The thought of the man with the most gorgeous profile I’ve ever laid eyes on being another woman’s husband makes me sick to my stomach. But what can I do about it? Nothing. We made love, but from this day on, our lives will be separate.
I carefully scoot off the bed and tiptoe around the room, stopping to put on my panties, then my pants, and next my shirt. All of sudden, Hercules starts to gag and cough, but he’s not waking up. I quickly rush over to him. He’s heavy, but I summon enough strength to flip him onto his side.
“Goodness,” I gasp, breathing heavily.
I’m afraid to leave him alone. I look around the room for solutions, and I scope out all the fluffy pillows on his bed. I rush to collect them and then stuff three behind him and three in front of him. Once he’s secure, I take a step back to make sure the propping will hold.
“Blah…” Hercules retches.
I inhale sharply as vomit splashes against the mattress and spatters on the floor. I remain very still, waiting for him to wake up and catch me leaving. His eyes don’t open. Instead, he hugs the pillow in front of him and continues sleeping. At least he isn’t snoring anymore.
Poor thing.He looks so vulnerable, so sad. One last time—I must do it one last time. Careful to avoid his vomit, I quietly walk to the side of the bed and bend down over him.
I kiss him on the cheek and then his forehead. “Goodbye, Hercules. Have a good life.”
“You too,” he mutters as if he can see me in his dreams.
I jump, startled, and hold my heart, waiting for him to open his eyes. Several seconds pass. He’s still asleep. Satisfied with my decision to leave him forever, I turn and walk out of the room without looking back.
Chapter Fifteen
Renewal
Paisley Grove
Returning to campus is hassle-free—thank goodness, because I left my cellphone in my room. I was so entranced by Hercules that I didn’t remember that I left our dorm brokenhearted and acting on a whim. Fortunately, Hercules’s building has cab service. Riding home, I close my eyes and relive the last two hours and thirty-three minutes.Shit, I had sex with Hercules.I’m not sure why that one brief encounter hurts more than a boyfriend’s and a roommate’s betrayal.
Maybe it was destiny that we ended up in the same restaurant tonight. I snort, chuckling about how I dismissed Eden’s advice to get under someone else to forget about Boyles. Not in a million years would I ever have believed I would not only do it but end up under Hercules Valentine. Can it be this easy to let go of anger and embarrassment? Maybe I never cared for Boyles at all.
“Miss, we’re here,” the cab driver says.
I open my heavy eyes. At some point between my last thought and now, I drifted off.
“Oh, okay.” I dig my wallet out of my pocket.
“No need to pay. You’re a guest of penthouse three. Your fare has been taken care of.”
My mouth falls open as he takes out a clipboard. “All I need is your name.”
The moment has come to finally tell the truth. In light of all I learned about Hercules’s future, I still say, “Paisley Grove.”
My head feels like it’s taking a nosedive as I watch his hand write my name. It’s official. If Hercules reads his bills, then he will know I was Tabatha and we made love. It’s only fair that he knows the truth.
* * *
Treasure works fast.When I make it back to the dorm, Dandi’s bed is stripped, her closet is empty, and none of her things are in her room. Eden also hasn’t come home from being out with Nero. I’m sure she’s told him her real name by now and mine too. If the signature on the cab service doesn’t let Hercules know he and I had sex today, then I’m certain his friend will.
I sit on the firm living room sofa and enjoy the solitude. I can’t count the times I’ve come home from class and caught Dandi making out with a boy on the same cushions that are supporting my rear. Our dorm feels peaceful without her in it. I didn’t realize how unsettling Dandi’s energy was. It’s Friday night. Usually, Dandi would have a few friends over. Together, they would drink beer and play music in the living room for a few hours before heading out to a party or a dance club. I’m surprised she’s not on academic probation. Beneath all her need for male validation, she is very bright. But frankly, I think she’s here to please her parents, who live in Kent, Ohio.Dear Dandi’s mom and dad, your daughter would rather be hot than smart.
The unique chime of my cellphone sings from afar. I scurry to my bedroom and turn on the light. I notice a note on my bed as I race to answer the phone. But first, I read the screen to see who’s calling.
“Hey, Treasure,” I say, looking at the note.
“Is she gone?”
“Yeah. How did you make her leave so fast?”
“I’m paying her dorm fees.”
