Page 121 of Lumi

“I’m not seeing anyone specific. But I’m flirting a little with a movie producer from LA, and a celebrity whose name I won’t mention.”

“Why not?”

“Because then you’ll all freak out.”

“Now, you have to tell us.”

“No, but I can tell you that I’m also flirting with a banker with an enormous yacht.”

Kit wrinkled her nose up. “Are ye sleepin’ with all these men at the same time?”

River gave an offended huff. “I’m not sleeping with any of them.”

“Well, maybe that’s the problem then.” Kit shrugged. “Your problem isn’t to attract the men but to make them stay. Could be that your men would stop straying if the milk bowl wasn’t empty at home.”

“It’s different when I have a boyfriend, and please don’t insinuate that it’s my fault Tyler moved on or that Storm cheated on me. That’s on them!”

“I don’t know.” Kit chewed on her lip. “Other people’s infidelity is my profession, and I know you don’t want to hear this, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that there are always two sides of the story.”

Nathan spoke up. “That’s not fair, Kit. I went on a survival trip with River and Storm in January. River was loving and sweet to him the whole time. And still, he let Serena seduce him.”

Kit gave River a sympathetic sigh. “I’m sorry, lass.”

River’s eyes turned moist, and her lips quivered a little. “I don’t know why you’re hard on me. It’s one thing to be dumped, but if you had to see your ex on every magazine cover for months, your heart would be crushed too. Each time I think I’m doing better, there’s something new. Like a stupid poll to determine who’s prettier, Serena or me.”

“For what it’s worth. I think ye’re much prettier than her,” Damian said in support.

“You do?” River blinked her wet eyes.

“Absolutely. Serena is beautiful when she’s styled up, but in some of the pictures I’ve seen of her, she looks very ordinary. Ye’re always stunnin’, even without make-up.”

With a hand to her chest, River’s face melted. “Thank you, Damian. That means the world to me. You want to know the weirdest part? She left me a voice message yesterday.”

“Who, Serena?” Nathan asked.

“Yes. It’s like she thinks we can still be friends. She said that she’s in Dublin this weekend and invited me to have brunch with her tomorrow or swing by for a drink after nine tonight.”

Nathan scrunched his face up. “Is she out of her mind?”

“She must be. As if I would ever want to see that phony bitch again.”

Nathan snorted out loud. “I’m baffled why she would invite you. Doesn’t she know what a bloodbath it would be?”

“I think you should go meet with her.”

We all turned to Jolene, who was sitting on Atlas’ lap.

“You’re joking?” River said in disbelief.

“No. It’s better to talk to people instead of about them. It could be therapeutic for you to face Serena and direct your disappointment and resentment at her. Maybe she’s unaware of how much pain she cost you, and by calling her out, you could help her in her growth as well.”

“I don’t want to help her. And the last thing I want is to see her face ever again!”

Nathan leaned in and narrowed his eyes. “I wish you would go and give Serena a piece of your mind. She deserves to hear the truth!”

River made herself small by tucking her hands under her armpits and pulling her legs up. “I would love to give her a real nose punch, but I hate confrontations. Can’t you do it, Nathan?”

“Me?” Nathan lowered his brow. “I would never hit a woman.”