“Tyler was really upset when we ran into him. I technically ghosted him on our first date, and I think using that is our key. I can call him, apologize for being a bitch and ditching him, and then see if he wants a re-do?”
“I like apologizing but not attempting a re-do. You going out with him will give Arlo an aneurysm, and it puts you in too vulnerable of a position.” Oakley pokes holes in my plan.
“What if we can ensure my safety?”
“And how do we do that?”
“Someone tails us?” I offer. Honestly, I have no idea. This isn’t something I consider doing on an everyday basis, and I have a feeling Arlo and Oakley have better ideas on how to accomplish it. It doesn’t mean I think we need to scratch my whole idea because I intend to do it, regardless of if they help me or not. Things need to change, and if that means taking them into my own hands, so be it.
Oakley looks up to the ceiling.
“I don’t like it, but I understand your reasoning. I would need to include Arlo and probably the Rosedale Police Department.”
“That sounds like it’ll scream ‘set-up’.”
“You won’t see us—hopefully. But going in there without any form of back-up is out of the question. Arlo will fire me.” He smirks.
“You don’t work for Arlo, so he can’t fire you,” Willow adds, and I’m going to have to build something for her for having my back.
“Whose side are you on, Trouble?”
“Uh, I’m on yours, of course.” The breathiness of Willow’s voice makes me roll my eyes. I don’t want to know any of the kinky shit they get up to.
“Jesus, get a room,” I mutter.
“We have one upstairs,” Oakley says so smoothly as he keeps his eyes on Willow. “Shit, sorry.” He has the decency to look embarrassed.
“Yep, we’re never speaking of this again. So, I’m going to go call Tyler, and you can fill Arlo in on whatever you need to.” I stand up and go to the opposite corner, using the distraction to my advantage. They can keep making googly eyes at each other while I get shit done.
I pull up the number after searching for a second and hold my breath as it rings.
“Rina?” Tyler answers on the second ring, with hope in his voice. He doesn’t sound like the asshole he was at the bistro, and it throws me a little. I was prepared for hostility, and this is anything but. I hear Oakley attempting to stop me in the background, but Willow somehow stops him. I’m too focused on my phone call to see what’s going on behind me.
“Hey, Tyler, I’m glad you picked up. I wanted to call and apologize for ghosting you on our date. That was an asshole move, and I’d like to make it up to you if I can.”Shit, that wording is going to send mixed signals, but it’s too late to take it back.
“You want to apologize?”
“I do.” I leave it at that, hoping he takes the lead from here. This is already not where I thought the conversation would go, so maybe it’s better to be on the defensive.
“Did that guy you were with do something? Did he put you up to leaving me?” His eager tone is confusing. He sounds like a teen hoping to get praise from his crush. It worries more than I’m willing to let on.
“He’s…” I contemplate what to say. “Not in the picture anymore.” The words, although what Tyler needs to hear, physically hurt to say. Arlo will always be in the picture, and even if it’s a lie, it feels like a betrayal to say.
Silence greets my ear right as Oakley enters my line of sight and sits down opposite me. I arch my eyebrow at him as he mimes zipping his lips shut, letting me know he’ll be quiet.
“Meet me Saturday for dinner. At the steakhouse.” Tyler’s demands refocus my attention, and I wince at what he said. I know I had this idea, but I wasn’t fully committed to actually seeing him again.
“Umm.”
“Make it up to me, Rina. Dinner, that’s all I’m asking.” I want to tell him he’s not asking at all, but I have a feeling invoking his ire isn’t a great option for me.
Oakley subtly shakes his head, apparently close enough to hear Tyler’s side of the conversation.
“Saturday. I’ll meet you,” I say reluctantly, and instant regret laces my decision.
“You won’t regret it. I can’t wait until you’re mine again.” Then he hangs up.
My blood turns cold and drains from my face. If we weren’t sure before, I am now.
