It’s just Ollie, Tom the Tank, and me at the house today, and I take off to the front entrance. Tom materializes between me and it like some kind of phantom, and I hop back with a little yelp.
“How did you do that?” I put a hand on my chest, breathless.
His brow lowers, and he doesn’t answer my question. “Are you expecting someone?”
“Yeah.” I pat him on the shoulder. “Possibly my least favorite person on the planet, so if you feel the urge to beat the shit out of him, don’t fight it on my account.”
His brow lowers, and I realize this guy has no sense of humor. None.
I’m not sure I’m going to take back what I just said, though.
Pulling the heavy door open, I’m pissed when I see Elliot standing there in an Armani suit looking as polished as he always did. His light brown hair is carefully styled, and he looks around at the yard and driveway.
“What’s Courtney doing here?” He turns back, his full lips twisted in a scowl. “Is this some kind of live-in masseuse type of situation?”
No, asshole, I made that mistake with you.
The fact he even uses that derogatory term says a lot, but I won’t let him get to me. “We’re staying with a friend. What’s so urgent you had to give it to me right now?”
I’m impressed by how unaffected I sound… How unaffected I am by his cheating presence. He has effectively killed any love I might have had for him all those months ago.
“Nadine boxed up everything you left behind when you stormed out.” He lifts a small box and holds it out to me.
Her name, the scenario he describes… I hate that it hurts, but I smile through it. “You didn’t have to do this.”
“Yeah, well, she said it was a good idea. No need for you to show up unexpectedly wanting to claim something that was yours.
”
His phrasing roils my stomach. Nadine can fuck right off if she thinks I would ever want this idiot back. I manage a little laugh at the absurdity of the suggestion. “That would never have happened.”
“Still, here it is.” He shoves the box towards me, and as my luck would have it, a black Tesla pulls into the driveway right behind his Mercedes.
My ex glances over, and when he sees Spencer stepping out of the luxury car, he turns to me with a sneer. “This isn’t about Courtney. This is about you.” Lifting his chin, he gives me a slimy wink. “Is this a new record?”
Heat burns in my face. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“We were together three weeks before you moved in—has it even been four weeks since we split up?”
“It’s been longer.” I shove my hair behind my ear. “Even if it hadn’t, I knew him before I met you.”
“I see you found a new sugar daddy to take care of you.”
My body flashes hot then cold. “That is not what’s happening. He’s helping Courtney and Oliver—”
“And you just happen to be along for the ride.” Elliot lifts his chin, grinning like a fucking Cheshire cat. “Or is he getting the ride?”
“You asshole.” My fist tightens, my voice a heated whisper. “You’re nothing but a lying cheater.”
“And you’re a gold-digging slut.”
Spencer walks up to where we’re standing, and as always, he reads my face quickly. He can tell at once something is wrong.
“Can I help you?” He takes a step forward, partially blocking me from the idiot.
“Nah, man.” Elliot tosses his chin at me. “I was just saying goodbye. Enjoy her.”
Elliot turns and saunters to his Mercedes. The door slams, the engine roars, and he squeals tires getting out of the driveway.