Beholden (The Belonging Duet, #2)(61)

“You’re going?” Ashton’s eyes widen in shock.

I’ve gone back and forth over the right thing to do. I could skip it but I promised Jackson a while ago, and I promised Natalie. While Natalie might understand, I won’t do that to her. It took her this long to do the memorial, so I’m not about to cause any undue stress. We spoke the other day and she sent me pictures of her gorgeous daughter. She said they’d both really like to meet me. So, I’ll go.

Biting my lip I look at them both. “I have to. I don’t know how the hell I’m going to get through it but I’m going.”

“I’ll go with you,” Ashton says without question.

“Really?” I ask, unsure if she really wants to be there since she never met Aaron or Natalie.

“Of course, Cat. You’re going to need me more than you think. You’ll see Jackson. You’ll be around his friends. I think you’ve been great at pretending when you don’t have to deal with him. In person though …” She trails off and I suddenly feel nauseous.

My eyes prick when I think about how much this is going to be hard for everyone. “What if he doesn’t want me there?”

“It doesn’t matter. I do think you should talk to him beforehand though.”

That’s the last thing I want to do. They’re watching me, but I don’t respond. My heart says to call, but my head says no. The hairs on the back of my neck raise and I glance around again.

“Why do you keep scanning the crowd?” Gretchen asks looking around.

“I keep getting the feeling I’m being watched.”

Ashton stands up and looks around.

“Sit down!” I exclaim and pull on her arm. “I’m probably being silly.”

“Or G.I. Joe decided he’s tired of being shut out and is coming to get his girl.” She leans back with a shit-eating grin, piercing me with her blue eyes.

“Fuck off, Ash. Do you want me angry at you? I’m leaving for California. Even if I could go back to him, it wouldn’t work. I’m not about to enter into a long distance relationship that already has issues. Christ, let it go!” I storm off and head to the bathroom before she can reply.

I look up at the mirror and attempt to fix my makeup before going back out there. I know I lost it on her, but I’m tired of everyone and their unsolicited advice. What ever happened to being supportive?

The door opens and a pretty blond enters smiling. She looks familiar, but I can’t place her.

Before I can give it too much thought, Gretchen enters. “Cat,” she says sympathetically, “You know how she is.”

“Yes, I do.” I sigh and my head falls back. I get why she’s acting like a bitch, but I wish she’d cry it out and move on. “I’m tired, Gretch. I wanted our last night together to be fun, and I don’t want to fight. Between work and the move I just want a night to myself. Will you hate me if I head home?”

“Of course not! I’m sure you’re exhausted. Promise me you’ll find a way to see me once more before you go.”

“I’ll do my best.” I wrap my arms around Gretchen and she kisses my cheek.

“We’re being silly girls. But I’m going to miss you.”

“I’ll miss you more.”

She smiles and gives me another hug, “Oh, I meant to tell you … my lawyer friend, who was going to take on Neil’s case, called me. She said since he got back the property he was looking for he no longer needed her.”

“Yeah, I think it was really about money.”

“I think so too … anyway, I’m going to come see you, and you’ll come back and visit.”

“You better,” I reply.

Gretchen laughs and grabs my hand. “Let’s go, I gotta pay Ashton’s insane tab.”

We head back out to the seating area and get Ashton. When I turn around to leave, I stop dead in my tracks. Across the room is the figure of a man I’d know anywhere.

“Oh my God!” I grab Ashton’s arm and pull her down.

“What?” she asks looking around to find whatever I’m hiding from.

I keep my head low and try to point to the man making out with the blond from the bathroom. “Look, it’s Neil.”

She looks and when she spots him, her hand clasps over her mouth and she starts laughing. “Funny, that’s not his slut of a girlfriend.”

I sit there shell shocked watching him with another woman—who is not Piper. Then it clicks when I see her profile. She’s the reporter, Linda, from Raven’s press conference. It seems Neil has moved on to one of Piper’s friends. My lips turn up at this very interesting turn of events. “Well, this is quite entertaining,” I laugh and Ashton snorts.

Pulling my phone out, I snap a few photos of the happy couple. When he turns his head I have the perfect shot.

We sneak out and catch up with Gretchen, showing her the photos. “Well, if the dickface decides to come after you again, we have leverage.” She winks at me.

Who thought we’d be here laughing at the fact that he’s once again kissing someone else and I had to see it. Last time it destroyed my world, this time I couldn’t care less. He has no hold on me and it feels fantastic.

Stick that in your pipe and smoke it, Neil.