Page 3 of Deny Me

Well, he was going to be useless. I needed to go calm my friend down and fix any damage done.

I quickly buttoned my shirt and rushed after her, finding her pacing just like her brother. “Shit, Lu. I’m sorry. I didn’t expect you to be here early.”

“Obviously,” she said with a sneer. I let my breath out and waited for her to calm down on her own. Nothing I could say was going to fix it right now. “God, Evie! Blech! You know I don’t give a shit it happened. I’m just beyond horrified that I saw it happening.” She finished with exaggerating gagging noises.

“Well, to set your mind at ease, I’m not going at it with Jameson behind your back. It just sort of happened,” I finished with a shrug, not knowing what else to say.

Jameson finally decided to join us and stood beside me. Not close enough to form a front of solidarity, because there was still plenty of distance between us to state we were not together. A pinch formed in my chest at him ignoring me. I wasn’t hoping he would declare a relationship with me and grab my hand. Ew. But some support would’ve been nice.

Luella focused an angry glare on Jameson. “I came early to talk to Jameson about some unresolved issues we have.”

Jameson rolled his eyes and I threw my hands up, knowing this was my cue to leave and let them settle their issues. “Oh, yeah. I know what you want to talk about and I’m not staying around for that.” Luella was pissed at the way Jameson had acted toward her boyfriend Jack the other night. That was going to be a coming-to-Jesus argument I did not want to be there for. Instead, I walked to the bar to collect my purse and jacket. “I’ll tell you what – I’ll let you guys have this family lunch alone today to have a fun argument, and I’ll catch up with you next week.”

I walked toward the door, but turned to blow Lu an air kiss before walking out. I purposely ignored Jameson. He hadn’t said anything as I was leaving, and I didn’t know what to think of that. His brush-off stung, which made me laugh since I had never cared if a guy wanted a repeat. I enjoyed whatever was there in the moment. But just to make sure I was the first to call it, I pulled out my phone and sent a message.

Had lots of fun. But you know I don’t get it on with people I see all the time.

I hope you enjoyed your taste! ;*

I hit send, ignoring the pang in my stomach. Shaking it off, I reminded myself that Jameson was looking for forever and I wasn’t. It was better that way.