Page 123 of A Song for You

Sophie smiles. “Much better. Now, tell me, did you finish, or did he interrupt that? Because if so, I can understand why your panties are in a wad. You have lady blue balls.”

I twist my lips to the side. “Is that a thing?”

“Of course it’s a thing. Did you not read my article last month? It causes stomach aches.” She shakes her head. “Wait, has no one ever stopped before getting you off?”

Honestly? No, that’s never been an issue for me. “I guess I’m just lucky?”

She laughs. “No, it’s because you normally fuck women. Fewer selfish assholes in your dating pool.”

I groan. “We’re getting off track.”

She smiles. “I know, but I couldn’t handle that sad face. Come sit on my bed and tell Mommy what happened.”

I huff out a laugh. “You have problems.”

“But you love me. Now come on. Out with it.”

“That’s just it,” I say once I’m cuddled on her red duvet. “I’m not really sure what the hell happened. One moment, I was sharing a hot, forbidden moment with my brother’s best friend, and the next, as I’m coming, my ex is staring at me.”

A wicked smile splits Sophie’s face. “I mean, he more than deserves it.”

I laugh and put my head in my hands. “I know.” I take a deep breath. “It just doesn’t make sense. Why is he here? Why now?”

Sophie taps on her chin. “Yes, why now?”

“That’s not even the worst part,” I add quietly.

“Don’t hold out on me now.” Sophie grabs the wine bottle from the nightstand and pours us each another glass.

“He said he’s my new boss…our new boss.”

Sophie scrunches her face in confusion. “What? What did Cynthia say?”

“I can’t get her on the phone.” I blow out a breath. “But Soph, the acquisition…you don’t think…” I shake my head, afraid to put words to what I’m thinking.

“That Jonathan Hanson purchased the magazine—one you happen to be an editor for—so he could win you back?” Sophie asks with a straight face.

I flinch. “No. That he bought the magazine to, ya know, fuck with me or something…”

“But why, Cat? It’s been thirteen years. Why would he do it just to screw with you now? It makes no sense.”

“That’s just it. Nothing with Jay has ever made sense. And now, right when we’re making plans to move Chloe here, when I’ll finally have her with me all the time…now he’s back in the picture?”

“Fuck,” Soph mutters. Then she tips back the rest of her wine.

“Yeah. Fuck.”

Seven

Cat

About Damn Time by Lizzo

With my red lipstick in place, a killer black dress hugging my curves, and my phone in my hand, I stride to my office. “Call me, Cynthia,” I whisper down at my phone.

But the damn thing remains silent.

As soon as I settle at my desk, Sophie appears in the doorway. “Any word?”