Page 97 of Whiskey Wednesdays

Titus nodded toward the door. “Let’s get lunch.”

“I’m not hungry.” My appetite had fled a few days ago, and I seemed to have a constant ache in my belly.

“Now I know something’s wrong. Let’s go get coffee then.”

We went across the street to a little coffee and bakery shop near the arena, and I ordered a tea.

Running my thumb along the lid of my drink, I brooded. “Since that article you sent me? The one with the two photos? Connor hasn’t said more than a handful of words to me. And he’s distracted and quiet.”

Titus leaned back in the booth and grunted. “Are you still living at his house?”

“Yes. But I can’t stay there.” I looked away. “He won’t talk to me, but he still wants to… have sex all the time.”

Titus’s hand clenched on the tabletop. “I’m sorry,choux. How’s your apartment?”

“The landlord finally texted back last week. And then only when I sent photos of the leaks to both him and the HOA. He said he’s working on it.”

Reaching over, Titus grabbed my hand and squeezed. “You can stay at my place if you want. Connor will be pissed, but he deserves it.”

Something about Titus’s comment struck me. “What do you mean? What does he deserve?”

He shook his head. “I’m not getting in the middle. But if you need a place to stay, you’re always welcome. Connor can go fuck himself.”

On the way home, I stopped and picked up a few items to make a charcuterie board for the Martini Monday party at Connor’s house that night. We’d agreed to host it together when he’d still been talking to me. Then I started worrying he’d forgotten or changed his mind, so I texted him.

Me: Are you still okay with having Martini Monday at your house tonight?

Connor: Yes. Why wouldn’t I be?

My temper rose, and I fired off a reply.

Me: Hum, I don’t know. Maybe because you’ve been moody and silent over the past week.

He didn’t text me back.

Two hours later when Connor still hadn’t come home, that sinking feeling grew in my stomach.

Connor walked in around the time guests started to arrive. I didn’t look at him. Dad had strung café lights around the pool area, and he’d turned on a few heaters so we could enjoy the courtyard and the gardens. He and Elodie had helped me get ready, then they’d gone to his house to watch the newest episode ofAda Twist, the Scientist.

Martina, Sebastian, and Laurel arrived first. Sebastian helped prep the drink station, and Martina stood by with her arms crossed. “What drinks did you decide on?” she asked.

“Well, this group seems to like whiskey, so I thought an old-fashioned and a whiskey sour would work. There’s also beer and wine.”

“Sounds good. Sebastian can mix those up in his sleep.”

Sebastian grunted. “Good choices.”

She turned to me. “I need to talk to you. I ran into Connor’s former assistant a couple of days ago. We had a strange conversation.”

“What’d she tell you?” I asked as I laid out cheese wedges.

Martina glanced around and lowered her voice. “We need to talk in private. Harley mentioned you’re living with Connor right now because your apartment flooded.”

I grimaced. “There’s a slow leak spreading across my ceiling. I’m pretty sure there’s mold by now.”

“You should come stay with Laurel and me. I already talked to her about it, and she’s got an extra bedroom. It would give me someone else to bully into going to karaoke night with me.”

“That’s a nice offer, and I appreciate it.” I put the cracker box down. “But you’re scaring me. What is it?”

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