“Sweetheart, Tom Ellsworth is here. Let’s go say hello.”
“You go ahead,” she said. “I’ll be over in a bit.”
Lance glanced my way and I caught a hint of aggravation. “I’ll wait for you,” he said.
“That’s okay. Please go ahead. I just have to talk business with Killian for a minute.”
An uncomfortable note of silence hung in the air before he walked away.
“Sweetheart?” I said, watching her expression. “What was that about? You let him call you that, but he’s not your boyfriend?”
She sighed deeply. “He’s in denial.”
“Maybe you should tell him to fuck off instead of being so nice to him.”
“After tonight, trust me, I’ll be telling him something very close to that.”
“Good,” I said. “You have fun with that.”
“Yeah. And you enjoy your mediocre romp in the sheets with what’s her name.”
“Who said I’m sleeping with her tonight?”
“Please, Killian. Why else would you endure her company for an entire evening?”
“I’m definitely in the mood to fuck, but I’ll be dropping Celia off on my way home. What about you? You sure you’re not gonna let Lance spread your legs tonight? If so, I hope he brought his Viagra.”
Sid smiled and rolled her eyes. “He’s forty-five, Killian. That doesn’t mean he’s impotent.”
“Answer the question, Sid.”
“No.” She sipped her champagne, looking nervous but not meeting my eyes. “I’m not sleeping with Lance.”
“Is this an on again, off again thing? You sure he’s not your boyfriend?”
“Very sure.”
“But you’ve fucked him before.”
“I said I’m not sleeping with him, alright?”
“You better not let that motherfucker eat your pussy.”
“Jesus, Killian. Who do you think you’re talking to?” she muttered.
“If you give me your number, I’ll text you later to make sure you’re going to bed alone,” I said, sighing as I saw Celia making her way toward us.
“There you are!” she squealed. “I’ve been looking all over for you! I thought you were going to come and look at the silent auction stuff.”
“You ready?” Sidney asked.
“For . . . ?” My attention was being pulled in two directions.
“My number.”
I pulled my phone out, entering her number as she gave it to me.
“Later, then,” she said, her eyes meeting mine.
“Later. I’m keeping my promise. You better keep yours.”
Her smile was full of unspoken words. But she didn’t have to say anything for me to know she wouldn’t be letting Lance fuck her tonight. I wondered if, like me, she was more turned on by what she and I weren’t going to share tonight, than by what would come easily with anyone else.Sidney
I could hold up my end of an argument any day of the week, but when I was truly pissed I said absolutely nothing. Lance knew this, and during the entire drive back to my apartment he begged me to talk to him.
“We need to work this out, Sidney. I know I haven’t been the man you deserve, but I’m ready to try again. You know we make a great team.”
I’d heard it all before, and I was so done with it. My last remaining hope that Lance and I could remain friends had vanished tonight. If I ever saw him again it would be too soon.
When we arrived at my condo, instead of parking out front Lance circled the block, still talking a blue streak.
“I’m here and we’re face to face now. Let’s work this out, sweetheart.”
I was sick to death of listening to him and I just wanted to get out of this stupid car and get up to my condo. Obviously I was going to have to try a more direct approach, “You’d better stop this car right fucking now, Lance.”
He shook his head and looked surprised, and then cruised into an empty parking spot. “So this is it?” He leaned toward me, angling for a kiss.
“No,” I said, venom in my tone. “Eight months ago was it, but you refused to move on. And as far as tonight goes, you put the final nail in your own coffin. I can’t believe you made a comment like that in front of everyone, let alone one of my players.”
“That was only because he’s one you’ve got the hots for. I could see it all over your face.” I almost laughed at his petulant tone.
“Lance, I wish you well. But I can’t talk to you anymore. Please, don’t call me again.”
I got out of the car and closed the door, not looking back. He pulled away as I was unlocking my front door. Maybe, or rather hopefully, he’d understood me this time. I’d been foolish to believe he would ever be satisfied with just being friends.
Once inside, I went up to my room and changed clothes and took off my makeup, relieved to be in for the night. While I was brushing my teeth, my phone dinged signaling a text message. I finished getting ready for bed and grabbed my phone. I was ready to chat and I just knew this message was from Killian.