Stanton Box Set

“Are they exclusive?”

Shit, a trick question. If I answer no, then she sounds like a slut and if I answer yes, then she played up on him yesterday with the masseur.

I shrug and smile. “Not sure.”

He narrows his eyes at me. “Not sure,” he repeats.

I scratch my head in frustration. “No, I mean I think they have an open relationship.”

He nods and our drinks arrive. He tastes the wine. “That’s fine,” he says quietly after tasting it.

“What’s with the sudden interest in Abbs?”

He shrugs. “Just curious.” His eyes lift to meet mine and he raises his eyebrows in defiance.

“Joshua, Abbie is a really great friend to me. I don’t care how many men she sleeps with. It has nothing to do with me.”

“I thought that too but after her little appointment for you yesterday I’m not so sure.”

I put my head on its side in frustration. “You’re still on that.”

He frowns. “Yes, I’m still on that—it’s not easy to forget,” he snaps angrily.

“Ok, let me ask you this. How was the VIP Room on Friday night? Did you get laid like you wanted to?”

“No,” he snaps.

“Why not?”

“Because I had you on my mind and they were a very poor substitute. That’s why,” he sneers angrily.

I smile broadly at him. The waitress comes back over to us. “Can I take your order?”

I smile and gesture to Joshua.

“I will have the soft shell chilli crab for entree and spaghetti marinara for main,” he says quietly.

“Mmm, that sounds good. I will have the same.” I smile at him across the table and he frowns in question.

“What are you smiling at?” he asks as the waitress leaves us.

I shrug and hold out my hand for him. He takes it gingerly. “I’m just glad to be here with you, that’s all.”

“Tash, don’t overthink this—it’s just dinner.”

I nod and put my head down as my cheeks heat. “Joshua, we need to talk.”

“No, we don’t, leave it,” he sighs.

“I need you to know what was in my head last time you saw me,” I whisper.

“I know what was in your head, Natasha.”

“Have you been with Amelie since you went back to America?” I ask nervously.

He shakes his head. “No, I haven’t.”

“Why not?” I ask.