Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 92466 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 462(@200wpm)___ 370(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92466 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 462(@200wpm)___ 370(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
“Let’s step outside, please,” I told Riley, leading her down the block where there was no way Mimi or Nicole would overhear.
When I felt comfortable that we were well beyond earshot, I stopped and faced her. “Why didn’t you call before showing up here?”
“You told me you were dealing with a family situation, Atticus. You conveniently left out the part where your ex-wife was involved.”
I exhaled. “You shouldn’t have come.”
“Why? Because you didn’t want me to know what you’re up to?”
“Riley, even if I were having an affair with my ex-wife, which I’m not, you and I are not exclusive.”
“Yes, but I thought we had an understanding that when you weren’t touring…you and I would spend time together. Why did you lie and tell me you were coming to New Jersey to visit your family?”
An understanding created by you that I’d never agree to? “I didn’t lie. I said I had a family situation, and that’s what this is. Nicole and I aren’t married anymore, but she’ll always be my family.”
I owed Riley the decency not to continue this conversation on the street, so I texted Nicole that I would be back soon.
We got in Riley’s car and drove to a bar in town.
Once there, I explained the full situation. While she wasn’t happy, Riley calmed down a bit once she realized the situation with Nicole wasn’t as cut and dried as she’d assumed.
“Will you tell me now how you found out where I was?” I asked.
She stirred the ice in her drink. “I called your manager and told him I needed to reach you. Doug said you’d had him order a set of drums to be delivered here and gave me the address. Said he knew nothing more than that. But what prompted me to reach out in the first place was a photo posted online—you and Tristan out with two women. One I recognized as his girlfriend, and I knew the second woman was your ex.”
I narrowed my eyes. “I’ve never shown you photos of Nicole.”
“No, but come on, Atticus. Of course I’ve peeked at your old social media posts over the years.”
“That’s creepy.”
She raised an eyebrow. “You mean to tell me you’ve never stalked someone’s social media before?”
Only Nicole’s, although she never posted much. I guess I couldn’t blame Riley for stalking me. I couldn’t blame her for being pissed, either. She knew I dated other people, but she’d been around long enough that I owed her the truth. I had nothing to hide, but somehow I had been trying to hide the fact that Nicole was the family I’d been referring to. I still had feelings for my ex-wife. And I couldn’t admit that to Riley without getting her more upset than she already was.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t clearer about why I was here. Would you have taken it well if I’d told you the truth, though?”
“Probably not. But I would’ve accepted it. What choice do I have when it comes to you? I’ve accepted a lot, like the fact that our relationship, if you want to call it that, won’t ever go beyond friends with benefits.”
“Are you not happy with our dynamic anymore?” I asked.
Riley crossed her arms. “I’ve never been happy with it.”
I could not handle Riley developing feelings. She’d been a good friend and lover, but it was nothing more than casual for me. Never had been. If she wanted more, she deserved better than to be strung along by a man who would never love her. Maybe now was the time to set her free, even if she wasn’t technically mine to let go of.
“Riley, listen, I don’t want you to hate me. You’ve been a very good friend, and your companionship has helped me through a hard stretch in my life. I’ve appreciated having your company when I’m home in L.A. but also the fact that you never question what I do with my time when we aren’t together. It’s been the perfect situation for me, but not a really fair situation for you, if what you want is someone who prioritizes you. I’ll never be a true boyfriend.” I forced the words out. “Maybe it’s better if we end this now.”
She moved back in her seat. “You’re breaking up with me? Is that what you’re trying to say? Here, in this podunk bar?”
“I’m suggesting that you not waste your time with me anymore because I can’t give you what you need.”
Being around Nicole again had confirmed that I had no room in my heart for anyone else. And if even a piece of my heart was what Riley wanted, this had to end. Because none of it was hers to have.
Her bottom lip quivered. “What if I just want to keep things the way they have been?”
“You really came all the way out here to tell me you want things to stay the way they are? You wouldn’t have come if you didn’t care about me. And you deserve to have that reciprocated.”