Page 100 of Whiskey Wednesdays

When we walked back inside, a hot ball of rage simmered in my chest. Connor not telling me hurt more than finding out he’d been married when he started pursuing me.

The party was breaking up.

When Titus walked over to say goodbye, I pointed a finger in his face. “You knew. You knew he was married, and you didn’t say a word,” I snarled in a low voice.

He studied me for a minute, then put his hands on his hips. “Choux, I know you’re angry. And probably want to knee us both in the balls.”

“No. I want to go back to Seattle and pretend I never met Connor. Or you.”

He winced, then let out a long sigh. “Talk to him, and get his side. You can still stay with me if you need to.” He squeezed my stiff shoulder and walked out.

Connor and Jackson were in the game room, but everyone else had left. I didn’t dare go to the bedroom and pack my things, but I wasn’t staying here a minute longer.

Quietly, I grabbed my purse and car keys, then went over to my dad’s house. He and Elodie were just walking out.

“How was the party?” he asked.

“Good. You guys could have come over.”

Elodie yawned, and I knelt down next to her.

“Sorry for keeping you up. You ready for bed?” I asked.

She nodded. “I read some books. And you know what?” she asked.

My heart hurt a little. I already loved her so much.

“No. What?” I asked softly.

“I’m reading really good now.”

“I know you are. I love you. Have a good night.”

When I stood up, Dad studied me. “You okay?”

“I’m going to grab a few things I left at your house. If you talk to Connor, tell him… I’ll contact him in a few days, okay?”

Dad glanced at Connor’s house, and his brow furrowed. But he nodded.

Hurrying inside, I grabbed some clothes and toiletries and stuffed them in an old gym bag. I also picked up one of my skateboards. I must have known on some level not to leave all my things at Connor’s house.

When I pulled up to Laurel and Martina’s place, I let out a long, shuddering breath. Checking my phone, I noticed Connor had called me twice, and he’d left a few texts.

Connor: Where are you?

Connor: Bella, where the fuck are you?

I steeled myself, then called him back.

He answered on the first ring. “You better have a good reason for sneaking out.”

“I do.” Rage and anger morphed into hurt and pain. “You were married. Up until a month ago, you were married. I called you my boyfriend, we lived together, and we fucked... so many times. But you never said a word.”

He was silent for several seconds. “Come home so we can talk.”

“Nowyou want to talk? That’s ironic, isn’t it?” I laid my head on the steering wheel. “How could you not tell me something like that?”

“Bella, it’s not what you think.”

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