Page 9 of Pick Six

“How did you even know I still live here?”

“Violet and Ben told me.”

“Wow. I guess I need to have a discussion with my friend about boundaries.”

“She knew I was desperate.”

“For what?”

“We need to talk about last night.”

“There’s nothing to talk about. Stupid decisions were made all around. It’s over now.”

“Except it’s not, because the asshole decided to run to management this morning. Now they and everyone else are breathing down my neck about what happened, including my agent.” He gives me a meaningful look when he mentions the last bit because we both know that spells trouble.

“I don’t see how Drew is my problem anymore.”

“He doesn’t know who the woman was, but when he finds out… You can guess how that’s going to go over. Especially when I tell him we’re dating now. So I thought you might want to have a discussion first and get some early planning in on this?”

“I’m sorry… We’re dating now?” I blink at him.

“Can we have this discussion somewhere other than your entryway?”

“Not really. I’m in the middle of painting. That’s why you should text first.”

“Painting what?” He looks curiously over my outfit.

“The walls. I’m trying to get the house ready to sell.”

He sidesteps me and makes his way out of the entry into the house despite my reluctance, taking a look around. His brow furrowing as his eyes land on the sparse furniture in the house. It’s a shell of what it once was, especially the last time he saw it.

“What the fuck happened? You selling soon? Where’s all the furniture?” He glares at the couch, the last remaining piece of furniture besides the TV and the overturned box that serves as a coffee table.

“Drew took it when he moved out.”

“Why are you still living here like this?” His eyes drift over the wall I’m painting.

“Because it’s what I can afford. I’m saving up for an apartment. I have a nonprofit salary, remember?”

“What about the money from the divorce? The alimony. I know how much he fucking makes.” Alex’s eyes come off the wall to meet mine.

“We weren’t married that long, and I didn’t want his money. I’m fine on my own.”

“Living like this? Like you’re a college student squatting in an old house?”

Wow.

“Okay. Did you just stop by to insult me or is there a purpose to this visit?” I cross my arms over my chest and stare at him.

The furrow in his brow relaxes a little as his eyes drift over me once more. He looks up at the ceiling and runs a hand through his hair before his eyes find me again.

“I need to know if you can… If we can pretend for a while. At least until this blows over.”

“Pretend what?” I’m fairly certain I know what he’s referring to, but I want to make sure that I’m understanding the insane thing he’s suggesting.

“That we’re together.”

I blink at him rapidly.