“You’re going too far,” Sterling whines, practically vibrating with fury. You don’t belong here.
Jasper smiles at him, staying calm and poking at the men in front of him.
“Enough,” I say sharply. Was there something you both needed to tell me? Because I think I was very clear. I told you-I point to my father-that I would talk to you when I was ready. I move my finger toward Sterling. But I don’t want to talk to you again.
“Sloane, you need to get over your hurt feelings.
I arch an eyebrow at Sterling.
“You don’t understand, do you?” What you do with your cock doesn’t hurt my feelings. What you did with your cock was simply a wake-up call. A wake-up call that I don’t care about you one bit. I am indifferent. It’s been easy to ignore you because I don’t think about you at all .
The more I talk, the more Sterling agrees with the deep red color of the wine in his glass. The more Jasper’s fingers slide along the inside seam of my wide-leg pants, the more my confidence grows. The mere fact of having him here, by my side…
It’s everything I’ve ever wanted. We are much better together than apart.
“That’s only because you’ve been prostituting yourself to this trailer trash.
Jasper’s entire body tenses next to me. My mouth is open at the venom in Sterling’s words and tone. This may be the time I’ve seen him most passionate about anything other than barrel whiskey and hunting exotic animals.
I’m about to say the same thing when Jasper jerks and Sterling’s muffled squeal reaches my ears. An expression of alarm appears on his features just as his face tilts back and disappears between a splash of red wine and the crash of the chair hitting the floor.
Sterling sputters as he struggles to right himself.
“Did you just…?”
“Kick his fucking chair?” “Jasper provides, cutting off my father’s question.” Yes. Because you may think it’s okay for me to talk to your daughter like that, but not for me. I should have learned better trailer park manners.
My father at least has the sense to look a little cowed. Me too? I do what I always do in inappropriate situations.
I laugh as I see Sterling on all fours, awkwardly pushing himself to his feet.
Red wine stained dress shirt. The hair is all messed up. And not in a good way.
“You’re dead, Gervais,” he tries to sound tough but everything about the man sounds so damn hollow.
It makes me laugh more.
We put on a show and I’m fucking giggling.
“Sloane, calm down. “People are watching,” my father tells me.
My eyes fill with tears and I rub them, but the laughter doesn’t stop.
Jasper leans in and whispers in my ear.
“If he makes you laugh, I’ll kick his ass while everyone watches.”
I hear the amusement in his voice and run a hand across my throat, silently begging Jasper to stop. Because now it does nothing but incite me.
Because he knows me. Do you get me.
“Sterling,” he gasped. I will never marry you. Like…” A giggle escapes me and I suppress it. It is much more offensive to say this phrase laughing. But I can’t say shit about it. Never.
” And dad…” I shake my head, the laughter slows down. I don’t even know. The things you’ve said to me in the last few months…” I put a hand on Jasper’s. The way you treat the people I love? I’d like to think I can forgive you, but I’ll have to do some soul searching to decide if that’s true or if I’m just continuing to be obedient. A girl should love her father, but he should love her. Protect her at all costs. And if these last few months have taught me anything, it is that you don’t love me the way I have loved you. I deserve something better.
I look at Jasper and see that he is looking at me like he often does. But today they are not sad. They shine with pride. They sizzle on my skin.
I look back at the two men in front of me.
I’m tired of settling for less than what I deserve. Sterling, fuck you forever. Dad, figure out how to deserve a relationship with me. Maybe one day we can talk.
The chair squeaks backwards as I stand up abruptly.
He took Jasper’s hand, making to do so in front of them. Then I pull on it, wanting to get out of this godforsaken restaurant once and for all.
When I brush past Sterling’s arm, he grabs my bicep.
-Where is the ring? I want you to give it back to me.
I swing my arm sharply and back away from him just as Jasper approaches, looking like he wants to kill Sterling for daring to lay a hand on me.
-I have lost it. I laugh again and wonder what’s wrong with me. Why do I have to laugh at the most inappropriate times. Right now I’m really crazy.
But it’s Jasper who laughs last when he leans over my ex’s ear and says, “I knocked the ring off his finger.”
I wish I could commission an artist to paint the look on Sterling’s face when he takes that hit. It would be money well spent.
Jasper guides me out of the restaurant. We take the same path as so many months ago.
Except now everything is very different.
So in the air.
So unforeseen.
So happy.
38
jasper
Roman: Management and ownership are all on the same page. I relayed everything we talked about. I wish I could be a fly on the wall when they tell this bastard to go away.
Jasper: Thanks, coach.
Roman: I always have your back, Jasper. Now go get the girl.
I push open the heavy wooden door and breathe in the chilly December air. It smells like snow and exhaust. And it tastes like freedom.
“Don’t take me to that fucking restaurant again,” I say, just as I turn to pull Sloane towards me.
Her lips are the same shade of red as her nails.
She has a femme fatale vibe that I love.
She laughs, sounding giddy and wide-eyed.
“I can’t believe what I just said.” A hand rests on his cheek. I can’t believe you told him you knocked the ring off my finger!
Now I’m laughing too because that shit was satisfying.
-Did you see his face?
Sloane nods, biting her lip, her eyes shining in the reflection of the headlights of the cars whizzing by.
“You came to look for me,” he says, lifting his chin and giving me the most beautiful smile.
-Of course. I told you I never wanted to be without you and I meant it.
-I was not sure…
I’ve been sick for days. I came home but I didn’t know what to say. I tried to find a good reason for being paralyzed in the car the other night. A reason I didn’t use the words I really wanted even though I could feel them on the tip of my tongue. But there is no excuse. “I caress her hair.” I’ve been hiding for so long, spying on you from under the brim of my hat, that I’ve settled in there. I’m sorry I’m late in so many ways. Not just to have dinner, but to understand myself. Was…
For a moment, I look away and swallow.
I was afraid. Afraid of needing you so much. Really scared of losing you.
His eyes close on a heavy sigh, and I grab his head, wanting his eyes to return to me.
-I know…