Page 79 of Mr. Infuriating (Mister #1)

Gretchen

We sat in the formal living room that, as far as I was concerned, was a waste of space. Back when we’d been married, I’d had plans to knock some walls down once the kitchen was finished.

It looked like I was going to have to just change the furniture and décor if I wanted a different use for the room now. But who knew when that would be in my budget.

Troy sat on the edge of the loveseat and flashed his toothy smile that I used to find so handsome. I’d always thought he was sexy in his suit, but apparently work boots and tool belts were my real weakness because I felt nothing as I looked at him.

He reached for my left hand and caressed my empty ring finger.

“It’s weird to see you without my ring on your hand.”

I snatched my hand back and absentmindedly rubbed the digit as if trying to cancel out his touch.

“Speaking of that, can you tell me where you bought it? I’d like to see if they’ll buy it back.”

“You want to hock your wedding ring?”

Duh.

“It’s not doing me any good sitting in my jewelry box, and I have bills to pay, Troy.”

He glanced at the ground and murmured, “What would you say about me moving back?” before looking up at me expectantly. “You wouldn’t have to struggle to pay your bills anymore. I could take care of you and Jake. ”

I gave my head a little shake and closed my eyes tight as I replayed his words in my head to make sure I wasn’t hearing things.

“ What ? Are you kidding? I’d say, Cora would have a problem with that.”

“We broke up. When she realized I wasn’t going to marry her, she filed a sexual harassment suit against me with HR, and they fired me.”

Gee, who knew banging your subordinate wasn’t allowed?

“ They fired you ? So, that’s what this is about. You’re broke.”

“I’m not broke, I got hired the next day by Dylan and Associates making more money.”

I made a mental note of that for the next child support adjustment hearing.

He clasped his hands between his legs and leaned forward.

“I miss you, Gretch. I miss our little family. I fucked up, but it didn’t take me long to realize Cora could never be you.”

My head was whirling. Was I in the Twilight Zone ? He couldn’t possibly think I’d take him back.

I wracked my brain for something to say, and he continued.

“Give me another chance, Gretch. Let me come home and be your husband again. Jake needs his father.”

Now he’s worried about my son needing a dad?!

I gave him my patient smile—the one I usually reserved for belligerent seventh graders or their parents.

“You’re right, Jake does need a dad. And I’m glad you’re interested in getting to know your son. But we don’t need to be together for you to do that. I wouldn’t keep you from seeing him. In fact, I’d love to set a schedule for you to spend time together.”

****

Gabe

Derrick looked over at me as I sat down at the bar.

“What are you doing here on a Wednesday?”

“I was tired of getting drunk at home alone.”

He pulled out a mug from the freezer but stopped short before pulling the tap.

“You’ve been getting drunk—alone—at home?”

I snarled, “Yeah, so?” and he pulled the lever to start the flow of beer.

“Wanna tell me what’s going on?”

“Beau is an asshole, that’s what’s going on.”

He put a bar coaster down, then set the draft on top of it.

“We all know that. I’m going to need some context.”

I gave him the abbreviated version of what had transpired over the last ten days, then added, “And I thought I’d show up to her house tonight, anyway, but there was a red Jag F-Type in her drive.”

“So? That could be anyone.”

I took a long pull, then set my mug down with a thud.

“Please. She’s got a dude over. We haven’t even been broken up forty-eight hours, and she’s already dating someone else.”

“But you just said she was supposed to tutor Brayden tonight. I doubt she made plans with such short notice. ”

I dropped my head onto my forearms on the bar.

“Even worse—it’s a booty call!”

Derrick made a show of looking at his watch.

“At eight o’clock?”

“It could happen! She’s gotta work in the morning.”

My little brother pursed his lips and rolled his eyes.

“I seriously doubt that. You’re getting yourself all worked up over something you don’t even know is real. I think the better question is, why do you care? You don’t want to be with her, remember? Or is this a case of I don’t want her, but I don’t want anyone else to have her either ?”

“I do want her!”

He crossed his arms and glared at me.

“So, what are you gonna do about it?”

I took another drink and grumbled, “Not a goddamn thing. Just drink and be miserable.”

Derrick nodded to my near-empty glass.

“You’re off to a good start.”