“I have the money,” he said. “I can pay all of it upfront if you need me to.”
“I don’t need your money.” I jerked my arm away, glaring at him. “But allow me to give you some advice for free…”
“Go home and tell your fiancée you can’t commit to being sober for more than a month and you can’t commit to her for a lifetime,” I said. “Then call her sister—a fucking minor—andsay the same thing, because if you can’t stay faithful to someone you proposed to, you can’t possibly propose to someone you owe nothing to.”
“Oh, really?” He sucked in a breath. “So, now you’re Mr. Morality?”
I walked away without responding.
I couldn’t bear to waste another second being anywhere near him.
The moment I made it outside, I let out the breath I’d been holding.
The valet handed me my keys, and I slid behind the wheel.
Kelsey was sitting inside waiting for me, staring straight ahead.
“So?” she asked, not moving. “Are we proceeding with this client?”
“No.” I cranked the engine. “But before we burn his file, I need you to do something for me.”
“I’m listening.”
“Call the police department and report him for sexual relations with a minor.”
She immediately tapped her phone’s screen. “Should I find a way to tell his fiancée that the wedding is off?”
“Your call to the police will handle that,” I said.
She nodded and handled it as I drove down the street.
When she hung up, the car felt a lot lighter, and then she looked over at me.
“This is the side of you that I wish Miss Elizabeth could see.” She smiled. “Don’t you?”
“I’ve never cared what Miss Elizabeth thinks.” I rolled my eyes. “Why are you even bringing her up?”
“Just figured I’d do it before you did it first.”
“I hardly ever talk about her, Kelsey.”
“Oh, okay.”
“I’m serious. She doesn’t exist in my life until I run into her at a wedding, and you know that.”
“Uh huh, yeah.” She deadpanned. “Exactly.”
“Say you believe me or I’m dropping you off at the next corner.”
She crossed her arms and leaned back in her seat.
The words I demanded never left her lips, and I didn’t see the point in calling her bluff.
I turned on the radio for the rest of the ride, and as much as it pained me to admit it, a part of me did wish that Katie could see that I didn’t take on every client who was willing to pay.
I have to draw the line somewhere…
Seven (B)
