Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 74321 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74321 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
He kept that up for a solid hour, switching from freestyle to the impossible-looking butterfly stroke, then the back stroke before ending on freestyle again. Finally, he climbed out of the pool, the water glistening on his skin, and took off his prescription swim goggles as he approached me.
I got up and greeted him with a towel, and when he kissed me it tasted of chlorine. As he dried himself off I told him, “That was sexy as fuck.”
He looked amused. “Glad you liked it.”
“Loved it. In fact, it was so hot that I’d want you to do me right here on the pool deck, except for two things—you’re probably tired, and I’m pretty sure your mother took a seat at the back of the patio about fifteen minutes ago. I don’t know for sure, because I haven’t actually looked in her direction. If I acknowledged her in any way, there would probably be the expectation of going over there and being social, which was too much to face on my own.”
Wes put on his glasses, which had been on the top of my head, and glanced at the patio. He raised his hand in greeting before turning back to me and saying, “The jig is up, she knows we’ve spotted her. Let’s get it over with.”
He draped the towel around his neck, grabbed his goggles, and held my hand, and I pulled up a smile as we crossed the pool deck. When we reached her, Wes said, “Good morning, Mother. That was a wonderful party last night.”
Eloise seemed like she might possibly be hung over, and she was dressed in a floral caftan and huge sunglasses. She took a sip from her teacup, leaving gross, red lipstick marks on the china, and muttered, “You left early.” Way to lead off with a criticism.
“It’s my fault.” I couldn’t help but try to shield Wes from her wrath. “I had a few drinks with Chet Fontenot, and I overdid it. Wes was kind enough to help me back to our room and take care of me.”
She tried to lecture me with, “You really should know better. Then again, are you even old enough to drink?”
“He’s twenty-nine, Mother, and it’s not uncommon for people to misjudge their limit during social gatherings. In fact, if I didn’t know better I might even assume you yourself overindulged last night.”
I suspected she was frowning at us, judging by the tight line of her lips, although her botoxed forehead didn’t budge. “Yes, well, it’s not every day one gets to celebrate a fortieth wedding anniversary. So, tell me, how was your conversation with Doctor Blanchard?”
“It was great,” he said. “We had a nice chat, and I turned down his job offer.”
She sat up straighter and snapped, as Jack, Warren, and her husband stepped onto the patio, “Why are you intentionally trying to sabotage yourself?”
“I’m not. I just happen to enjoy where I’m living and what I’m doing, so I have no intention of uprooting myself for a job that doesn’t interest me.”
Her voice rose. “It’s not a question of whether it interests you! It’s a rare opportunity with outstanding potential for advancement. If you work hard enough, you could be the head of pediatrics in ten years.”
“Or I could spend the next ten years being happy and doing a job I love.”
“The job you have now is nothing special. It certainly isn’t enough to justify remaining on the west coast. And if the real reason you want to stay in San Francisco is this person,” she flicked her wrist in my direction, “then you’re a fool, Wesley. This fling of yours will never last, and Doctor Blanchard’s offer won’t be on the table forever. Don’t throw away your future for a few weeks or months with this frivolous, immature, purple-haired man-child.”
I quipped, “Actually, it’s lavender.”
“Apologize to Ash.” Wes’s tone was dead serious.
“For what?”
“For being rude, insulting, and dismissive.”
She raised her chin defiantly and replied, “I only spoke the truth.”
“Your version of the truth, not mine, and that doesn’t excuse your behavior.” Wes put his arm around me and told her, in a perfectly even tone, “I won’t stand for you or anyone else treating my boyfriend disrespectfully. It’s totally unacceptable. Rather than make him endure any more of your misplaced contempt, I’m finding us someplace else to stay. We’ll be gone within the hour.”
She snapped, “Don’t be so dramatic, Wesley.”
“If you want to add drama to my long list of perceived faults, go right ahead,” he said. “But let me be clear—I will not let you treat Ash the way you’ve always treated me. This man matters to me, and by treating him poorly, you run the very real risk of pushing me away permanently.”
She tried to act hurt. “So, you’re choosing this person over your own family?”