Chapter 6
EZRA
After finishing the hockey team photo shoot, I walked home, mentally preparing to talk with Tate. He’d been on his best behavior since hitting me. Was I doing the right thing? Maybe he’d change like he promised?
I walked through the parking lot, under the tall trees, and past the pool. Truth was, I didn’t love him. I wasn’t sure I even liked him anymore. My stomach churned at the thought of doing anything sexual with him.
I stopped at my apartment and went inside. I had an hour before he’d arrive to pick me up. As I ambled into my kitchen, my phone hummed in my pocket. “Shit.” Was it Tate? Or maybe Lucas?
I fished the phone out and held it to my face. It was Maddy. My shoulders relaxed as I set the phone on speaker. “Hey, sis.”
“Hi, Ezra. Just checking in. The kiddos are watching a movie with Wyatt, so I’m free to talk.”
The timing was impeccable. “I just finished the last of my photo shoots with the hockey team.” I brushed my fingertip along the kitchen island counter and then came around it to drop into a chair at the dinette.
“Okay, and how is Tate?”
She was zeroing in on him again. “Fine. We’re going to dinner tonight at a nice seafood restaurant.” Should I admit my plans?
“Oh, seafood can’t be cheap out there. You’re in the middle of a desert.” She giggled softly.
“No, it’s not. In fact, the place has a dress code. I have to wear a collared shirt.” I twirled a lock of bang around my finger. What should I wear? I didn’t have many nice shirts. I was a little more casual with my clothing.
“Wow, sounds swanky. Is there a reason for this dinner?”
“No, what do you mean?” I freed my hair and leaned forward, setting my elbows on the table. Did she sense the ulterior motive for the dinner?
“Like, is it an anniversary or a birthday or something?”
I huffed a laugh. “Oh, no. it’s not.” I furrowed my brows. I should tell her the truth. “But Maddy? I think I’m going to break up with him tonight.”
Her voice grew low. “Are you serious? It’s about time.”
Blinking hard, I said, “I know. I’m ready.” Tightness wound through my body. She better not worry about this.
“Tell me the truth, Ezra. Are you doing it at dinner, so there’ll be people around?”
How did she know? “Uh, yeah. I figure it’ll be easier that way.” My hand trembled as nerves engulfed me. Could I pull this off? But I had Lucas’s support.
“Good. I doubt he’ll react civilly, given his past behavior. I never told you, but I dated a guy like Tate once. Not for very long, but long enough.”
“Shit, you did?” Why had she never mentioned it before? I rubbed my temple.
“Yes. Afterward, he tried to smear my name around town and told anyone who’d listen I was a slut.”
Heat flickered through my chest. “Slut-shaming is fucked up. You’re not and no one is.” Would Tate try to ruin my business by destroying my reputation? I hadn’t thought of that angle. Fuck. I had to let him down easy.
“How are you going to do it? Because I think you should do it before you order food and don’t let him pay for you. Don’t give him any leverage over you.”
Slowly nodding, I said, “Yeah.” Maybe I should call this off and meet him at a coffee shop tomorrow? But then he’d expect sex tonight. My stomach lurched. Fuck no.
“Do you have any friends to talk to?”
“I…yes, I have one.” My gaze wandered to the window looking over the courtyard, the evening light throwing long shadows over the landscaping rocks and desert plants.
“Who, one of your friends from college?”
“No.” I hadn’t spoken to them for almost a year. Why? Tate. I pinched my lips. “I’ve been talking to one of the hockey players.” Warmth floated through my chest. “His name is Lucas.”
“Yeah? Is he queer?”
“Uh, no.” At least not that he’d acknowledged yet. But he’d take me home. I glanced at my couch, where we’d sat last night. I’d wanted him and I was pretty sure the signals from him had been correct.
“Too bad.” She sighed. “Can you call him if you need to?”
Fuck, I should tell her the whole truth. “Maddy, he’s going to be there. The restaurant is at an outdoor mall, and Lucas will be close when I break up with Tate. In fact, he’s going to drive me home.” I shifted in my chair. “He wanted to help.”
“Ezra. What are you not telling me?”
She was on to me. “Nothing. He—”
“Talk to me. I’m your sister.”
With a tut, I said, “He saw Tate in one of his moods and he wants to help me. Weird, huh?” I still didn’t fully understand why Lucas wanted to get involved.
“No, not weird. He’s a decent human being.” She freed a soft snort. “And who knows? Maybe he’s into you.”
My cheeks flamed. “Naw, he’s just a nice guy.” I’d learn the truth soon. But was I ready to deal with an experimenting straight boy? I glanced at the top of my screen. I only had thirty minutes until Tate arrived. “Hey, listen. I should go. I have to get ready.”
“For your breakup date?”
“Yeah that.” I stood and strode into my bedroom. Knowing Tate, he’d show up a little early.
“Okay, well, let me know what happens and take care of yourself.”
“I will. Love you, sis.”
“Love you. Bye.” She ended the call.
As expected, Tate was ten minutes early picking me up and he’d acted like everything between us was perfectly normal. The drive to the restaurant was tense, and we barely spoke on the ride. Tate valet parked his car, and a host seated us at a rounded booth inside, near the bar.
I scanned the restaurant, all done up in grayish stone and wood with immense round chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Crisp white tablecloths covered all the tables and flickering candles centered them.
Unrolling my napkin from my silverware, I set it on my lap. I had to take action before we ordered food. Sliding my phone from my pocket, I laid it on the cushion. I should be ready in case I needed to text Lucas.
Tate glanced at me from over his menu. “Why aren’t you looking at the menu? Do you already know what you want to order?” He smirked at me. “They don’t have pepperoni pizza here.”
Was that a dig? “I know that, Tate. I just…” My heart thundered in my ears. Fuck, this was harder than I’d thought. “We need to talk.”
“What, now?” He set his menu on his appetizer plate, resting in front of him. “How many times do I have to apologize?” One of his eyes ticked.
“I’m not looking for an apology.” I clenched the napkin in my lap. He was about to explode. I could see it. “Look, things haven’t been great between us for a long time.” I sipped my water, darting my gaze around the restaurant. It wasn’t totally full, but busy enough.
“What are you trying to say, Ezra?” He gritted his teeth and peered around him.
“I believe our relationship is just fine. You’ve been enjoying those hockey players too much.
” He slid in next to me on the bench seat.
“In fact, you’ve been lusting over them, haven’t you?
” His gaze turned hard, and he brushed his hand over my hair, fisted the back of it and tugged.
My head jerked back, pain slicing through my scalp. “Stop, Tate. We’re in public.” Fuck, I didn’t expect this.
He freed me and adjusted his button-down shirt. “You’re not doing this to me now, Ezra. We’re going to have an enjoyable meal and forget about whatever bullshit is running through your head.”
My vision blurred, and I hung my head. I had to get out of here. But how could I do that and not make a scene?
My phone buzzed.
“Who’s that? Your stupid sister? God, what a waste of skin that woman is.” He scoffed and went for my phone.
I snatched it and held it to my chest, my heart jumping into my throat. “She is not.” It wasn’t the first time he’d put her down. But it was how he’d spoken about anyone I knew.
“Yeah, okay, I’m sorry.” He rubbed his eyes. “Fuck, I’m ruining this. Can we just have a nice dinner?”
A waiter stopped at the table, dressed in a white vest. “What can I get you to drink?”
As Tate picked up the wine menu, I peeked at my phone. A message from Lucas displayed. Thank God Tate hadn’t seen it.
Lucas
How’s it going? You okay?
Tate ordered a bottle of wine for us.
“Um, I’m just having water. I don’t want any wine.” I winced and glanced from Tate to the server. My plan wasn’t going well.
“Why?” Tate scowled. “Bring us two glasses, anyway.”
“Yes, sir.” The server did a double take of us and walked away.
“What the fuck, Ezra? Just have some wine.” Shaking his head, Tate glowered. “You’re making me lose my temper here.” He brushed his finger pads along his knife.
He wouldn’t try to use the knife on me, would he? But it was a butter knife. Now I was being ridiculous. Taking a deep breath, I gathered my strength. Lucas waited just outside. I had to do this and leave. “Tate, we’re done. I’m breaking up with you.” I squeezed my cell phone to my chest.
“No. You’re not.” He glared at me and clenched his jaw. “You’re mine, Ezra.” He shifted and cleared his throat. “The sooner you get that through your head, the sooner we can enjoy the delicious and expensive meal I’m willing to buy you.” His face turned red.
Holy fuck, he looked murderous. More angry than I’d ever seen him. I had to leave. “I’m sorry, Tate, but it’s over.” I shuffled toward the edge of the booth.
“Where do you think you’re going?” He snatched my arm and yanked me back.
Pain shot up to my shoulder and down to my elbow. “Ow, fuck. Let me go.” I flinched and wriggled.
Spitting between his teeth, Tate said, “You’re going to sit here and have dinner with me.”
“No, he’s not.” Lucas appeared at the table, fisting and opening his hands, glaring daggers at Tate. “Let him go or the manager will call the cops.” He flared his nostrils.
“You little shit. You told the manager about this? How did you know?” Tate freed me. “Did you both set me up?” With a sneer, he shifted in his seat and released my arm.
I scurried from the seat and stood beside Lucas. Thank God he showed up when he did.
Throwing his arm out, Lucas pushed me behind him. “You need to leave Ezra alone. Do you hear me? He wants nothing more to do with you.”