This is Reckless (Checkmate Duet 3)
We’d been together for years, and the shortness he had with me was new. I didn’t know how to react or what to say, and all I could think of were the pictures of him with another woman on his Facebook.
C: I’m coming over anyway. :)
There was a long pause before I received a response. I had enough time to get dressed and put the top down on the Jeep. Right as I was backing out of my driveway, a text message blinked on my phone.
T: I think we should break up, Court.
My heart dropped, and I was in so much shock I sat there reading the words over and over. We’d been together for years. He knew everything about me, and I knew the same about him. Sadness was followed by anger, and at that very moment, I realized I’d been played and replaced by another woman. From that point on, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever be good enough for anyone.
But I can’t deny it’s different with Drew. He’s not just anyone; he’s my best friend and roommate—for now. As much as I hope it’s not the case, I feel as if my eviction notice could be coming since she’s back in the picture. Considering how crazy she is, she might just tell him to stop talking to me altogether.
After I get dressed in a sexy little skirt and halter top, I pack an overnight bag with work clothes to stay with Kayla. She may have thought I was joking, but I was dead serious about sleeping on her couch tonight. I need time away, I think, especially with Drew being home for the next three days, though we really do need to talk. Even if he doesn’t believe me, or thinks it’s a big mistake, the conversation needs to happen. But I have to decide if it’s worth bringing up or not since he and Mia were a little too cozy on the couch. My heart says yes, but my head says no, and I’m not sure which one will win yet.
I let out a deep breath as I put on my high heels and grab my keys to the house, forcing the thoughts of her kissing him away. As soon as I shut the door, I exhale, seeing both of their vehicles are gone. I swallow hard, allowing my mind to wander. He probably went to her house so they could be alone. My stomach twists in knots thinking about it.
Right on time, Kayla pulls into the driveway in her cute little cherry red Mustang convertible. The top is down, and her hair is as wild as her glitzy outfit that’s reflecting moonlight.
“We’re going with the top down?” I ask as I throw my duffle into the backseat and climb inside. “You told me to tame my hair!”
“Yes, top down! I’m pretty sure you’re the one that told me the bigger the hair, the closer to Jesus,” she says with a giggle and reverses once I’m buckled. The girl has a lead foot just like me, and I think I’m in love with her car already.
“That’s what we say in Texas. I don’t think Cali is ready for big hair and well, big everything.” I give her a wink, but she doesn’t put the top up. Honestly, I wouldn’t either. The weather is way too nice to waste it, regardless of how long it took me to fix my hair. There’s a brisk coolness in the air that makes me shiver, but I love every second of it. She turns up the music, and it’s blaring as we speed through the neighborhood. It reminds me of all the good times Viola and I have had in the Jeep during summer breaks. Happiness is allowing the wind to blow through your hair as you speed down the highway, plus it always helps me clear my head.
After we park, Kayla turns and looks at me and gives me a big smile. “Are you ready to dance your ass off?”
“You have no idea,” I say, trying to comb my hair down with my fingers.
We walk into a dance club called Toppers, and I’m shocked we’re here because it’s been years since I stepped foot inside this place. Kayla orders us drinks, and we’re vastly traveling down a one-way road to Margaritaville when she decides she wants to leave and go to Good Times. I don’t argue, but neither of us is in any position to drive, so we Uber across town because the drinks are cheap and it’s ladies’ night, so the place will be full. The Uber drops us off in front of the main entrance and Kayla and I walk inside laughing about something I can’t remember.
“The goal for tonight is to forget about it all and have a good time, okay?” she says.