Page 49 of Third Time Lucky

LUCY

Sitting at the bar, Madi and I anxiously wait for her ‘date’ to arrive so we can put her plan into action. Plan – Make Aaron Jealous – to see if he actually has a heart or if sexual gratification is his only personality.

‘Have you two talked yet?’ Madi asks.

I shake my head. ‘I’m sort of spooked, honestly. I don’t want to make another mistake.’

As I recount my conversation with Asher, the storm of insecurities that Brandon left in his wake stirs to life.

Is it normal for guys to pretend like Aaron’s behavior is OK?

Shouldn’t men hold each other accountable instead of looking the other way?

These questions swirl through my mind like a hurricane getting ready to level up, causing me to second-guess everything I thought I knew about Asher and our relationship.

If someone had said something to Brandon, would it have mattered?

‘Ash is probably different,’ she reassures me.

‘Probably doesn’t help me not worry.’

‘I know,’ she moans, taking a sip of her drink.

‘Aaron is a grown man and can make his own choices – Asher is not responsible for that. However, if someone is deliberately disrespecting or degrading a woman, it is the responsibility of all men to speak out against it – especially if they’re brothers.

’ The words tumble out of her mouth in a rush, frustration and determination filling her voice.

‘That’s what I think,’ I say. ‘Honesty is one of the qualities I admire in Asher. I mean, he wouldn’t let me marry someone unfaithful. Why is he suddenly drawing a line with his brother?’

‘Did you tell him that?’

‘I did. And then I was interrupted by work, and since then, I can’t bring myself to talk to the guy because I’m terrified he’s been hiding the kind of man I’m trying to avoid. If that’s true, at this point, my heart will break forever, not just temporarily…’

‘Forever,’ Madi sets her drink down, the look of shock on her face. ‘No more man ban?’

I shake my head. ‘Or maybe a permanent man ban if this works out for the best. I think I’m in love with him.’

She gasps, holding a hand over her mouth. ‘Love?’

I nod.

‘Holy shit, I’ve intruded with my ridiculousness, haven’t I?’ she asks suddenly.

‘No,’ I reassure her. ‘Friends come before guys.’

‘I can’t believe you love him! Does he know?’

‘Almost. Or I thought he did, and then this happened, and now I’m not sure.’

Just then, the door chimes as it opens, and in walks mister tall, dark, handsome and dull. Madi nudges me subtly, indicating that he’s her target for the night.

‘You called Tanner to help?’ I whisper to her.

‘Why not?’ she replies with a shrug. ‘He may be dry in conversation, but at least he’s nice to look at. And that’s kind of what I’m going for tonight.’

As he approaches the bar, Madi greets him like an old friend.

‘Hey, Tanner! So glad you could make it. You remember, Lucy?’

He nods and flashes me a charming smile. ‘Of course I do. How’d your hamster fare?’

I only crack a small smile.

‘Now…’ Madi turns to me as Tanner settles onto the stool beside her and orders a drink. ‘You sit over there in the corner and keep watch. If things start getting heated when Aaron arrives, I’ll pull the plug. I just want to see if he gets jealous, not cause a full-blown fight.’

‘When will he be here?’

She glances at her phone. ‘I texted him ten minutes ago and told him I’m not waiting on him to pull his head out of his ass and I’m going out with a real man – a gentleman, then “accidentally” sent him my location pin, so he should be here within the hour if he gives a crap.’

‘You are evil but genius,’ I laugh, grabbing my drink from the bar and heading to my dark corner to wait.

We’re at a place named Lit. The atmosphere is cozy yet lively, with dim lighting provided by random neon signs and stylish Edison bulbs hanging over the bar.

Their blue and orange hues illuminate the wooden countertops and stained concrete floors.

Vintage posters and concert fliers decorate the walls, adding to the retro and edgy feel of the place.

My crimson drink, expertly mixed and chilled, has a refreshing tang of cranberry and vodka with every sip.

The buzz of people talking and music playing in the background makes it impossible to hear anything else from my table.

All I can do is watch this possible train wreck.

My stomach growls, reminding me that I haven’t been able to enjoy one of Asher’s delicious dinners in a while.

It’s only been a couple of days since I last saw him, but I miss him more than I ever thought possible – which is conflicting with the things swirling through my head.

While burning Brandon’s ‘soul’ helped me heal, witnessing Ash defend his sleazy friend who hurt mine brought back the feeling I hate most: distrust.

I can’t imagine what I would do if Aaron and Madi remained a couple, only for him to betray her while Asher knew and never mentioned it to me. I need reassurance that he won’t keep secrets from me before I jump to conclusions based on my insecurities.

Why, universe? Why does betrayal plant a deeply ingrained fear that continues to haunt us even after we remove ourselves from the situation?

I don’t understand it and am unsure how to handle it.

That’s why I chose to take a slight step back from our relationship, not as drastically as Aaron did with Madi – we’re still texting – but enough to give myself some distance and gain some perspective.

Initially, I intended to talk with him over dinner tonight.

However, when Madi mentioned her plan to test whether Aaron has any emotions inside that overly pretty meat suit of his, I opted to act as a bodyguard instead.

I didn’t realize she was inviting an outsider, instead of picking a random dude when we got here.

She doesn’t really need me, but even if it’s only by way of emotional support, I’m here for her because I know she’d drop everything for me.

I’ll catch Ash tonight while he preps for tomorrow and address my issue.

Fifteen minutes later, Aaron barges through the establishment’s front door, causing the bell to chime loudly.

He stops, scanning the room. I quickly sip my drink and shift my head to avoid being noticed.

However, Aaron’s gaze never reaches me because he immediately spots Madi.

He freezes momentarily, ruffling his hair and looking like someone just ran over his puppy.

If I didn’t know better, I believe his face could be classified as an emotion that is not sexual.

More disappointment mixed with some ‘fucked around and found out – shit.’

Madi has noticed him but is playing it off like she hasn’t, cuddling up to Tanner in a way that makes me cringe.

She starts chatting animatedly with him, tossing her hair back and laughing at something he’s said.

We all know Tanner is anything but funny.

She should get an award for this performance.

Aaron’s jaw clenches, his hands balling into fists at his sides. It’s clear he’s struggling to keep his composure as he watches Madi with another man. How did the guy ever think that him cozying up to some woman in front of Madi wouldn’t make her feel the same way?

A wave of sympathy for him pours through me, despite everything, and I glance around the bar to see if there’s anyone else who could distract him – a pity date, you could say – to make Madi jealous in return.

That seems like him. But before I spot someone uncoupled and under the age of forty, Aaron strides purposefully toward Madi and Tanner, determination etched on his face.

Uh-oh.

Madi looks up in surprise as Aaron reaches them, his eyes blazing with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine. Tanner stands, sensing the tension in the air, but Aaron speaks before he can say anything. I can’t hear exactly what he says, but with his words, Madi’s eyes widen in confusion.

Given how long he’s been talking, it’s pretty clear that Aaron’s pouring his heart out to her – ignoring Tanner completely while he blocks his view of her by standing between their barstools.

Madi’s expression shifts from confusion to understanding, then softens with a mix of compassion and forgiveness.

Awkwardly now hovering on the sidelines, Tanner eventually takes a step back, realizing this is a conversation best left between Madi and Aaron, and before I know it, he’s headed my direction.

‘Your friend’s nuts,’ he says, sitting across from me.

‘Aren’t we all somehow?’ I ask, wondering how our couple of interactions have turned into a weird acquaintance.

He nods. ‘It’s why I do what I do. Love makes you crazy.’

‘Who said the word love?’

‘She did.’

‘What?!’

‘Her exact words were, “I’m in love with a moron.” But yeah, pretty sure that counts.’

‘Oh my God,’ I say in half a whisper. ‘I knew she liked him, but love? That’s huge!’

‘The hugest,’ he says. ‘Speaking of love, what’s going on with you? Why are you alone? Where’s three?’ He glances around the bar as if he must be here somewhere, but Ash doesn’t even know where I am, and I feel bad about that.

‘Why do you assume I’m in love?’

Tanner laughs, tapping his temple with his forefinger.

‘I see things, remember. I don’t understand why people think it’s bull? Like you said, we’re all nuts somehow.’ He winks innocently.

I sigh heavily. ‘Then I suppose I’ll give you the satisfaction of knowing you’re not wrong,’ I admit. ‘Love is involved with three. Whose name is actually Asher. So, perhaps your imaginary magical powers aren’t so nuts after all.’

Tanner leans back, a smile growing on his face. ‘I knew it.’

My phone dings with an incoming text finished with a heart.

Asher

Miss u

I can’t help but place a hand over my fluttering heart as a smile stretches across my face. He misses me? My God. What is he doing to me? How cute is this man?