She’s quiet for a beat. Then, softly, she asks, “She saw your place?” Something shifts in her expression. “Did you sleep with her?”
Jesus Christ.
“Normally I wouldn’t care,” she rushes on, like she knows exactly how that sounded. “I want you to know that. But Sherry? It just—” She makes a flippant gesture. “I don’t know. That feels… weird. Like a conflict of interest. Especially with what we’re doing tomorrow.”
My shoulders sag.
It’s not accusatory. It’s hurt.
That look she’s giving me, the one that says she’s bracing herself, waiting to be disappointed.
I hate it.
Mostly because I’ve never not been loyal to Jordan. But partly because it’s stemming from something deeper. Something still hurting her. And I haven’t a damndest what it could be.
I shake my head. “I didn’t sleep with her. She was at my place for a party. Fourth of July. With her boyfriend.” I watch her closely, the worry etched into her forehead, the familiar fear lurking in her eyes. The fear of not being enough. “I’d never sleep with someone and send them your way, babe. I’d never disrespect you like that.”
Her shoulders loosen. “Okay.”
“Sherry wanted you because you’re very good at what you do.”
She smiles, and I give her shoulder a squeeze. “I mean—ifIpicked you, then you’re obviously the best.” I flash a grin.
“Ha. Ha.” She rolls her eyes. “God, it must be exhausting. Carrying around that big head of yours all day.”
“Well, if it wasn’t this big, I wouldn’t be able to do this.” I plant my palm on her head, mussing up her hair.
“Don’t you dare.” She swats at my arm. “You know I hate when you do that.God.I’m going to be living with a fucking manchild.”
I hold up a finger. “A child with averylarge head who needs alotof attention.”
She snorts. “No shit.”
“Speaking of children,” I add, sobering a notch, “the guardian ad litem called yesterday. They want to come see my place and interview us. It’s on the first. A Wednesday.” I hesitate. “I know that’s not what you agreed to, but it’s really important that you’re there. I’m hoping you can make it work with your schedule. We’ll take my plane. Be back for work Thursday.”
“Okay.” She drags another carrot through the hummus. “I’ll talk to my boss. See what I can do.”
“Yeah?” I nod. “Alright. Thank you.”
She shifts her attention back to the show.
“Jordan?”
She turns slowly. “Did you just first-name me? Am I in trouble?” she teases.
“Are you okay?”
She scrunches her brows. “Yeah. Why?”
“The text earlier.” I keep my voice even. “What was that about? You know you don’t have to do this. I wouldn’t hold it against you.”
She exhales softly. “Sure you would. Not intentionally. But come on, Matt. If I didn’t do this, and Cole ended up with Cece… you’d always wonderwhatif.You’d never forgive me.”
“I’d wonder,” I admit. “Of course I would. But there’d be nothing to forgive.” My thumb brushes over her knuckle. “I know I put pressure on you. I know I made you feel bad. But babe—if you don’t want to do this… you don’t have to. I hope you know that.”
“I do.” She laces her fingers through mine. “I just… had a moment in the Hamptons. A mini freak-out.” She lets out a nervous laugh. “I’m good now. Promise. I’ll be there tomorrow. Twelve o’clock.”
I clasp my other hand over hers and bring it to my lips, kissing it softly. “Thanks, babe. You’re the best.”
