Chapter 13 Right Track #2
“Well, I’m not sure about that, but anyway, he messaged me right away, and we ended up chatting the rest of the night. The weird thing is, I was texting Braden the whole time too,” I say sheepishly.
Matt’s brows drew together condemningly. “The guy from Cici’s wedding? The one you had the fling with?”
“Yeah. We went out to a club when I was there last time, and he’s been messaging me since.” It comes out in a rush, omitting our extracurricular activities.
“I thought it was a one-time thing.” His contempt is evident.
“It was.”
“Then why have you been talking to him?”
I’m not sure how to answer. Why am I? I’m obviously sexually attracted to Braden, but am I willing to admit that I might like the guy?
I sigh loudly before answering. “Because I’m having fun, and there’s more to him than first meets the eye.
” As soon as the words are out, I know they’re true, and my whole body feels lighter—like I’ve passed some test I was agonizing over.
I’m relieved to have put that out in the universe, and any hesitation I felt is suddenly gone with the simplicity of the truth.
“I wouldn’t let your guard down around him, that’s for sure. He seemed like the use her and lose her type.”
Our meal is delivered, pausing the conversation, thank God. Is it weird to tell a guy friend about my sex life? Yeah. But if I want real advice, then I need to be up front about the situation, and give him the whole picture, or I’m wasting my time.
After focusing on the food for a bit and chugging the rest of my margarita, I take a deep breath and spill, fessing up about the repeat performance with Braden, leaving out the additional participant.
I’m sure it’s unnecessary to the story and definitely TMI.
Matt’s eyes convey enough surprise already.
“And I don’t want to hear it if you think I’m crazy. If I were a guy and told you that, you’d be high-fiving me, so no lecture. I’m only telling you because I feel weird talking to Braden while I’m starting something with someone else. So, from a guy’s perspective, what do you think?”
He takes in a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “Wow. Not what I was expecting. I just… shit, Poppy. I can’t believe you gave into him again.”
“Matt!” I sit back and cross my arms over my chest in defense.
His head drops. “I’m sorry, I’m not trying to be an ass.
I’m just surprised. And you’re right, it’s a double standard.
But if you’re still talking to him, feelings might be involved, and if that’s the case, you should be careful.
You could get hurt, especially since he doesn’t even live here.
He could be keeping you on the line for a booty call whenever you visit Cici. ”
“Maybe I want him for a booty call. Huh? Then would it be okay?”
His hands go up in defense. “All right, point made. I’m sorry. So what is it you’re worried about?”
“Well, I feel like I’m doing something wrong by talking to both of them, almost like I’m being deceptive or something.”
The waitress comes to clear our plates, and we order more drinks since Matt says he needs another for this conversation.
“So, what do you think? Would it be bad if you were Braden or the guy from the dating app and found out about someone else?”
“I’m positive Braden isn’t a one-woman sort of guy. And you just met this other dude, so I’d say it’s too early to feel guilty about anything. And the app guy is probably already talking to other women. Most people don’t limit themselves to one at a time if they’re on an app, do they?”
I shrug. “I guess not.”
“Then, for now, I’d say you’re fine, but if it becomes serious, then you’ll have to make a decision.
Until you decide to be exclusive, you’re not doing anything wrong.
You should be cautious giving too much information about yourself online.
He could end up being some psycho and start stalking you.
Poppy isn’t a common name. You’d be easy to find. ”
“True. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“And, you know, if you do become more involved, then be careful with—” Matt grimaces as his voice lowers. “—protection and shit.”
I burst out laughing. “Oh my God. Okay. Thanks, Dad. Let’s cheers to that,” I say, still chuckling and raising my glass for a toast.
Braden
“Dude, what’s up with you tonight?” Warren scrutinizes me while waiting for an answer.
Considering he’s all too familiar with the woman I’m preoccupied with, I’m not inclined to unload on him. It’s probably wise to let sleeping dogs lie where that’s concerned. So I go with the next best thing, which is way more believable than being troubled by a woman.
“Just work shit. The Marlow case has been dragging. We’re expecting the final documents this week, so I’m anxious to have the opposition filed. I think the wife’s gonna try to pull some more crap, and I’d like to put this last motion behind us so we can move on.”
“It’s Saturday, Braden. Take it easy. You should be focused on pussy, not paperwork.
Speaking of… two chicks have been eyeing our table since we walked in.
You game for a foursome?” He cocks his head in their direction, leading my gaze to the women he’s referring to, their eagerness evident with flirty looks.
I’d usually be all over that, but the only woman I’m eager for may currently be with another man. Sinking my dick into someone else might take her off my mind, but for the first time I can remember, it’s not appealing.
I shake my head to decline. “Nah, I’ll pass tonight.”
“Seriously? Who are you, and what have you done with Braden? They’re hotter than fuck. Plus, I owe you one for that last hottie we tag-teamed. She was a sweet piece of ass, man. I’d love to get my hands on her again.”
Damn it. Hearing him talk about Poppy like that makes my blood boil, and before I can stop myself, I open a can of worms.
“You won’t be, so forget it.” I chug my drink in disgust for allowing it in the first place. Was it hot? Fuck yeah. But knowing what I do about her brings guilt instead of pleasure from the memory.
Warren’s eyes go wide. “Dude. What crawled up your ass? Is something going on between you and that chick? Is that what you’re brooding about?”
“Her name is Poppy, and I’m not brooding. I’m just not in the mood tonight.”
He laughs loudly. “You’re not in the mood? You’re full of shit, is what you are. Oh, fuck, this is classic. Who’s the pussy now, huh?” He’s still laughing uncontrollably.
Although I’m irritated, I can’t help but chuckle along. He’s right. I’m acting like a fucking chick. This is pathetic.
“Enough already. She’s obviously gotten under my skin. As of now, there’s nothing between us, but…fuck.” I shake my head, submitting to the truth. “I’d like there to be.”
“I thought she lived in Bozeman. Didn’t you meet her when you went to interview Marlow?”
Right when he says it, the light bulb goes on.
I know exactly what my next move is. With a clear objective and renewed purpose, I’m ready to go.
The second phase of my plan will have to wait until Monday to enact, but that doesn’t mean I can’t continue what I’ve started. It’s Owen’s turn to woo her tonight.
“Yeah. We’ve been talking through text, but it’s complicated. Anyway, I’m gonna head out and leave those two for you. Thanks for joining me. Sorry I was such a buzzkill,” I say before tipping my glass back and standing.
“Fuck. You’re serious. Okay, well… good luck with the girl, I guess.”
After saying a quick goodbye, I met my Uber out front while contemplating my initial message. She said she’d text me, well, Owen, after dinner, but I decided not to wait and caved on the way home.
Owen: Hey, beautiful, did you have fun at dinner tonight?
She doesn’t respond, and I’m antsy as I hop into bed. My gut coils at the thought that she may have ended up at some guy’s place. I’m spiraling, about to send another text, when the app finally pings with a message.
Poppy: How do you know I’m beautiful? I could be hideous.
Owen: It’s a hunch to go along with your personality. Besides, you’re beautiful to me, regardless. So how was dinner?
I’ll lose it if she evades the question again.
Poppy: It was nice. I met with a friend of mine from work. It’s been a while since we’ve been out.
My entire body sags in relief. But it doesn’t escape me that the little brat completely led me on and made me think it was a date.
Owen: I’m glad. Are you up for chatting or ready to call it a night?
Poppy: I’m snuggled in bed, so I’m all yours until we tire out.
Owen: Do you know how many things that brings to mind?
Poppy: LOL. How about we start with some follow-up questions from last night?
Owen: Go for it.
Poppy: You said people think you don’t have a heart. Why?
Owen: I’m ruthless in my line of work. I also haven’t dated since I was cheated on. I’m not celibate, though, if you catch my drift.
Poppy: I do. What kind of job requires you to be ruthless?
This is where it becomes sticky. I’m not sure how to answer without giving myself away.
I’d call this farce off now if I had a chance with her as Braden.
The problem is, she’s still under the impression that Braden’s a womanizing manwhore.
Until I prove otherwise, I’m stuck letting her learn about me through Owen and pray she understands when I tell her we’re one and the same.
Or maybe she’ll miraculously fall for the real Braden, and I’ll never need to come clean.
That split-second thought goes to ashes when I realize everything she’s learning from Owen is true, so she’ll eventually clue in.
The only way out is the truth. I just hope she’s so head over heels for me by then that the deception won’t matter.
Owen: I’m in law. It’s a shrewd business. What do you do for work?
Poppy: Professional sales. A friend just reminded me to be careful online, so we should go back to safer topics. When were you cheated on?
She may be talking to other people on the app, so I’m glad she’s being smart. Not to mention, it saves my ass from hitting too close to home. But I do wonder what other advice this friend is giving her these days and whether any of it concerns Braden.
Owen: Probably a good idea.
Poppy: When did you stop dating?
Owen: Three years ago.
Poppy: Whoa, that’s a long time. So what are your relationship goals then? Do you eventually want to get married or start a family?
Owen: Straight to the point, huh?
Poppy: Might as well.
Owen: I was about to propose to the girl who cheated on me, but after that, I swore off dating until recently. I’m not eager to walk down the aisle, but I’m not as opposed as I was before.
Poppy: Is that because you’re getting older, or what?
Owen: Let’s go with “or what”. My turn now. I want to hear more about your first time and why you waited so long.
Poppy: I knew we’d end up on this topic again.
Owen: I’d say it’s a pretty big deal.
Poppy: Deal-breaker?
Owen: I already told you it wasn’t. I’m just trying to understand where you’re coming from.
Poppy: That’s fair. It’s mainly because my brother scared me away from guys all through high school, while my parents inspired me to want someone special, and no one was ever special enough, or like I said, anyone who made me want to.
Owen: Then you’ve been dating the wrong men.
She doesn’t argue.
We chat a bit longer about trivial things, favorite foods, thrills, hobbies, and the like until she’s practically falling asleep.
I told her I’d be with family tomorrow, and we could pick up again on Monday, since I want all her focus on Braden for the day.
If I have my way, she’ll forget Owen even exists by the time I’m through with her.
The next morning, it takes serious willpower not to text her the second my eyes open as I reach for the phone. If I do it as Owen, I’m only strengthening a false relationship, but I’m afraid to scare her away if I do it as Braden. This entire situation is fucked up. Which means I’m fucked.
The hole is getting deeper with each passing conversation, but I haven’t found a way out yet, nor have I stopped digging. Talking to her as Owen gives me insight I wouldn’t have, and Braden allows me to bring out the fun in her otherwise reserved self.
I manage to make it to the gym for a quick workout while my wheels spin about scheduling a meeting with my client in Bozeman.
It’s a dirty move, but I need to be with Poppy in person to prove I’m not the man she thinks I am.
Plus, a do-over is in order… to show her what her first time should have been like.