The Exception(62)

“And you didn’t sing to me either!”

“Oh.” His lips formed the letter. “He sang in your ear? How romantic, Jilly.”

“Ugh! He’s with someone. What an *.”

“Did you ever stop to think that maybe that woman he’s with is just a friend?”

“No! You can’t just be friends with Drew Westbrook.”

“Come here.” He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into him. “We need to go back inside before people come looking for us. You can feel sorry for yourself in the morning, but tonight, you need to stay strong for Kristen.”

“You’re right.” I broke our embrace. “And I’m not feeling sorry for myself. I need a drink,” I spoke as I walked back inside.

As I headed over to the bar, Drew followed me.

“Are you okay, Jillian? I saw you and Kellan outside.”

“Yeah. I’m great. I just needed some fresh air. It’s a little warm in here.”

“It is warm.”

“Lia seems really nice,” I spoke as the bartender handed me a glass of wine.

“She is. She’s really sweet.”

Sting. Burn. Stab.

“Kristen and Noah are leaving tomorrow for Italy,” I spoke out of nowhere.

“Good for them. Italy is beautiful. I love it there.”

“I’ve never been.” I sipped my wine. Okay, I gulped down my wine.

“You should try to get there someday. I think you’d love it there.”

“Maybe I’ll head there on my next adventure.”

“Let me know what you think,” he spoke.

“I will.”

“I think Lia and I are going to head out. Her kids are with the babysitter and she needs to get home.”

Kids? Was he serious?

“She has kids?”

“Yeah. Two beautiful little girls.”

“That’s nice.” I gave my perfected smile.

“Have a good night, Jillian.”

I gulped. “You too, Drew. Thanks for coming.”

“It was my pleasure. Oh, and by the way, the bill is already taken care of. My gift to the bride and groom.”

“Drew, you didn’t have to do that.”

“I know. I wanted to.” He winked as he walked away.





Chapter Thirty-Nine


Drew



As soon as Lia and I climbed into the Bentley, I looked over at her.

“I feel like a total dick for doing this.”

“Don’t, Drew. She was upset I was there with you. She kept staring at us all night.”

“You think?”

“I know. I’m a woman. I can read other women. She was definitely not happy.”

I sighed.

We pulled up to Liam’s townhouse so she could get the girls and then Roland was going to drive her home. Upon walking into Liam’s house, the girls came running and gave Lia a hug.

“Where’s Uncle Liam?” I asked them.

“In the family room.” They giggled.

Walking into the room, I saw Sophie standing in front of Liam with what looked like makeup brushes.

“What’s going on in here?” I smiled.

Laughter ripped out of me when Liam turned around and his face was all painted with makeup.

“Shut up, Drew.”

“But you look so pretty.”

“Ha ha, very funny. Little smarty pants Sophie over here made me sign a piece a paper that I would let her put makeup on me if she let me watch the playoff game.”

Pulling my phone from my pocket, I quickly snapped his picture.

“Damn you, Drew!” he yelled.

“Sorry, bro, or should I say sis? It was too good of an opportunity to pass up.” I laughed.

“How did it go with Jill?”

Staring at him, I couldn’t seem to hold a conversation while he was wearing all that makeup. The bright red lipstick was really bugging me.

“You need to take that makeup off, dude. I just can’t talk to you like that.”

He rolled his eyes. “Soph, go get the face wipes.”

“Okay, Uncle Liam.” She giggled.

Sophie returned with the face wipes and Liam started to wipe off the makeup.

“Okay. Go on. I want details.”

“Lia said she could tell Jillian was upset.”

“Okay. That’s good.”

“Not really. I didn’t want to upset her and I’m sure I made matters worse when we danced together and I sang in her ear.”

“Nice one, Drew.” He smiled.

“Then why do I feel like a complete dick?”

“Listen, bro. You did what you had to do. I mean, sometimes we have to hurt the people we love in order for them to wake up. Trust me, she’ll be back in your life soon.”

“And if she isn’t?”

He stopped wiping his face and looked at me with confusion.

“Well, I don’t know. Then maybe I was wrong about her, but I doubt it. Have a little faith.”

“I’m going to head home. Thanks again for watching the girls. Are you taking Sophie home?”

“Nah, she’s spending the night. But no more makeup!” He pointed at her and she giggled.