Things have been going wonderfully. Wonderfully platonic.
It’s been weeks since the incident with Ren, and true to his word, he meets me himself or sends one of his men to help me walk Bruce every night.
Also true to his word, he’s given me exactly what I’ve asked for. A strictly platonic relationship.
I’m not going to lie, I’ve felt like an idiot on multiple occasions for having shoved him away that night. But then life happens and after every relapse, I’m reminded of why we’re such a bad idea.
The main one happens to be walking next to me this very moment.
“So, are you going to tell me why you’re sulking? We’re surrounded by Chanel and Prada. Nobody should be sad around Chanel and Prada. It’s sacrilegious, especially to a fashionista like you.” Bella grills me with her stare, and I know she won’t stop her inquisition until she gets what she wants. Information.
“Okay. I’ll tell you if you tell me what’s going on with you and William first…” I place the ball in her court, sure she’s going to buckle and change the subject.
I’m wrong.
“Ugh! That man is infuriating. One minute he’s hot, the next he’s cold. I don’t know which side is up with him.” She stops walking and pulls me into one of our favorite bistros in Highland Park Village.
Immediately, the maitre d’ spots us and heads over.
“Ladies! How lovely to see you again. Shall I seat you at your regular table?” The gorgeous brunette with raven eyes motions us to the right.
“Yes, please.” Bella smiles warmly at her before stepping in tow.
We’re seated in the courtyard overlooking a beautiful fountain, which you’d think would soothe my nerves—but it doesn’t.
Maybe Bella’s forgotten our conversation?
“Like I was saying…”
Not a chance.
“William is hot one minute and cold the next. Did I tell you his ex showed up at the house demanding to see Harper? I mean, the woman abandoned her one-year-old daughter and comes waltzing in months later as if it were no big deal!” The busboy places a carafe of water on the table before pouring us both a glass. “They have a meeting with their lawyers soon and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. What if the judge gives Harper back to that crazy woman?”
“I’m so sorry, Bella! I had no idea all that was going on.” A brick of guilt sits in the pit of my stomach. Here I am obsessing over the status of my relationship with Ren—her uncle—when she herself doesn’t know whether her man’s daughter is being taken away from them.
Now is definitely not the right time to come clean about my indiscretions.
“Oh, girl. Don’t worry about it. I hadn’t really told anyone because even I’m not sure of what’s going on between William and me. He has enough on his plate with his crazy ex. I don’t want to be something else he has to worry about.”
Before I can say anything, my phone starts vibrating on the table. Quickly snatching it up, I slide the messaging app open—praying Bella didn’t see who the sender was.
REN: Your place in two hours.
That’s two hours earlier than usual. What if I had other plans? I roll my eyes, something that doesn’t go unnoticed by Bella.
“Who was that? And why did you snatch up your phone like it was the last golden ticket?” Bella’s slanted brow lets me know I can’t sidestep out of this one. But maybe I can do the shuffle.
“Some asshole I’ve been not seeing.” I take a sip of water, needing the liquid to quench my suddenly dry mouth. “He gave me the cold shoulder after a heated night and is just now texting me for the first time in weeks. Seriously, he’s not worth the mention.”
Not totally a lie. This technically is the first time he’s texted me since the incident that shall not be mentioned. And so what if I’m the reason for the cold shoulder.
“What a jerk. Don’t give him another thought.” Bella lets out a noise of disgust before flagging down our waiter.
It’s time to up the ante on our beverage situation.
I’m stumbling to the door of my apartment, realizing we probably shouldn’t have ordered that extra round of drinks. Oh well. C’est la vie.
“You’re late.” Ren’s deep voice has me raising my gaze, coming face-to-face with the chiseled embodiment of perfection.
Nope, I totally made the right call with that extra round.
I ignore his jab at my tardiness as I try to open the front door, all while reminding myself that pushing him away was the right thing to do. I repeat it over and over in my head like a mantra.
Off-limits, off-limits, off-limits.
“What’s off-limits?” Ren’s puzzled expression lets me know I was thinking out loud.
Well, fuck. Time for some damage control.
“What? I didn’t say anything.” I greet Bruce before continuing toward the loft’s kitchen, away from his scrutinizing gaze. “Any news on the stalker front? Is it safe to drop our guard now?”
“There’s been some news, but we still need to get everything confirmed before we can let everyone else know.” Ren looks away, avoiding my eyes. Interesting.
“Are you not sharing because you think I’ll tell Bella?”
Immediately Ren begins to pace. I’ve definitely hit a nerve but I’m not sure if it’s because of Bella being my best friend, or if he really thinks I’d tell her something he’d share with me in confidence.
His phone goes off, killing any chance I have of asking any follow-up questions.
“Hey, Becca. Is everything ready for tonight?” Ren, who was a ball of anxiety moments ago, is now donning the biggest smile known to mankind. Seriously, it’s something that belongs in the book of Guinness World Records.
I open and shut my utensil drawer a little too loudly. Who is this Becca, and why does she make Ren so fucking happy?
Ren chuckles, and I’m not sure if it’s at my blatantly petty behavior or something Becca said.
“Can’t wait. Thanks, babe.”
Both brows shoot up to my hairline. Babe? Well, I guess he hasn’t been wallowing like I have.
“So, what were we talking about?” The corner of Ren’s mouth lifts into a smirk.
“This Becca must have some sort of hold on you if she made you forget Bella’s would-be attacker.” I purse my lips and give him the side-eye.
“Must…” Ren is outright full-bellied laughing now. “As for the attacker. We’re still keeping our guard up. Just because they’ve been silent, doesn’t mean they aren’t planning their next attack.”
I turn away from him and open the refrigerator door, unable to let him see how much he affects me. I rummage through its contents, unsure of what I’m looking for, but knowing the cool air is at least helping the red in my face disappear.
I know he doesn’t owe me any explanations when it comes to this Becca, but fuck does it still burn.
“Surely you could at least let up on having a detail on me every night. Bella is the target, not me.” I finally turn to face him holding the milk carton before placing it on the counter.
His face is impassive, not giving anything away. “About that… we need to talk.” Ren’s eyes narrow as he steps around the granite island, coming mere inches from where I’m standing. “We’ve been seeing each other a lot lately…”
Not sure where he’s going with this, but it’s making me nervous. I quickly open the takeout containers I brought home, waiving the contents in Ren’s face. “Cheesecake? It’s the best in town.”
“I’m good thanks.”
Damn. It’s bad if he’s refusing food. The man is the equivalent of a human garbage disposal.
“I don’t think we should let up on having someone walk with you at night, but I do think maybe I should step back a little.”
My chest. There’s a hole in it. That’s the only reason that could explain this soul-sucking pain I’m feeling right now.
He must guess his words have affected me because he tries to soften his blow. “You can still call me if you need anything, Cassie. You know that, right?”
“Uh-huh. Yup. Got it.” I touch the tip of my tongue to my top lip and slowly nod once before biting the lower lip.
I will not cry. I will not cry. My treacherous eyes begin to tingle, unwilling to listen to what my brain is telling them. I need to shut this shit down now.
“And no worries. There’s no need for me to call you. I’ve been taking care of myself long before you came along. If I need something, I’m sure I could make it happen on my own.”
“Cassie, stop. You’re being ridiculous. I’m not saying I don’t want to be your friend anymore, I’m just saying I think it’s for the best if someone else takes my post during your walks with Bruce.”
Oh hell, no he didn’t. Did he just call me ridiculous?
“I think it’s time for you to leave. I need to walk Bruce, and before you say anything, it’s still broad daylight and the streets are packed with people. There’s no need for you or anyone else to accompany me.” I walk over to the door and swing it open, leaving no room for interpretation. He’s worn out his welcome.
Ren shakes his head as he begins to walk out. With every step he takes, my heart splinters and cracks, taking the remnants with him.
He stops outside the threshold, and with his back to me, issues the killing blow. “Goodbye, Cassie.”
I slam the door, sliding down against it, finally releasing the silent tears I wouldn’t shed before him. Closing my eyes, all I hear are the echoes of his words, burning down whatever shards of my heart he’s left behind.
Goodbye.
Goodbye.
Goodbye.
