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She agreed, but once again, he had the impression she didn’t actually know what he was talking about.
You two are from different worlds. Don’t act so out of touch.
No one likes a pretentious prick.
With that in mind, he knew it was time to shoot straight with her.
“Hey, I appreciate you coming with me this morning. There’s something I want to talk to you about. But I get it if you’re not cool with it. Seriously, no big deal. So, please don’t feel pressured.”
“Sure,” she said.
He could tell she was dying to know what was coming next. Her eyes held so many questions.
“I broke up with my girlfriend last night. Which reminds me, I want to apologize for being a little drunk. Not my finest moment and I hate that it was the way we met.”
She smiled softly. “Don’t worry about it. We’ve all had a little too much to drink before.”
He laughed and took a sip of coffee. “Yeah. I actually need to cut back. It’s hard, though. I go to so many parties and industry events and everyone is…” He stopped himself and looked straight into her eyes. “I’m not trying to come off as a dick. I know how that sounds. The poor little actor who makes so much money and has to go to all those Hollywood parties.”
She laughed. “Hey, every life brings its share of troubles. Right?”
After reflecting on that for a few seconds, he said, “Yeah. I guess you’re right. But I can’t ignore that I’m really blessed. I have a life most people only dream about and I want to acknowledge that. Recognize my…”
She found the word for him when it was obvious he couldn’t.
“Privilege.”
“Yeah! That’s it.”
“Well, I appreciate you doing that,” she said. “But you don’t have to apologize to me. I’m sure you’ve worked hard to be where you’re at now. I’m happy for you.”
Her words were so genuine. It made him feel pretty rotten for the dishonesty he was about to propose…
“Thank you.” He lifted the coffee back to his lips, swallowed some, then placed it down. “So, I broke up last night with—”
“Lissa Keller.”
“I guess everyone knows about us, huh?”
“Lot of online stuff,” Tessa admitted.
“Well, I… wasn’t ready for the relationship to end.”
“I’m so sorry.” A few thoughtful seconds passed. “I wish there was something I could do to help.”
Damon sat up a little straighter. Okay, maybe this wouldn’t be as awkward as he’d thought. She seemed genuinely eager to help.
Perhaps the best plan was to just lay it all out there for her. Total honesty. No reason to ease into anything.
“Actually, you can help.” He grinned and leaned closer before delivering the rest of his idea.
“You can be my babygirl!”
Chapter Eight
Tessa nearly spit out the orange juice she’d just put in her mouth.
Thankfully, she managed to gulp it down and say, “Pardon?”
