“I don’t know,” I reply honestly. “I want to tell Jade. I want to get it out of the way, so she can react however she needs to react, and we can hopefully put it past us.”
Colt snorts, then winces again. “You really think she’s just going to get over it, and you and Grady will get to live happily ever after?”
“Well, no, I’m sure she’s going to be pissed and hurt, but I know Jade, and when it comes down to it, I think once she’s allowed herself to feel how she feels, I think she’ll want us to be happy.”
“I don’t know, buddy. You’re banging her little brother.”
“Okay, when you say it like that, it sounds perverted. He’s an adult.”
“I know that, but it’s not like you moved on with some stranger. You moved on with herbrother. That’s going to sting.”
Heaving a sigh, I run a hand over my mouth, smoothing out my mustache. “So, what do you suggest?”
“Why the hell are you looking at me like I’m the know all, be all love guru? You act like I’ve ever held a serious relationship in my life.”
“No, but you clearly have an opinion,” I counter. “So, let’s hear it.”
“I think what you two have, while intense, is still new. If it were me, I’d probably wait and see where it goes while you’re on the road the rest of this season, and if it still feels real and serious by the time you get home, then maybe sit down with her, and tell her. No reason to stir shit up now when it very well could fizzle out.”
Suddenly, my hackles rise as I feel oddly defensive about what Grady and I share. “It’s not going to fizzle out,” I growl.
“Relax.” A smirk spreads on Colt’s face. “I’m just saying. Give it time. What’s the difference if you tell her now versus in September, honestly?”
“The fact that I wouldn’t have to continue to lie?”
“Boone…listen to me or don’t listen to me, I don’t really care. You’re a big boy and can do what you want. But I’m about to take my meds, and it’s going to make me sleepy, so it’s been real. Goodbye.”
I can’t help but chuckle at his bluntness as I raise off the chair. “Thanks for the advice, Colt. I plan to check in frequently, so don’t ignore my messages.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
“Love you. I’m glad you’re going to be okay.”
His features soften as he glances up at me. “Thanks. Love you, too, man.”
During the drive home, I think over what he said. Coltdoeshave a point, not that I’d ever tell him as much. Maybe waiting until we get back home from the circuit would be the smarter move. It would give us time to figure out whatever this is between us without pressure.
It’s something to consider.
It’s just after nine,and I’m finally getting around to doing the dinner dishes. Suzy went to bed about an hour ago after the sugar high she had from eating all the desserts at Colt’s parents’ house. Music plays softly from the Bluetooth speaker that’s hooked up to my phone as I rinse the dishes and load the dishwasher.
I’m just finishing wiping down the counters when Jade strolls into the kitchen. She’s been spending a lot of time in her room lately, and it’s probably because it’s a little awkward living with your ex-spouse. We may co-parent and get along just fine, but even for me, it’s weird living together still. We’re rectifying that as soon as the season is over, but still, I’m sure it’s not fun for her having her ex-husband all up in her space.
“Hey,” I toss over my shoulder, putting a detergent pod in the dishwasher and starting it.
“Can we talk, please?”
Glancing over at her, she takes a seat on one of the bar stools at the counter, and she doesn’t look happy. I dry my hands, toss the rag on the counter, and turn around to face her, propping my butt on the counter.
“Sure, what’s up?”
Jade won’t look at me. Her jaw is clenched, and she’s messing with her hands, which is a strong tell that she’s pissed. “I debated on whether I should even say anything because, in a normal circumstance, it really wouldn’t be any of my business, but the longer I sat with this, the more angry it made me, and the more I knew I couldn’tnotsay anything.”
Oh, fuck. Please don’t let this be about what I think it’s about.
“Jade, what’s going on?”
“The other night, I woke up with a scratchy throat. My water bottle wasn’t by my bed like it usually was.”No, no, no.“So, I decided to go downstairs and get a glass of water before going back to bed.” Shit. Fuck. My heart is hammering inside my chest, sweat sheeting my body. It happens in slow motion. Painfully slow. “Imagine my surprise when I round the corner to come into my kitchen and find you and Grady already in there.”
