Chapter 26 A Choice
Rick looks him up and down, finally looking completely unimpressed, "A better man than you. And by the way, I don't see a ring on her hand. But I did see a side piece all over your body," he smirks.
James looks like he's about ready to blow a gasket. But I'm not going to save him. I owe him absolutely nothing right now. If he is going to go out and find another woman, I might as well look for a new boyfriend.
"Josie, you can't leave me for a prick like this! I am going to marry you! I swear it! Britt, she was just..." I watch as he spirals into a panic.
"A slut you couldn't take your hands off of?" I finish for him, folding my arms around myself like it can protect my heart from this bastard... But it can't. It's already broken. "You think I want you anywhere near me after what I just saw? You chose her over someone with actual feelings for you. All she wants is your dick. She can have it."
"Baby, it was a mistake! It won't happen ever again!" James promises, trying to pry my arms from around my body. I can feel him shaking with nerves, but it's not going to soften my resolve. Nothing can undo what he's already done. I can't go back in time and unsee what I saw!
"How long has it been going on, James?" I demand, not sure I really want to know the truth. But something in me is giving me enough courage to ask the damn question.
"What?" his voice goes up 5 octaves. I can see the fine sheen of sweat on his forehead. His hands are practically trembling as he tries to touch my face with a gentle touch.
I can hear a growl form across the table and see Rick is not happy with James touching me... And neither am I. I lean away from his touch, but force myself to meet his eyes at his response.
"I don't know what you're talking about baby. It would never have happened if you would've given in to me! We could've been having sex for months and I wouldn't have had to find it somewhere else! I swear it was only-" He argues, trying to make his point.
Each word cut me deeper. I stayed faithful to him for months, and he couldn't even wait for me? Is this the feeling I've been having when I'm around him lately? Is this why I felt like something was off and wasn't willing to give into him?
"I think it's time for you to leave," Rick cuts in. "You are trying to manipulate her. You were the one cheating and you are making her feel bad for a personal choice? What kind of man are you that can't wait for her to say yes?"
I look at Rick and he's right! James is spinning everything on me! And he's the one cheating on me. I guess he never really loved me.
"Go back to your slut, James. Just leave me alone," I state taking the first bite of my cake. "You didn't love me. I get it. You don't have to rub it in my face any longer. I'll go find someone who really wants me."
The man across from me has been more considerate to me in the last hour than James has been with me our whole time together. Maybe I was just blind and made excuses for him... But not any more.
"Why are you eating cake with him?" James hissed under his breath, glaring at the chocolate cake on my fork.
"Because he remembered my birthday," I shrug my shoulders, stuffing my face with the new love of my life. I moan in ecstasy. The cake really is good!
"I remembered you birthday too!" he snarls. "I took you out to dinner, remember?"
"Yeah, and you also promised you'd marry me when you got enough money. But apparently you had enough money to go and cheat on me with some blond bimbo. You made your choice, James. Now live with it," I shrug again, pretending I'm unaffected by what happened, and fill my mouth with another piece of warm chocolaty goodness.
"Josie, baby, you still love me. I know I hurt you, but you can't just-" he whispers. "I still love you. You know I do... I just made one mistake... You can get over it, and we'll be good! We can work through all this..."
"I believe Josie asked you to leave," Rick said standing up, towering over James smaller frame.
My jaw drops. I never actually notice the difference between their heights, but Rick is a giant! I knew he was huge, because I'm still craning my neck but the difference is comical. You can definitely tell who the alpha male is.
"If you need an escort, I'll be happy to call the cops," Rick states, glaring down at James.
James looks like he just swallowed a spider. "Baby, I'm sorry," he grumbles. "I'll talk to you later... after you have time to cool down... and when you aren't around bastards trying to keep me away from you."
And then he makes his way out of the cafe looking dejected. He has no right to have that look! He's the one who did this to me!
Rick sits back down and watches me carefully. "You will be okay, Josie. I promise."
I give him a strained smile like my whole life plan hadn't just fallen apart.
Now what do I do?