Page 39 of The Forever One
“Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to see you, but what are you doing here?”
“Job in the city finishes next week and I got my divorce papers filed, so thought I should at least come in and have a drink at my best friend’s club while I’m still here.”
“Congratulations! You know you can still visit from Staten Island, right?”
“Yeah, but it’s easier having somewhere to stay close by. Not a fan of the ferry after a few of these.” He tips his beer at me and I laugh, because I get it. All that sloshing about is not a good mix with alcohol.
“How did you know I’d be here? It’s not exactly working hours.”
“You didn’t answer your phone and I worried, so I asked your husband where you were.” He smirks.
“You did what now?” My eyes could probably fall out of my head in this moment because that is not something I thought wouldeverhappen. I know they did a bit of man-bonding on the Fourth of July last month, but woah.
“It’s okay, Riv. We’re cool. He told me where to find you, said you were having drinks with another old friend.”
He’s watching the stage as a trio of burlesque ladies begin a routine toFever. I love when they do this one, the classic music with a good old fashioned dance routine always brings the girls great tips. Checking my phone, I see two missed calls from Kai and a couple of texts from Marco.
Husband:
Fine, I’ll take my own pictures tonight. *Winky tongue out emoji*
He’s such a horny pre-teen sometimes.
Husband:
Your hippy friend is on the way.
Husband:
Have fun, wife.
I choose to ignore him, because I have no doubt he’s already sitting in a corner of the club somewhere, watching over me like the possessive caveman he is. I’d berate him for it, because no man will control me in that way, but I also think it’s kind of sweet—and I couldn’t give two shits if outsiders believe that’s a little fucked up.
“That shorter one is hot.” Kai nods to the dancing trio on the stage with a grin.
“She’s also married and has two kids at home.”
“You know I’ve got a thing for married women.” He laughs, and while I know he’s joking around, I have to acknowledge the truth behind it, because I’m not a dumb ass. I’m aware of his feelings toward me.
He’s not wrong, we are soulmates, but not in the way he believes we are, or the way I once thought we were. Soulmates can mean so much more than just lovers.
“Yeah, yeah. The brunette on the left is single though. Her name’s Natalie if you want me to pass your number on.”
“Seriously? Hell yeah.”
We both laugh and I roll my eyes. To be fair, they’d be a good match.
“How are you doing, anyway, Psyche?”
“You really can’t call me that anymore, Kai. But I’m fine. Coping, you know.”
“Don’t worry, I don’t dislike Marco… too much. And you don’t have to be brave with me. I’m here for whatever you need, okay?”
He nudges me gently and I know he’s being genuine, the glint in his honey eyes is clear as day. Well, as clear as it’s going to be in a dimly-lit club.
We spend the next hour forgetting about all the crap and watching the various routines on stage. Burlesque night is one of my favorites, the music so easy to get lost in. Spending this time with Kai is refreshing, a nice change from all of us as a group, and it only cements my feelings.
I love him with all my heart.