Page 44 of Third Time Lucky

“Because he’s a cheater. He cheated on you and made you feel guilty about it. Unfortunately, you weren’t surrounded by people with cameras attached to their necks who could catch him in the act. She was.”

“Why?” I’m not sure what I’m asking. Why get into a relationship at all? Why spend your life using people for what they can do for you, instead of having a genuine connection? Why be such a waste of space?

“He’s a man, Joey. And with very few exceptions, men are greedy and selfish and only think about themselves. We might be better off if they left the planet.”

That was adamant. “Okay, what is going on with you?”

She makes a face, dismissing my question. “Not now. We’re basking in karma. And in nine days, instead of avoiding the news of their wedding, we can celebrate the actress who, despite her questionable movie choices and obvious body issues, at least had enough self-respect to kick him to the curb when confronted with the evidence.” She bites her lip. “Am I evil for enjoying this? I want to buy a copy and send it to his mother.”

I smirk. “That won’t do any good. I’m sure she already has a signed copy. His mother adores him.”

I can’t bask as much as Tani. It took me years to see what she knew from the start and his vampire bride discovered in months.

At least with Elliot, I found out before I made a complete fool of myself.

Now you’re not being fair.

Elliot is nothing like my exes. He’s a decent guy who had a momentary lapse. I built it up because of my unusual attraction. He got the blame for not living up to my fantasies.

I’m not letting him entirely off the hook, though. He did kiss me and freak out about it. But it’s my pride that’s dented. Nothing more.

My cardboard Quinto in the corner of the living room is rolling his eyes.

I imagine,because if he were really doing that, I’d be checking myself into a hospital instead of glaring at him.

Don’t even start, buddy.

“Hey, while I’m thinking about it, do you know anything about Emerson Wayne’?”

I blink down at Tani, my brain rushing to switch gears. “That’s random. Isn’t he the one with the two boys?”

“That’s the sum total of your knowledge? The one with the two boys? And don’t call me random.”

I chuckle. “You’re right, that was too far. I don’t think I’ve seen him since I moved here. Why?”

She scowls, but her eyes shift away from mine. “I’m starting a fan club.”

“Lies.”

“Jae mentioned him,” she says uncomfortably, pushing her hair behind her ear. “Something about a custody kerfuffle and his possible need of our services. I’m looking into it.”

I sit up straighter. When did she talk to Jae? “Why didn’t he call me? I’m in town. I can go—”

“I’m on it,” she insists. “All you’re focusing on for the next few weeks is decorating the office, volunteering and dating. I mean it, or I’m calling your mother. She says hi, by the way.”

“I’m surprised she hasn’t called me already.”

“She’s giving you two weeks with no nagging as an early Christmas present. Her words. Joey, about my broth— What’s that noise?”

Hearing it too, I get to my feet. “Did someone order me a drum solo instead of a singing telegram?”

I can’t be sure, but I think someone might be at my door. There’s a rhythmic rat-tat-tat against it, growing louder the longer I take to reach it. There is more than one person making that racket. As I get closer, I hear singing and giggling on the other side and realize who it is. Rue and the baseball player.

I didn’t think he’d seek me out again. Not on purpose.

“Behave, T,” I say before taking a calming breath. Then I manage a smile as I open the door to a pair of matching grins and chin dimples.

I focus on the shorter knocker first. “Good morning, Rue.”

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