My eyes widen in shock. It’s from a publisher. They want my book.
I look at Ezra and he squeezes my hand growing impatient.
“Marry you. Aren’t you asking the wrong idiot!” I snap.
“What’s wrong with her?” I hear Ronald asking. “First the car and her phone. Is she on drugs?”
“What I am is an idiot who was informed moments ago that her boyfriend was fucking his assistant behind my back, while unable to breakup with me because he was afraid it would cost him a huge account with my stepfather.”
Monica’s hand goes to her mouth. Ezra gets up from the floor and my mother shoos the violinist away.
“What are you talking about, cheating on you. Why would I ask you to marry me? Who told you this?” He demands.
“I overheard Judy on the phone while I was using the restroom. Why would she say it if it weren’t true?”
“I don’t know, but I’m going to find out. I swear to you Conleigh, I don’t know why she would say such things. I’ve never gave her any reason to believe any of that to be true. I asked you to marry me because I love you and want to spend our lives together.”
“You said that Ronald’s campaign led you to asking me, so why is that?”
“I thought we could use our engagement photos for the advertisement. You have such a beautiful smile, I thought the whole world should see it and see our love.”
“By advertising my stepdad’s practice?” I laugh.
“Why don’t you take her on home,” Monica suggests.
“That’s a great idea. I will get a cab,” I announce, pushing my chair back. “As always, it was nice to see everyone,” I exclaim with mock enthusiasm.
“Conleigh, wait.”
I stop and give him one chance. “Don’t lie to me.”
“It was one time,” he admits.
“See, that wasn’t so hard, was it? Thank you.” I spin around and make my exit. Outside of the restaurant, I go to make a call for a cab and realize that even my phone isn’t my own. I’ll fix that tomorrow.
I should go to the dorm and stay with Bailey, but I stupidly moved the rest of my shit in with Ezra like an idiot.
“Conleigh, please just give me a chance to explain. At least let me drive you home.”
“I gave you two years of my life, Ezra, two years! All you had to do was be honest with me. Why did you ask me to move in with you? Why did you just propose?”
“Because I don’t want to lose you. You’re everything to me. I swear on everything, I only want to make you happy, Con. That’s all I want.”
I nod, unable to find my voice. The valet brings the car around and I allow Ezra to drive me home in silence. I don’t know what to say. I keep replaying our conversation over in my head. I wish I could say I believe him, but out of everything he’s said, there are two things he didn’t say.
He didn’t apologize and he damn sure didn’t promise it wouldn’t happen again. He says it was one time as though that somehow makes it okay.
When we get to the apartment, Ezra shuts the car off and locks the doors, keeping me from exiting the vehicle. He attempts to take my hand in his and I pull away. Right now, I can’t bear for him to touch me.
“I need space, Ezra.”
“I understand. Just promise me that you will think about our future, Con. I love you, always.”
“I will,” I tell him, unsure of what tomorrow will hold.
Chapter 13
Holden