Total pages in book: 147
Estimated words: 140742 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 704(@200wpm)___ 563(@250wpm)___ 469(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 140742 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 704(@200wpm)___ 563(@250wpm)___ 469(@300wpm)
That’s the first sign that I’m treading in dangerous waters. I shouldn’t be thinking about dates with this man, but it’s impossible to decipher what the hell we’re doing. And I don’t want to be that girl who asks, “What are we?” after being told the rules of the game, even though it feels like he’s totally obliterating them. I’m going to let it play out a little longer, but I just might have to be that girl.
25
FINN
I’m not following Josslyn on purpose. We were driving in the same direction and I happened to be two cars behind her when she turned into Onyx. Of course, I pulled into the lot and parked the car in a spot where I could see her. My sister died here. What the fuck is Josslyn doing here? I look at the time, hoping to somehow pause it. I left my house early, and now I’m going to be late for dinner with my parents, but I don’t care. I’ll cancel if I have to. This is much more important.
I watch her get out of her car, lock it, look around a few times, and walk to the side door. The side door. Unease grips me. As she waits, I check her out. She’s wearing black heels and a little black dress that hugs her hips. She looks mouthwatering, which makes me even more annoyed that she’s here. She texts someone, and the door opens a few seconds later. I can’t get a clear view of who opened it, but the moment it shuts, I’m out of my car.
My gut twists as I head to the front door. Inside, a pretty redhead greets me and asks for my name and ID, which I give her. I’m not in the mood for conversation, so I’m glad she doesn’t say much as she hands me a mask and an assortment of wristbands. I only grab the white one and go inside. In the middle, their usual exotic show is going on, but I don’t take the time to admire it. I channel all my focus on walking to the bar and finding Josslyn.
I spot Josslyn right away. She’s at the other end of the bar speaking to a woman I’ve seen here before. As close as they’re sitting, they’re either going to make out or they’re having a very private conversation. That woman better hope to God she doesn’t try the former while I’m here. I take a deep breath, let it out, and adjust the stupid mask on my face. I ask for a drink and sip it slowly, as they have what seems like the longest conversation in history. They have to be discussing Mallory. There’s no way Josslyn is here for anything else.
I watch a man in a suit walk up to them. He has silver hair and no mask on. He looks old enough to be my dad. He grins and says something to them that makes them both laugh. Josslyn’s smile remains on her face as she listens to him speak, and I decide I don’t like it—not the undivided attention she’s giving him, and definitely not the smile. He crosses his arms and plants his feet like he’s going to be there a while, so I lean back slightly and get comfortable.
The woman says something that makes the guy laugh and look at Josslyn again. I clench my fists as he uncrosses his arms and reaches for hers to examine—or make the point—that she doesn’t have a wristband on. The biggest downside to my being here is that I can’t say anything to her about this. Then again, what would I say? That she should’ve been wearing a white wristband? I’ve made it pretty clear that I won’t share her, but she didn’t agree to exclusivity, did she? Big oversight on my part. It doesn’t matter anymore. I’m giving myself a deadline to seal the deal and rid myself of this possessiveness I feel when it comes to her.
Josslyn lowers her hand and says something that makes the man clutch his chest like she hurt him, which I like. He turns and looks toward the entryway and says, “John!” loud enough for me to hear, and a man wearing jeans and a sports coat walks over. This one is much younger. The older one introduces him to Josslyn, who surprisingly doesn’t smile at him. He looks serious as he says something to her. My stomach tightens when she hands him her phone and I decide I can’t stay here any longer. I shoot back the rest of my drink and signal the woman who took my order so she can bring the check.
While I wait, the two men finally leave, and Josslyn and the woman talk some more. They stand suddenly and Josslyn grabs her things. I shoot a look in the direction of the server, hoping she catches it and understands I’m in a rush. She brings the check and I hand over my card quickly as I watch Josslyn and the woman walk out of the room. Jesus Christ, how long does it take to charge a twelve dollar drink? The woman finally comes back, and I get up as quickly as I can.