That sets me into motion. “Sure.” I grab a pair of grey sweats and a t-shirt, dressing in record time. “I’ll get Cameron to leave and we can—“
“Is he your friend?”
“In a way.”
“Shouldn’t you introduce us?”
No. “I guess.”
She places a hand on my arm, the muscles beneath the skin jumping at her touch. “It’s your choice, Jackson.”
“You’re the only one who’s ever given me a choice.”
“Not even Violet?”
Briefly, I close my eyes at the pain in my heart. “Don’t say her name.”
“Violet’s my friend.” Her chin tips up. “She talked to me when no one else would. She did things with me when no one else would.”
I would have done things with you, if you’d let me, I want to point out. Only she had and I’d screwed it up, and now I’ve screwed up even more by marrying her.
I step closer to my wife. “Maybe so. But I’ve done things with your friend in every position imaginable, and she loved it. Think about that the next time you want to hang out with her.”
Her face pales, and I want to take it back. I shouldn’t have said any of it, and not just because I shouldn’t have spoken about my ex like that.
Before I can apologize, Bliss pierces me with a glare. “If Violet loved it so much, then why did Violet choose Cole over you, when Violet had the chance?”
Chapter Five
Bliss
I shouldn’t have said that, I think, right before Jackson brushes past me, his jaw hard and his blue eyes icy.
“I’m outta here,” Jackson grinds out. He puts on a pair of shoes and grabs a hoodie.
I have no idea why he really wants to stay married, or if by making him mad, I’ve just changed his mind. It seems to me he could find another way to piss of his dad.
Sure, I could ask, but over the years, I learned that people tend to reveal things they normally wouldn’t when I wait patiently and silently for them to speak. It’s not easy, but it’s yet another reason I’ve survived for so long on my own.
“Where’s the fire?” I hear Cameron ask, his steps growing faint as he leaves the bedroom.
“People to do, things to see,” Jackson shouts, for my benefit I’m sure.
It doesn’t hurt me, not like he thinks it will.
Okay, so I’m lying. It hurts a lot, because I know what he’s capable of doing. He doesn’t love me, so in his mind, marriage vows mean nothing to him.
With a heavy heart, I pad into our bedroom and slip on my bra, fastening it in the back and smoothing my shirt down.
I stare out the window, at the pretty beach with its soft sand and waves lapping at the shore. It’s too cold to go swimming in April, not that I would anyway, because I have no idea how to swim. This is the first time I’ve ever been to the beach; the closest I’ve ever gotten is a National Geographic issue featuring beaches around the world.
The front door slams twice, but I don’t move from my spot. I hear male voices again, this time below me. I can’t see Jackson or Cameron, but it’s clear they’re arguing.
“You can stay here, then, if you’re so damned concerned about her,” Jackson shouts, the wind carrying his words to me.
I flush hot while my blood runs cold.
Another slam. Tires squall on pavement.
“He’s gone,” I whisper, and look at my ring. I’m surprised he didn’t ask for it back. I had figured it meant something to him, but what…who knows, and I doubt he’ll reveal that secret any time soon.
I suspect it has everything to do with Violet. A pang of jealousy hits my heart, but I can’t be mad at her. I really do consider her my friend.
Although, I doubt I’ll be seeing her any time soon.
Here, on the outskirts of Charleston, on this tiny island, I doubt I’ll be seeing anyone soon, including Jackson.
And that’s just the way I like it. Or so I tell myself.
***
It’s almost six in the evening, and I’m curled up on the couch in the living room, watching A Lady’s Pleasure. The hero, an actor named Ian Romanov, plays a prideful, tormented earl who falls in love with the pastry shop girl, but can’t bring himself to admit it. So he uses a fake name and writes love letters to her, then she finds out and… well, I have never actually made it to the ending.
When I was on tour with Jackson and Violet, all the girls would gather in her trailer for movie nights. Everyone, that is, but Callie, Jackson’s ex-fiancée.
I don’t think anyone missed her, including Jackson, but I guess when your fiancée is cheating on you with your dad, well…
The doorbell rings and I start, looking around for someone to answer it. It rings again, and then whoever is at the door knocks.