Chapter 19 #2
“I know. He was incensed and immediately formed a plan to get it back. I still can’t believe it actually worked.” Julia took a healthy sip of wine, enjoying the heat that spread through her when it settled in her belly. “I have the worst judgment when it comes to men, but Deacon…”
“He’s proven he’s legit.”
“Yes! And now, I just want…”
“What?”
“Everything. I want to dive into this thing with him headfirst, which is what I always do, and it’s how I end up screwed in the end. I leap before I think, and I always regret it. Every single time.”
“Has it occurred to you that this time might be different?”
“Yes! But I always think that. ‘This one, he’s special. He’s different.’ But they aren’t. None of them are special.”
“I think it’s pretty damned special that Deacon used his professional skills to make your case to the cops at home and got back your money.”
“It’s incredibly special.”
“Don’t you think it’s also an indication of who he really is?”
“I want to believe that so badly. You have no idea how badly I want to believe that.”
Laura placed her hand on top of Julia’s. “I think it might be safe to believe in him, Julia.”
“I think so, too, but I’m not sure I could take it if he turned out to be like the rest of them.”
“I was once right where you are—coming off a heartbreaking disappointment after I found out my new husband was still dating.”
“I’ve heard this story, and I still can’t believe it.”
“I know. Me either, but it happened, and at the worst possible time, there was Owen to show me that not all men are scum, despite my recent experience.”
“At least you had your father and uncles to show you how it’s supposed to be.”
“That’s true. I certainly did, and even having their outstanding examples to follow, I still chose wrong the first time.
It’s proof, I think, that no matter how we were raised, sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between the frogs and the princes, especially when they only show you what they want you to see. ”
“Yes, exactly. Mike was so charming and attentive and romantic. I thought he was everything I’d ever wanted. If only that was the first time I’d been wrong, but it was, like, the tenth time. I have zero confidence when it comes to men. They’ve shattered me. All of them.”
“I’m sorry you’ve been through such a nightmare. I hate that people are so awful to each other. Why can’t everyone just be kind and loving? Can you imagine what a nicer world this would be?”
“That would be something.”
“Well, we both know all too well that the real world is often shitty, but that doesn’t mean everyone in it is shitty. Look at what Deacon did for you right after you met. Imagine what he’s capable of if that’s how he starts.”
“I want him to be as great as he seems. I want that so badly. And wanting it that badly pisses me off, because I’m supposed to be on a dick diet—”
Laura sputtered, and wine shot out of her mouth as she coughed and cried with laughter. “A what?”
“You heard me. I’m off the dick. And now, all I want is to be back on it. With Deacon.”
Laura laughed helplessly. “A dick diet. That’s the best thing I’ve ever heard.”
“What’s so funny?” Owen asked when he came into the kitchen.
“Your sister is on a dick diet. Maybe that’s what I need after having twins.”
“Shut your filthy mouth.” Owen shot her an appalled look. “That’s the last thing you need, and my sister needs to stop filling your head with ridiculous ideas.”
Laura rolled her eyes at her husband.
“I can’t believe you told him that,” Julia said, amused by Laura and Owen and slightly mortified that Owen knew about her dick diet, such as it was.
Her phone lit up with a text from Deacon that made her feel warm all over with anticipation. On the way over. Can’t wait to see you.
“Hey, O,” Laura said. “Check out our girl’s face. I think she’s about to blow her dick diet.”
Owen cracked open a beer. “Don’t say blow and dick in the same sentence unless you’re prepared to deliver.”
“With that,” Julia said, standing, “I’m outta here.” She gave her brother a quick squeeze on the way by.
“Oh crap,” Laura said. “I just got a text from my dad. Mac is in the clinic with a suspected anxiety attack. Apparently, he collapsed as he was coming in to meet Maddie for her appointment.”
“Oh my God,” Owen said. “If you want to go over there, I’ll stay with the kids.”
“I think I will.”
“I got a text from Luke that Mac wasn’t feeling well,” Julia said. “I’m so sorry that happened. I hope I can help to alleviate some of his stress.”
“Hope so, too,” Owen said.
Laura followed her to the door. “Hey, Julia?”
Julia turned to face her sister-in-law. “Give Deacon a chance. I have a feeling he’ll be worth it.”
Julia hugged Laura. “I have a feeling you might be right, and I hope your cousin is okay. See you tomorrow.”
“I’ll be here all day, wrangling three kids. Come by to rescue me.”
“Will do, and thank you for listening.”
“Any time. I’ve got my fingers crossed for you and Deacon.”
Julia gave her another quick hug and then turned to leave in time to see Deacon taking the stairs two at a time to the third floor. In his left hand, he carried a striped gift bag.
He came to a stop when he saw her there, his face lighting up with a big smile. “Hey, beautiful.”
From behind her, she heard Laura’s sigh and had to suppress one of her own. As far as opening lines went, that was perfection.