Page 36 of Love Beyond the Illusion
“Hello,” I say to them both.
Heidi turns to the brunette, lowering her eyes. “Sophia, I thought you and Preston were out of town this week?”
“We were supposed to be, but it was more important to stay here for the beginning of harvest season,” she says, shooting me side glances—or are theydaggers?What is her problem?
“Oops,” Heidi squeaks, pulling her phone from her cross bag. “It’s the winery. I have to get this.”
While Jack’s mom steps away to answer the call, I’m left alone with two women who clearly already don’t like me. I open my mouth to break the uncomfortable silence when Sophia speaks first.
“So, how long have you and Jack been dating?” she asks with her nose slightly angled up.
A cool breeze whips through the air, eliciting goosebumps and a shiver. “Since March.”
“That’s not very long. And he already brought you home to meet his mom?” she says condescendingly.
Sophia knows Jack in a way that the other women don’t, making me uncomfortable and territorial. “Yes, I guess.” I stare at her caked-on makeup. “We’re very close.”
“Interesting.”
“How do you know Jack?” I hold my breath for fear of the answer I’ll get.
“Jack and I were high school sweethearts. Some say he never returned here because he couldn’t get over me. But I’m engaged to Preston, his best friend now. I’m sure that’s probably hard for him.”
My heart freefalls inside my chest.His high school sweetheart?What the hell?He never mentioned this orher.Maybe he thought she wouldn’t be around? That bad energy and evil side-eyes with those snarky comments make so much sense now. Frustration whips at my back as I grow increasingly pissed off with this shitty situation that I’ve been put into.
The vibration from my phone breaks my initial shock, only for a second. It’s a text from Jack, but I’m in a stand-off with his ex-girlfriend, so I don’t bother answering him. “Oh, that’s interesting because I heard he moved away to get away from you.” That’s probably a lie, but I can’t let her win.
Sophia’s fake, exaggerated laugh sends another cold chill up my body. “I’m sure that’s what he likes to tell people, but I don’t care. I’m engaged to a very wealthy man who spoils me and who also happens to be part owner of Jack’s winery.”
Why is she telling me all this? Does she think I fucking care? I’m expecting her to pin me into an argument over whose boyfriend’s dick is larger—which, in that case, she’d know since I have yet to see Jack’s.
Now I’m pissed. He’s my husband. I should know what his dick looks like—feels like.The slickness from my sweaty palms causes the bag to start slipping from my hands.
“Sorry, Piper, I didn’t mean to leave you!” Heidi cries out, sprinting back over to us. “I have to run back to the winery. There are some shipment issues. Please stay and have fun.”
“Bummer. Wish you could stay, Heidi, it’s always so nice seeing you,” Sophia says sweetly.Wow.I roll my eyes. This day couldn't have gotten any worse.
I adjust the bag in my hands, gripping it tightly. “No problem. I think I’ll stay for a bit.”
“You can hang out with us.” Sophia sneers, plastering that same fake smile on her face.Bitch.
“I think I’ll go hang with Adeline and Heather. Thanks anyway.”
Heidi and I are shoulder to shoulder, walking over to the other side of the pool. “Jack and Sophia dated in high school. She was so infatuated with him, but don’t worry, honey. That ship sailed a long time ago,” she whispered.
I do like his mom. “I’m not. Jack and I have a great relationship.”Another lie.
Before we reach the opposite side of the pool, she turns to face me fully. “I can tell by the way my son looks at you that you’re something special. I’ve never seen him look at anyone like that before.”
My breath comes to a screeching halt.The way he looks at me?It’s all a facade, and I feel guilty for misleading her. “Thank you, Heidi.”
“Also, it’s better not to hang out with Sophia. She can be a little bitchy,” she adds.
“You don’t say?”
She laughs, giving me a quick hug. “I’ll see you soon. And tell my elusive son that I say hello.”
“I will.”
