Page 109 of Play Dirty

“You dumped him and then a day later were hanging on the same guy the media portrayed you as having a relationship with.”

“I wasn’t hanging on him!” I snap. I rub my temples. “Sorry. I’m just tired and frustrated. There’s nothing between Cassius and me. There never has been.”

“If you tell Marty that, I think he’ll?—”

“I can’t,” I interrupt. “I love him, but for once in my life I need a man who believes in me, no matter what. When I’m being a little crazy, he has to put up with me because that’s who I am. I can’t be with a guy who doesn’t get that. The negativity that follows me is part of my professional persona. I am who I am. If he can’t love me in spite of myself, then he can’t love me at all.” My voice breaks at the end.

“Oh, honey.”

“Look, I have to get some rest. I’m doing an in-store appearance at some high-endperfumerietomorrow, so I need to at least try to sleep.”

“Nightmares?” she asks knowingly.

“They’re better, not as often, but yeah.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Thank you.”

“I know you’re dealing with a lot,” she says after a moment. “But don’t write him off yet. Just think about it, okay?”

“I will.”

Once we disconnect, I go to the window and take in the beautiful view. I can see the Eiffel Tower from here, all lit up. It’s so pretty at night. I spend a lot of time sitting by this window, usually with a book and a cup of tea. Thinking about the twists and turns of my life.

I’ve been so lucky professionally—and yet so unlucky in my personal life.

Maybe it’s time to tip the karma scales in my direction by doing something completely selfless. It won’t fix things with Marty, but it could fix thingsforhim.

I have no need for twenty-five million dollars.

Not even close.

I reach for the phone and call my attorney.

“Hi,” I say when she gets on the line. “I need you to reach out to Madeline Aronson. Tell her to draw up paperwork.”

“Paperwork?” My lawyer sounds mystified.

“A check for five million dollars if Brenna signs over primary custody of the kids to Marty.”

“Stevie, are you sure…” Her voice trails in confusion.

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. Do it. And please, keep my name out of it. Anonymous donor.”

“Stevie, I don’t think?—”

“Please just take care of this for me. And I’ll see you next week.”

I disconnect and smile.

I love you, Marty. I hope this makes up for how much I hurt you.

Chapter35

Marty

The rage simmering justbeneath the surface of my psyche is threatening to boil over. I didn’tlosecustody of my kids, but I didn’t win it either. It’s basically a wash, with Brenna the primary caregiver, simply because she doesn’t work. How is that fair?

---