Love Hurts (Forever and Always #17)

by E. L. Todd

  She wiped her tears away and sobbed. “What about everything that happened between us…?”

  “All the time wasted?” I asked sarcastically. “Just consider it break up sex. I doubt it meant anything to you anyway.”

  “I’m different now.”

  “You said you wouldn’t fight for me.” My voice just reached a new level. It sliced through the air like a machete. “So don’t. Shut your mouth and let me go.” I’d never been this mean in my life but that’s how far gone I was. “I’m moving on and I’m not thinking about you anymore. You may as well forget about me.” I headed to the door but stopped before I slammed it. “I mean it. Don’t call me—for anything.” I shut the door and stormed off.

  I didn’t feel guilty for everything I said. Those words were a long time coming. I couldn’t believe I ever considered getting back together with her. What the hell was I thinking?

  I spent more time drinking than I ever had before. After work, I went to the bars instead of the gym, drinking my sorrow away. I didn’t hit on any women or tried to get laid. I was too numb for that.

  Sometimes I wondered if I made the right decision, but I knew I had. There was no going back. Monnique made the choices she made and she stuck to them. Now I had to stick to my guns. I wanted a wife that I trusted implicitly, someone who didn’t hurt me every chance they got. Maybe an unsteady beginning worked with Sean and Scarlet, but neither one of them were like that anymore. They both trusted each other over everyone else. And they had good heads on their shoulders. Monnique…I didn’t know what to think.

  My phone rang and I didn’t look at it for a second. Monnique hadn’t contacted me like I asked. But a part of me still hoped her name would appear on my screen. I knew it wasn’t her. I looked at the call. It was Ryan.

  “Hey,” I said.

  “What are you doing?

  I didn’t want to tell him I was in a bar, drinking like an alcoholic. “Nothing. What about you?”

  “Scarlet and Sean want to have dinner in the city. I’m rounding everyone up.”

  Judging by his tone, Scarlet hadn’t told him about Monnique, probably because she wanted to protect her. Scarlet was like that with everyone. “Okay. When and where?”

  “Alesandro’s at seven. Can you ask Monnique since you’re usually with her…being friends or whatever the hell you are?”

  “No. Ask her yourself.”

  He picked up on my dismissal. “Dude, what’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. Not a thing.”

  He wasn’t buying it. “What happened?”

  “Monnique and I aren’t friends anymore.”

  “Um…should I not invite her then?”

  “You can invite her. I don’t care. But she and I aren’t speaking anymore.”

  Ryan’s voice showed his concern. “What happened?”

  “I just want nothing to do with her,” I said simply.

  “Come on. Tell me.”

  “I…I just realized I would never forgive her for what she did. So we aren’t talking or seeing each other anymore.”

  “Wow. So, you’re over? Forever?”

  “Forever.” The words still stung.

  “You okay?”

  “I’m fine,” I said quickly.

  “I don’t have to invite her.”

  “No, it’s fine. I probably won’t even notice her.”

  Ryan was quiet for a while. “You want to get a drink?”

  Little did he know I already had three. “I’m fine. Really.”

  “Okay. You’ll be there?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Cool.” He hung up.

  I had an hour to kill so I ordered another drink.

  I got to the restaurant and spotted Ryan and Janice.

  “Hey.” I sat down. “What’s this about?”

  He shrugged. “My sister wouldn’t say.”

  “Hmm…” I looked at the menu while my mind wondered.

  “So…Monnique is coming.” Ryan watched my face.

  “Good for her.” I kept a straight face.

  Janice looked worried. “Cortland, what happened? You’re different.”

  “I’m just thinking clearly for the first time in my life.” I waived down the waitress and ordered another beer.

  Ryan didn’t look convinced. “I thought you and Monnique were getting back together? You two were spending a bunch of time together, and you went to that work party with her.”

  “And then I saw a magazine cover of her practically having sex with some guy.” My anger sliced through the air.

  They both stilled.

  “Look, she and I are done. We’re never getting back together. Please don’t bring this up when everyone else gets here. Whatever the reason Scarlet wanted to have dinner tonight, let’s just keep it light.”

  “I’m just worried, man,” Ryan said.

  “I’m fine. I gave him a serious look. I mean it. I’m more than fine.”

  Ryan finally backed off. “Okay.”

  Mike and Cassandra came next, practically making out as they walked inside.

  “Get a room,” Ryan yelled.

  They broke apart then came to the table. Mike pulled out the chair for Cassandra then sat beside her. “What’s the reason for this dinner?”

  Ryan shrugged. “No one knows.”

  “I think Sean needs to get a dick transplant, Scarlet is going to ask me and Cortland to donate,” Mike said.

  I laughed then shook my head.

  “Yeah, that’s probably it,” Ryan said sarcastically.

  Monnique walked in. I could spot her anywhere. But this time, I didn’t look at her. I turned to my friends and pretended she didn’t exist. For all intents and purposes, she didn’t.

  She pulled out the chair directly across from me and sat down. Everyone was quiet. The awkwardness was prevalent. I didn’t look at her or acknowledge her. She did the same to me. “Hi,” she said to everyone.

  “Hey.” Janice eyed her then me. “You look nice.”

  “Thanks.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Then she looked at Cassandra. “How’s the pregnancy.”

  “Good,” she said. “If Mike didn’t act like a damn Neanderthal all the time.”

  Mike rolled his eyes. “Why don’t you just relax and take advantage of me?”

  “I’ll never take advantage of you,” she said seriously.

  “Why can’t you just stay home and lay around the house like other pregnant women?” Mike asked incredulously.

  “Because I’m only three months along,” she snapped. “We can revisit this conversation when I’m eight months pregnant. And for the record, no other woman at this table would just stay home.”

  Monnique nodded and so did Janice.

  Sean and Scarlet finally walked in and headed to our table. The joy was heavy on both of their faces. They were more affectionate than they usually were, which was quite a feat.

  Sean pulled out the chair for her then sat down beside her.

  Scarlet snuck a glance at me and Monnique then looked away. “Thanks for coming.”

  “What’s the big news?” Ryan asked.

  “I’m telling you,” Mike said. “Sean has a small dick.”

  Sean raised an eyebrow. “What the hell were you guys talking about before we got here?”

  “Apparently, you need a cock transplant,” I said. “And Mike and I are going to donate.”

  “You’re sick, you know that?” Sean said while looking at his brother.

  “And Sean’s dick is definitely not small,” Scarlet said firmly.

  Sean smiled. “You heard my woman. It leaves her perfectly satisfied.”

  “Maybe she should have a round with me just to make sure,” Mike said.

  Sean glared at him. “You want me to beat you up in front of your fiancé?”

  “You want me to whip it out in front of your wife?” Mike threatened.

  “How about we just discuss why we’re here tonight,” Ryan interrupted. “As interesting as
that conversation was…”

  Scarlet laughed then held Sean’s hand. They looked at each other for a moment before he nodded to her slightly. “We’re having a baby.”

  My heart skipped a beat for a second. I jumped up. “Yes!”

  Monnique covered her face and gasped. “That’s so great, you guys.”

  “I’m gonna be the best uncle ever,” Ryan said.

  “Get in line, man,” Mike said.

  Everyone hugged Sean and Scarlet, and when Scarlet got emotional and started crying, we gave her some space.

  “We’ve been trying so hard…” Scarlet wiped her tears away.

  “And it’s really happening.” Sean kissed her cheek. Then he gave us all a firm look. “If any of you stresses her out, I’ll kill you. I’m not fucking kidding.” The look on his face told us he wasn’t.

  “It’s all pedis and massages,” Janice said. “I’ll be in charge of that.”

  “I’ll bring pizza by the house,” Ryan said. “Even though it will cost me a fortune.”

  Scarlet glared at him.

  Mike looked at Sean. “I’ll please your woman when you’re too tired.”

  “I’m this close to ripping your face off,” Sean snapped.

  Cassandra patted her arm. “Now we can go through this together.”

  “I know,” Scarlet said. “I’m so excited.”

  Champagne was brought out and we celebrated the announcement. Sean and Scarlet deserved this moment and I wasn’t going to spoil it, even if the woman I loathed sat across from me. I felt her stare at me a few times but I never met the look. I never spoke to her and she never spoke to me. And I was just fine with that.

  14

  Scarlet

  I couldn’t believe it finally happened. I knew that night on the beach was memorable. Even then, I knew we made a baby. I was so happy and so excited that I could barely sit still. Nine months was too long. I just wanted it to pass.

  Sean was even more in the mood than he used to be. Knowing I was pregnant set him on fire. He was more aroused than ever before, not that I minded. He made love to me slow and gentle, just the way I liked. And believe me, his dick was not small.

  Sean asked me to stay home and not visit him for lunch anymore. Even though I wanted to argue with him, I let it be. I knew he wanted to limit my stress as much as possible, and even though it went against what I believed in, I did as he asked. I didn’t want to lose my baby again. So instead of working in my office, I stayed in bed.

  Sean made me breakfast every morning and put it on a tray. I was never allowed to leave the bed and he insisted on taking care of everything. When he was so sweet and thoughtful, I couldn’t be upset with him.

  He made sure I had everything I needed before he went to work. “Do you need anything else before I leave?”

  “No, I’m okay.”

  He picked up a bag and placed some books on the bed. “I thought you might like these. The store clerk recommended them.”

  “Thank you.”

  He ran his fingers through my hair and massaged my shoulders. “If you need Olga, just text her and she’ll be right up.”

  “Okay.”

  He kissed my forehead then pulled down the blankets to kiss my stomach. “Have a good day. Call me if you need anything.”

  “Okay.”

  He gave me a firm look. “I mean anything. Even if it’s just a tub of ice cream you want.”

  I smiled. “I’ll let you know.”

  He kissed my hand. I could tell he didn’t want to leave me. “When you’re in your last trimester, I’ll stay home with you.”

  “Not necessary—”

  “I’ve already decided.”

  I knew I shouldn’t fight with him. “Okay.”

  He kissed me again. “Have a good day.”

  “I will.” Not really. Laying bed all day sounded horrible. At least Sean would be home in a few hours. He’d spend all night with me, entertaining me and making me laugh.

  “Bye, baby.” He kissed my stomach again then left.

  After I worked for a few hours, I started thinking about Cortland. He and I hadn’t discussed Monnique since the night he had his break down. She was at the dinner a few nights ago, but she wasn’t talkative and neither was Cortland. I decided to call him. It rang but he didn’t answer. Then I remembered he was at work. Not everyone lay in bed all day like I did.

  Olga knocked on my door. “You have a guest.”

  “I do?” Who the hell was it?

  “Miss Monnique.”

  “Oh.” That was a surprise. “Could you send her up please?”

  “Certainly.” She left and Monnique walked through the door a moment later.

  “Hey,” I said. “What a lovely surprise.”

  She smiled, but it was forced. “I came by to give this to you. I wasn’t sure when I would have another chance.” She sat on the edge of the bed and opened a bag. “This is ginger. My mom used to take it when she was pregnant with me. She said it helped with the nausea.”

  “Thank you. That was thoughtful.”

  She pulled out a onesie. “I couldn’t help it. I thought this was cute.”

  “It is cute. Thank you.” I took it and held it to my chest.

  “And there games and books for you.” She put it on the bed beside me and sighed. She looked like she was trying not to cry.

  “Monnique, what’s wrong?”

  She took a deep breath. “I’m not having a good day. I just wanted to bring this by before I left.”

  Left? “Where are you going?”

  “Seattle.”

  “Like, permanently?”

  “No. I’ll be gone for a few weeks though.” Her lip quivered and she tried not to cry.

  I knew Cortland ended it with her. “I’m so sorry…” I rubbed her back. “I’ll talk to Cortland. I haven’t had a chance.”

  “Cortland?” She sniffed. “Oh. This has nothing to do with him. He doesn’t want to be with me anymore and I accept that. I’ve let him go. He deserves someone better.”

  What? “I’m confused. Then why are you leaving?”

  She covered her face for a moment and took a deep breath. She was preparing herself for the words. “My father passed away…”

  The words hit me like a brick wall. “What? When? How?”

  “Last night.” She wiped her tears away. “He had a heart attack. That’s all I know. I’m flying out tomorrow. That was the earliest flight I could get.”

  I held her in my arms and rocked her back and forth. “I’m so sorry.”

  “It’s all my fault. I left him to be with Cortland even though I knew he was depressed and drinking. If I were there, none of this would have happened.” She sniffed again.

  “Don’t say that, Monnique. Sometimes things just happen.”

  She pulled away and shook her head. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be stressing you out.”

  “No,” I said immediately. “I’m glad you told me.”

  She stood up then brushed more tears away. “I should go.”

  “Does Cortland know?” I blurted.

  “No. He wouldn’t care either.”

  “Yes, he would,” I said firmly.

  The light was gone from her eyes. “You didn’t see him, Scar. You didn’t hear him. He’s done with me.” She headed to the door. “I’ll call you when I get a chance, okay?”

  I hated seeing the pain in her eyes. I knew she really hurt Cortland, but her apologies seemed sincere. She was a different person now, the girl I used to know. And I hated to see her suffer. “Okay.”

  “Bye.” She walked out and shut the door behind her.

  What do I do? Do I tell Cortland? I had to. I knew Cortland better than he knew himself. I knew he would want to know. He could act like he hated her and wanted nothing to do with her, but I knew that wasn’t true. Even though it would piss off Sean, I grabbed my keys and left the house.

  When I arrived at the office, I tried to dodge Sean as much as possible. Since he an
d Cortland worked on the same floor, I knew that would be hard. I kept my head down and maneuvered toward his office.

  “Scar?”

  Damn.

  “Mike?” I turned and looked at him.

  “What are you doing here?” he asked, wearing a black suit.

  “I need to talk to Cortland.” I looked down the hall to make sure Sean wasn’t around. “Please don’t tell my husband I’m here.”

  He shrugged. “That guy can smell your pussy from a mile away.”

  I hit his shoulder. “I’m serious. I’ll leave as soon as I’m done. I don’t want him to pull that Neanderthal shit on me.”

  He rolled his eyes. “We just care, Scar. And you’re asking me to lie to my brother, my flesh and blood.”

  “Please.”

  He smiled. “Sure. I hate that asshole anyway.”

  Sean appeared down the hall. Judging the look on his face, he already knew I was in the building.

  Fuck.

  He marched to me. “Why are you here? What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. I just need to talk to Cortland. It’s important.”

  “Why didn’t you just call him?” he snapped.

  “He didn’t answer,” I hissed.

  “Then you should have called me.”

  “I don’t have time for this.” I held up my hand. “After I talk to him, I’ll go home and stay there.”

  Sean glared at me. “You said you would stay home. Are you going to keep lying to me?”

  Mike stepped away. “I have a call to make…”

  “No,” I snapped. “It’ll just take a minute. Like I said, it’s important.”

  “What’s it about?”

  I rolled my eyes. “I’ll tell you later. I don’t have time right now.”

  Sean looked pissed but he held back his anger since he was working. “Come by my office before you leave. I’ll walk you out.”

  “How did you even know I was here?”

  “Your security card shows a flag on my computer. That way I’ll know whenever you’re in the building and where you are.”

  “God, you’re fucking crazy.”

  “What? I just want to know where my wife is.”

  “At least you can’t smell my pussy a mile away.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “What?”