Not what I was hoping for. We need to talk before Cody comes back. I don’t have a plan yet, but Dad being away is not the worst thing. It gives me time to take the first steps into a life without Gideon Fitzpatrick’s support.
Me: It’s important. We need to talk.
I hit send, give him a minute to read it, then call again. This time, the phone doesn’t even ring. Instead, I’m greeted with his voicemail. “You’ve reached Gideon Fitzpatrick. I’m unavailable at the moment. Please leave a message.” I hang up before the beep, frustration and relief filling my jittery mind.
Maybe it’s for the best. It gives me a few days to gather my thoughts and steel myself for the inevitable showdown.
Slumping back onto the couch, I stare at my phone, praying that when the time comes to face my father, it doesn’t destroy this fragile happiness I’ve found. And more than anything, I hope it doesn’t ruin my relationship with Cody.
He’s become my safe haven. My source of joy, security, and calm. Losing him is more terrifying than any confrontation with my father.
I don’t know if I deserve him, but for the first time in my life I have something worth fighting for.
Someone worth fighting for.
I spend the rest of the day sorting through my jewelry, purses, and shoes, texting Cody every few hours. They’re all hungover and not looking forward to the six-hour bus ride back.
He sent me a picture of the Corona he’s nursing at the hotel bar, along with a few words that almost had me whipping my purple wand out.
Cody: Can’t wait to be inside you, baby. I’ve missed you.
As much as I’d like to scratch that itch and give myself an orgasm, I’d much rather have Cody do the honors. He’s better at it than I am. The orgasms he evokes are much more powerful.
By the time the bachelor party is in good enough shape to get on the road, it’s eight in the evening. Cody won’t be back until late into the night, so I send him another text as I head out for food.
Me: I left my key in your mailbox. Let yourself in.
He doesn’t reply until I’m on my way back, the aromatic scent of pizza filling my small Porsche.
Cody: That tells me you’re planning to fall asleep. Wait for me.
Me: I’ll try, but just in case, the key is there.
My good mood evaporates when I park my car and spot Cody’s stalker lurking outside, eyes hidden behind a pair of oversized shades.
She’s nervously pressing a button on the keypad, probably ringing Cody’s place, then paces three steps left and right, arms crossed tightly over her chest.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, my voice far from friendly.
I’m in combat mode, jealousy writhing inside me. If she thinks she can steal my man, she has another thing coming.
She turns on her heel, and my combat stance wavers. There’s something almost desperate in her expression. A kind of deeply ingrained sadness I know well.
“Oh, hey, Blair. I was just calling your apartment...”
“You’re here to see me?” That’s not what I expected. My initial jealousy fades as I gesture toward the pizza box. “I stepped out for food.”
She bites her lip, inserting a tense pause. “I need a favor,” she finally admits, eyes welling with tears. “Please.” Her voice cracks like eggshells.
“Are you okay? What’s wrong?” I set the pizza on a nearby bench, giving her my full attention.
“I need to apologize to Cody.”
I stiffen at that, the jealous monster rearing its head once more. “Cody isn’t here. It’s Logan’s bachelor party weekend.”
“I know. That’s why I came tonight.” She pauses as if shepherding her emotions. She looks so small and lost it throws me off-guard. “I want you to give him something.” She hands me a crumpled piece of paper from her pocket.
“What’s this?”
