Page 41 of The Phyre that Burns

“If it was, I’ve never been there. It sounds kinda fancy.”

“It’s an upscale restaurant, and the food is good as hell.”

We arrived at the condo, and I waited in the living room while she gathered her things.

“Is this okay?” she asked, holding up a black dress. “I didn’t bring many dressy clothes.”

“That’s perfect. I can’t wait to see it on you and take it off you.”

She rolled her eyes and returned to her room. A few minutes later, she was back with a bag on her shoulder.

“I’m ready.”

I stood, took the bag from her shoulder, pressed a kiss on her forehead, and we left.

“Being with you again is surreal,” I admitted.

“Yeah. A week ago?—”

“Let’s not talk about where we stood a week ago. Just know I was miserable as fuck.”

“Me too.”

“Your stubborn ass was prepared to be miserable for months to come, huh?”

She shook her head. “I doubt I would’ve lasted much longer. It was too much effort and negative energy.”

“I was prepared to give you one more week to get your shit together. After this week, I would’ve used my key to let myself into the condo and forced you to listen to me.”

“What made you decide to write a letter?”

“My sister suggested it. After two days of you giving me the middle finger, I was about to lose my shit.”

She giggled. “You would’ve been all right. It was a good idea, though. I was too nosy to ignore it.”

“My sister said you would read it because women are nosy.”

“She was right. We’re about the same age, right?”

“Yeah. She recently told me she was pregnant and asked me to deliver my niece or nephew.”

“Oh, wow! How exciting. I’m sure you’re honored to do so.”

“Of course. I think you two will get along. I do want to give you a heads up, though.”

“Uh-oh. Should I be worried?”

“I don’t think so. Phoenix is married to Kavia’s brother. His name is Kevin. We didn’t really get along when we were younger because Kevin was an asshole. My parents actually threatened toforce Phoenix to marry him if I didn’t marry Kavia, which was one of the other reasons I initially agreed to marry her ass. Years later, they began dating on their own. He’s changed a lot and treats my sister well, from what I can tell.”

“Interesting. I’m kinda glad I grew up middle-class. You rich people do too much.”

I chuckled. “I agree. That’s why I don’t have many friends now. Besides Lennon, I don’t fuck with the people in the social circle I grew up in.”

“Is Lennon married?” I nodded. “Was it arranged?”

“Yes, but he also has a mistress who knows he’s married, and his wife knows about his mistress.”

“Umm . . .”