Even though I’ve been shopping for art online all day, I start scrolling through boutiques on my phone to see if I can find anything that fits the modern southwestern aesthetic. I’m helping Cynthia shop for a vacation home for one of her clients, and so far I’ve found two things for the project that she loved and bought.
I’m browsing on my phone while also trying to keep Nolan from jumping off the couch in an effort to fly when a text notification pops up on my phone.
Pike: Hey, I’m in St. Louis. Jasmine is really sick and I flew here from Tampa to be with Kylie. Jasmine was in a coma but she’s awake now, thank God. The doctors think she has a bacterial infection but she’s responding really well to the antibiotics they put her on.
My aggravation with Pike over the article is forgotten as I write back.
Me: I’m so sorry to hear this. Poor Jasmine. And poor Kylie, too. I’m glad you’re there with her. How are you guys holding up?
Pike: We’re all a lot better now that she’s awake and the doctors say she’s improving. Our mom is here too. I’ve never been as scared in my life as I was when I walked into her room and saw her lying there hooked up to all those machines.
Me: I absolutely can’t imagine.
Pike: It’s been a hell of a day. I miss you.
Tears sting my eyes. I want to believe him, but now I can’t help wondering if I’m the only woman he’s texting this way. Once he gets me in bed, will I have served my purpose?
This isn’t the time to bring up the article with Pike, but I also can’t pretend I don’t know about it.
Me: Hey, I’m busy with Nolan. Can I call you later?
Pike: Sure, but I’m staying at the hospital tonight so Kylie and Mom can get a good night of sleep at a hotel. Can we text instead of calling?
Immediately, I’m suspicious, and I hate that. I went over to Pike’s house the other day and poured my heart out, and now I’m doubting everything, all because of that stupid article.
Me: Yes. I’ll text once Nolan’s asleep. I’m really glad Jasmine is doing better.
Pike: Thanks. Have a good evening.
Me: You too.
I have a feeling my evening will be spent wishing I’d taken my sister’s advice and been more cautious about Pike. I’m definitely not telling her that, though.
Later that night, I’m lying in bed, replaying every moment I can remember with Pike as Nolan snores softly next to me. In each encounter we’ve had, he’s struck me as completely genuine and sincere.
He’s been a friend, listening to me and encouraging me. We’ve laughed together. Even though there’s been an undercurrent of attraction between us from the beginning, I’ve always felt like the foundation of what Pike and I have is a true friendship.
I think that’s why what I saw in the article hurts so much. I know I shouldn’t be making rushed assumptions though. What if the bets between him and Kingston were before he and I ever met?
I want to confront him about it, but with his niece in the hospital, now isn’t the time. Instead, I make small talk with him over text and try not to let on that anything’s wrong.
Me: Hi, how’s Jasmine doing?
Pike: Hey, she’s doing great. The doctors say she has to stay at the hospital a few more days to receive IV antibiotics and for observation. She ate dinner and wanted to play a game before bed, though.
Me: That’s great news. Is there a bed there for you to sleep on?
Pike: It’s a little cot. I fit if I curl up into the tiniest ball.
Me: It’s good of you to stay.
Pike: How was your day? You didn’t seem to be yourself earlier.
This is what they mean when they use the phrase “between a rock and a hard place.” I’m the type to overthink things until they get settled, and right now, all I want to do is tell him my day was great until I heard he treats women like playthings. I need to hear what he has to say about it. While my gut says Pike is a good guy and I don’t have any proof that says otherwise, my mind tells me there might be some truth to that article.
Me: Just the usual.
Pike: What’s going on?
Me: Nothing.
Pike: You saw the article, didn’t you?
My jaw drops. So he does know about it. Is he disappointed he got busted? Or…
Oh God, I hope he’s about to tell me it’s a bunch of bullshit. That his team’s PR department is taking on the unethical journalist who lied about him and his teammates.
Me: My sister told me about the article, yes.
Pike: I was planning to talk to you about it when I got home. Actually, I was planning to talk to you about it when you stopped by the other day, but you needed to go pick Nolan up.