I slid back my chair to excuse myself when I spotted Lee. A woman had her hand planted on his arm, and another woman stood beside him, giggling and sipping wine.
Lee said he wasn’t dating because of Bridget. Perhaps it was partially true, but maybe he didn’t want to be with one woman, like Jessica had implied. A different woman for every event.
Not a date, I reminded myself. But as many times as I told myself that the scenario shouldn’t remind me of Jayden, I needed out.
Jessica crossed my vision. She strutted her hips to the basket table. I was certain she had lots of rumors to share. Maybe she could clear things up for me. Some rumors were born in truth.
I shouldn’t bother since I planned to head back to Los Angeles. I had already told Abby that I was going home after Christmas to figure out what I wanted to do with my career. She wasn’t happy about it, but she knew it had to be my choice.
“Excuse me, Ian. I’ll be right back.” I rushed over to Jessica, my heels clicking in a steady beat across the tile floor toward the Cinderella-like carriage.
“Hello, Jessica,” I said.
She jerked back, startled. She was placing her raffle tickets in the baskets. “Oh, you. You scared me.”
I rolled my eyes. “What are you doing?”
She hiked an eyebrow. Okay, lame question, but I wasn’t sure how to start the conversation. But of course she went right to it.
“Where’s Lee?” She looked to the table where I had come from. She didn’t give me a chance to answer and continued. “I’m sorry. He must be with another one of his women then. Cassie is my friend’s friend. I heard they went out on a date. She told my friend he took her on a helicopter ride by a waterfall. How romantic is that? I think they’re going to take the next step in their relationship. So I was surprised to see you with him tonight. Maybe Cassie couldn’t make it and you were his second choice. I mean, Lee can’t be seen alone.”
His second choice.
My chest caved in like a balloon that had suddenly lost its air, my heart crushing and knees buckling. What was I doing here?
I’d heard enough. Lee was a friend, and I didn’t need to know any more. I went back to my table, leaving Jessica to wonder at my abrupt departure.
Ian was sitting alone, drinking wine. “You’re back,” he said, sounding happy to see me.
“Yes.” I managed to give him a tight-lipped smile, searching for the right words.
I didn’t want to act unprofessional, but today was my last day. If I could be honest with myself, I never enjoyed socializing at these types of charity events. I’d rather be home painting than making small talk with pretentious people I didn’t know.
I’d only gone because Lee had asked me and I found myself unable to turn him down. Like, against my better judgment, I’d gone on that stupid helicopter knowing I would likely get airsick.
“Ian, I’m not feeling well. Can you tell Lee that I took a taxi home?” I drummed up a simple but perfect excuse.
I felt horrible for leaving Ian alone. If I had met him under different circumstances, I might have felt differently. He seemed like a good guy. At least he hadn’t brushed me off for other women.
I wasn’t mad at Lee for speaking to other women. He had every right. Though I told myself we were friends, I had wished for more. I just didn’t realize how much until now. This jealousy confirmed I was falling hard for him. Leaving now was a good thing—the only option.
Ian rose and gave me a hug. “It was really nice meeting you. I hope you feel better.”
“Thank you.” I grabbed my clutch from the table and offered him a genuine smile. He deserved one. Then I got out before Lee saw me leaving.
If he tried asking questions, I wouldn’t have a good explanation. He wouldn’t have believed me if I tried the same excuse I’d given Ian. But I doubted he was looking.
Chapter Twenty-Eight — After
“Back so soon? Where’s Lee?” Abby looked up from the sofa when I entered the house alone.
My urban fantasy novel about the Greek gods rested on Abby’s lap, the children fast asleep on the spare mattress by the Christmas tree.
“I came home alone.” I kicked off my heels, padded to my room, and tossed my purse on the dresser.
“Why?” Abby followed me down the hall.
I sighed and slumped on the bed. “Apparently, you know me more than I know myself. I got attached. Unwisely.”
“Oh, Kate.” She threw her arms around my shoulders and sat next to me. “I’m sorry. What happened?”
I pulled back to the headboard and dabbed the tears pooling at the corners of my eyes. “It’s not Lee’s fault. There’s no one to blame except myself. He told his friend Ian, I wasn’t his date. In fact, I think he asked me so he could set me up with that friend.”
“Oh,” Abby’s voice dipped lower. “Well, forget about Lee. You’re going back home, and you don’t have to see him again.”
“It’s not his fault.” I wanted to stress that point. I didn’t want my sister to have a bad impression of him.
“Well, then he shouldn’t have tried to kiss you.”
I had confessed to Abby what had happened in the painting room last night. If we had kissed, would today have turned out differently? No, I doubted it. I would have been an even bigger mess. I didn’t take kissing lightly as some people did.
I stiffened when my cell rang like wind chimes. Stupid phone. I’d thought I had changed the ringtone, but it made me think of Bridget and Lee, and my heart ached. This was not how I imagined our goodbye would turn out.
“It’s probably Lee. I’m not going to pick it up.”
“He might want to know you’re safe. You should let him know.”
I at least owed him that much. He would worry about me. He was a perfect gentleman that way. I walked to the dresser and took out my cell out of my purse.
Lee: Are you safe?
Me: Yes. I’m home.
Lee: You left. Why?
I flinched, shocked the response had come fast.
Me: I’m not feeling well.
Lee: I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do for you?
Me: No, thank you.
Lee: I hope you feel better.
Me: Thank you.
Lee: Will I see you tomorrow?
I wished he had asked that question because he missed me, but I knew better.
Me: Isn’t today my last day?
Lee: Yes, but I need to pay you and I believe you have your things in the room.
Me: I’m busy tomorrow. My sister will pick them up for me, if that’s okay.
Lee: Of course. Get well. Please tell Abby I’m on my way to pick up Bridget. Thank you.
Why was he leaving so soon? Perhaps his duty was done. I tossed my phone on the bed and turned toward Abby who still sat on the mattress. “Lee said he’s on his way to pick up Bridget. Can you get my things from Lee’s place tomorrow?”
Abby crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure? I think you should do it.”
I sat back down next to her and hugged a pillow. “I don’t want to see him. Besides, it’s not like he’ll care. I was there to do a job and that’s all. Mona will be back tomorrow night, and everything will be back to normal for them.”