened to you.”
“If you had, we wouldn’t have your babies, and that would’ve been tragic.They’re the best.I like them better than my own kids.”
“Haha, that’s because one of your kids is a teenager, and the other will be soon.”
“Exactly.I hear they’re not dicks for the rest of their lives.”
“Language!”
“Sorry.I’m so out of practice with watching my mouth.”
“Get it together before Theo’s talking like a construction worker.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
After a long silence, Isla said, “I want you to know… I’m pissed with you for holding out on me about the inheritance, but I understand why you did it, even if the reason you did it breaks my heart.”
“You’ve had enough heartbreak to last a lifetime, kid.It’s time to turn the ship around and chase joy.”
Isla glanced at him.“Where’d you hear that?”
“My therapist.”
“You have a therapist?”
“Have for a long time.You ought to get one.Highly recommend.”
“What do you talk about?”
