Lovesick bastard.
The second I step outside, I answer. “Hey, Julia.”
She launches straight into a tirade without even saying hi. Something about Dan—the guy she cheated on me with. I’m only half-listening. She burned that bridge when she spread her legs for him.
She finally pauses to breathe.
Fantastic.
She’s found oxygen.
I speak before she starts ranting again. “Not my problem, Julia. You made your bed?—”
I jerk the phone away from my ear when she screeches so loud Mr. Pickles probably wakes up from his nap on my bed ten minutes away. Or maybe he’s busy pissing on it because I wronged him in some mysterious way. Who knows? That cat is psychotic.
I pace back and forth outside the bar, pinching the bridge of my nose and regretting every life choice I’ve ever made.
Especially marrying her.
I tune out most of her rant until she says something that really pisses me off.
“No, that’s not what I meant when I said that.” I lower my voice when a couple gives me a look as they head inside.
This is not a conversation I want everyone in Hollow Creek hearing. Nosy Vermont bastards don’t have anything better to do than eavesdrop on private conversations.
I head down the steps and across the parking lot.
“You’re not a slut,” I mutter, stopping in a dark corner where the lights barely touch the parking lot. “Why would you even take it that way?”
She continues with her temper tantrum.
I drag a hand through my hair, gripping the phone so tightly I’m surprised it doesn’t crack. She’s a real piece of work.How the hell did I stay married to her as long as I did?
I know the answer to that. Even if I don’t want to admit it.
I didn’t just love her. I built my life around her.
And she threw it away like it meant nothing.
I turn and nearly barrel into a shadow.
“Hi,” a female voice cheerfully says.
“AHHHH—Jesus Christ!”I shout, my phone flying out of my hand, clattering to the blacktop.
My heart slams against my ribs as I stare at the woman standing in front of me, one hand pressed against my chest.
She looks like she’s been standing there for a while, waiting.
But not for me.
Right?
I mean, there’s no way a striking redhead like her would be waiting for me. Even in the throes of my coronary, I’m still mesmerized by her.
I blink at her.
She doesn’t look bothered.
