Page 107 of The Other Fork in the Road

“Really? I shouldn’t talk to him?”

“Hell, no. We both saw his chick return, sporting an engagement ring. I think it’s safe to say this thing is done. Bastard never should have led you on.” She hugged me again. “I’m sorry, sweetie.”

I sighed. “I’m going to go.”

She pushed me back. “But first, it’s important that he sees you having a moment of fun so he doesn’t think he got under your skin. You’re a bad bitch, right?”

I didnotfeel like a bad bitch. “Uh, I don’t think so.”

Her hands went to my shoulders, and she shook me hard, causing my head to bob all over. “You’re a bad bitch, right?”

“Sure.”

“I’m here to tell you that you are the baddest bitch in the West!”

A little smile crept across my lips.

“Before you go, here’s what’s going to happen.” She leaned back and tapped on the shoulder of a cute guy. “Hey, Bud. Are you single?”

“Zoey!”

“Yes.”

“Will you take this beauty for a spin around the dance floor?”

He eyed me up and down and smiled. “Sure.”

Zoey pulled a twenty out of her bra and stuffed it in his pocket. “And kiss her real good.”

“Zoey stop this!”

She winked at my new friend as he grabbed my hand and pulled me onto the dance floor. I looked back to see Zoey shooting finger guns at me. The guy was talking about something as we swayed to the music. With one eye on me and the other on my bare feet, he was gentlemanly in his effort to keep me from getting stepped on. Unfortunately, I only had eyes for Jax, who was in deep discussion with Austin. I didn’t see Abby. She was probably waiting naked in his truck while Jax said his goodbyes.

My new dance partner didn’t suck, but I stepped on his toes twice.

“Thank you for the dance, but I think I’m just going to go.”

I started to turn when he caught my arm and pulled me to him like Fred Astaire twirling Ginger Rogers back into his arms. “I owe you a kiss.”

“It’s okay, really.”

He pulled me close, and while the kiss was okay, he wasn’t Jax. I could’ve pulled away quickly, but Zoey’s voice was shouting in my brain.Don’t let him know he hurt you.

“Get a room, Madison!” Zoey’s yell cut through the music.

No sooner had I pulled away Jax was at my side. He shoved my friend before grabbing my hand. “Madison, I need to talk to you, please.”

“Fine! Meet me by the bar in five minutes.”

He nodded as I apologized to my paid dance partner and exited the dance floor before darting between people and running out into the parking lot. I inhaled the crisp air, and it felt good, as a few tears ran down my cheeks. I walked to the hotel entry, where a cab sat as if the driver was expecting my predicament.

I figured the cab ride would clear out the rest of the money in my pathetic checking account, but there was no other option.

Once on the road, I called my dad and was grateful he answered.

“Hi, Dad. I’m heading back to the house. I have a headache that won’t quit. But I wanted to let you know how happy I am for you and Daisy. The wedding was beautiful.”

“You and Zoey being here is what made it such a special day. Daisy and I are staying at the hotel, so you go home and get some rest. Love you.”

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