Chapter 25 Shield
I look down at my clothes and for a moment I completely forgot I was wearing Rick's jacket. It's still keeping me warm, and the scent is soothing... Somehow I feel like I'm wearing a shield that was an unintentional gift.
I turn back to the cafe and see the man leaning up against the building, his arms crossed across his chest. I can see the tick in his jaw as he takes in the situation. He's been watching the interaction, but hasn't stepped in. Which is good. This has nothing to do with him! In fact, if he came over here, it make everything worse... If that is possible.
This is about me and my traitorous 'boyfriend,' and his new slut.
I turn back to James. "That's Rick. He asked me to help him with a flower arrangement for his mother."
James snorted. "That's what he told you? Are you cheating behind my back?!" he argues.
"I bet you are wishing I was cheating on you, huh? Would that make you feel better James? Would you feel justified for going behind my back, when you know damn well I'm not that kinda girl?!" I grit through my teeth.
I give James red face a blank look. He looks guilty and like he has no idea what to do now.
I pull out the blank order form. "No James. I really was here just working on his order. And I would still be in there filling this out if I hadn't seen you just now," I grit through my teeth.
"Baby, just ditch her! She's nothing," the girl coos. "It's either her or me baby. And what the hell does she have? Nothing! She doesn't even have good boobs! You love mine! Remember how you moaned while you sucked on them and fucked me hard?" she giggles.
James looks panicked. "Josie, don't listen to what she's saying. You know I love your body, I just-"
"Actually, James. You can have your bitch. Just know I actually loved you enough to be faithful to you... This chick? I doubt she'll last a week," I say, trying to keep my face as neutral as possible. He doesn't get to see he's broken me.
I watch as his face turns white and he swallows hard at each word I say. He shakes his head in denial and tries to reach out for me, but I don't want his filthy hands on me ever again.
"Have a nice life," I state before turning around and marching back to Rick. I can hear him calling out to me, but I'm not going to give him the satisfaction of turning around so he could see me cry.
"Jo, baby... I really do love you. I am going to marry you! I'm sorry. I didn't mean-"
Rick puts an arm around me as I make my way back to the cafe. "Are you okay?" He asks quietly, leading me back into the cafe. The plate of cake finally arrived and so did my coffee. At least I have something to look forward to.
"No," I whimper, biting my lip. "I'm not. But you don't have to worry about me Rick. I'll figure this out on my own. You don't need to sit here and watch me fall apart when I'm sure you have better things to do. So lets get your order done so I can get back to work," I insist.
Rick looks at my face as if he can discover the cracks in my facade. I can see the tension in his jaw and the tick in his eyes. He seems really upset on my behalf. But he just nods his head in agreement and lets the subject drop.
"Of course," Rick says, helping me sit across from him. His hand on the small of my back support me just a moment longer than necessary, which I'm grateful for. The touch is a small comfort I didn't have to ask for. He just knew I needed it.
"JOSIE! PLEASE! I didn't mean for you to see that!" James shouts as he makes his way through the cafe door and marches to our booth.
I'm sure he didn't mean for me to see that! At least I hope he didn't want me to see that. He didn't want to be caught cheating. He just wanted to do it behind my back so it didn't hurt so bad. That's how it goes, right? Out of sight out of mind?
Rick snorts at James stupid statement. "If you didn't want Josie to find out, you probably should keep your women out of her sight," he suggests with steel in his voice. "Or better yet, stop playing around in the first place."
"WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?!" James demands the moment he sees Rick, as if he has any right to look at him like that. His face is red with jealousy and fury. "Why the hell are you with my fiance?"