Easy Kisses(32)
“Six weeks in a row,” Kelly adds, raising her glass in salute.
“Most of his television appearances have been in the US,” Violet says, nodding. “That could be why you missed them. You should look them up on YouTube. He’s become quite the sensation.”
“That’s enough,” Todd says quietly to his sister. “Have a good evening, Amy.”
“Well.” She clears her throat, her gaze still on mine, and then as if she’s gathering herself, she puts on a dazzling smile for the group. “Yes, I should join my friends. I don’t want to be rude.”
“Too late,” Violet says and waves goodbye as Amy walks away. “I hate her.”
“Rubbing Simon’s success in her face doesn’t do anyone any good,” Todd says immediately.
“It was really more of a he’s doing much better without you dig,” she clarifies and takes a long gulp of her wine.
Todd and I share a long look. He’s the only one in the world who knows everything about my tumultuous relationship with Amy and what she put me through during our marriage. The others just know how it ended, and that’s bad enough to make them want her to suffer.
“How can you not gloat a bit to that bitch?” Violet asks.
Because the result would be far worse than just ignoring her.
“Because she’s not worth it,” I reply with a shrug. “She’s not even on my radar anymore.”
“So let’s stop talking about her,” Kelly says. “I’m baby-less, with some of my favorite people and I don’t have to make a bottle or change a nappie. So tell me more about Montana. Were there some fun women there this time?”
“It was a great group,” I reply before Violet can, making her scowl at me. “It was fantastic.”
“Simon met a girl,” Violet announces as quickly as she can between my comments. “That’s the most important thing.”
“Remind me again why we bring you to these things?” Todd says, rubbing his temple. “You’re a pain in the arse.”
“No, this is important, and you seemed to leave it out,” Kelly responds, watching me with surprised brown eyes. “Who is she?”
She’s the most incredible woman I’ve ever met in my life.
“She was a client,” I say instead and wince. “I’m not proud of that part.”
“I know you,” Kelly says with a shake of the head. “You didn’t flaunt it in front of the others, and you were professional as well. I doubt you have anything to be ashamed of.”
“She’s right,” Todd agrees, surprising me. “You were discreet and Charly is great.”
“Her name is Charly?” Kelly asks. “Tell me more about her.”
“She lives in New Orleans where she owns a shoe store.”
“My kind of woman,” Kelly says with a wink.
“She’s funny, and strong, and we enjoyed each other while we were there.”
“And that’s it?”
“That’s it.”
“He’s a stubborn arse who won’t call her,” Violet says, shaking her head at me.
“We didn’t plan to see or speak again,” I reply, my gut twisting. I didn’t realize how much I would miss her.
“What did you think of her?” Kelly asks Violet.
“Oh, we got along brilliantly. She has a strong loyalty to her family, and she’s definitely smart. She wasn’t showy or pushy, just a nice girl who we would be friends with.”
“How lovely,” Kelly says. “I think you should call her, Simon. Just the mention of her name makes your face soften. You deserve to have some happiness in your life. You work harder than anyone I know. You should enjoy some of it.”
“I love you for looking out for me,” I say and lean over the table so I can kiss her cheek. “You’re one of the sweetest people I know. Why in the world did you marry this bloke?”
“Well, I’m rather fond of him,” she says and kisses her husband softly. “And don’t think I didn’t notice that you changed the subject.”
“You’re a smart woman.”
“I need to go to the loo,” Violet says, motioning to Kelly. “Join me?”
“Sure.”
The women leave, and as soon as they’re out of earshot, I turn to Todd.
“How can I feel nothing for her?”
“Charly?”
“No, Amy. How can I look at her, have her hand on me, and I feel nothing for her at all. No emotion. I don’t hate her. There’s just…nothing.”
“It’s been a few years, Simon,” he replies and pushes his hands through his hair. “She put you through hell for most of your marriage.”