Chapter 96 Focus
Rick takes me in his arms and holds me in his bed. "Baby, I know I should've told you about her, and I'm so damn sorry she's got you insecure. The moment I saw you, I was so happy! I bought the flowers you chose because they made me think of you," he says pointing to a dried bouquet I hadn't even noticed before, sitting on a mantel.
Those are the exact flowers I sold him all those weeks ago when he came into the shop. He said he wanted something for someone who he hadn't seen in awhile. I guess that would've been Julia... But what are they doing here?
"You... Didn't go back to her?" I swallowed, not sure I believe him. "But you bought them for her! You told me you wanted something that said 'I missed you' and then you asked me to pick them out for you!"
He chuckles and places a soft kiss on my neck and breathes me in. I relax into his arms against my better judgement. I need to be alert for what he's telling me. I know this was way before we were even together so there is no need for me to forgive him... But it doesn't erase the worry he might decide to go back to her.
"Little dancer, the last time I saw her was bout 4 months ago. I'd been going between California and Arizona. I was fucking tired for all the traveling so, I decided to tell my parents I wasn't going back and I bought the mansion," he mumbles into my neck before pulling away from me.
"I thought you liked traveling?" I whisper.
"No! I hate it! I get lonely when I'm on my own. I wanted to start a family. I want to sell my companies and just relax for once in my life," he responds.
"But wont' you end up like your parents? You said they are living off of your income!" I'm a little confused.
"Josie, my dancer, I've got enough clubs to keep me going for generations after I die! I didn't need more pressure from my dad to stay away. I've wanted to settle down for awhile now. I'd been lonely, and it had been awhile, so I thought I'd drop in on her..." he admits, placing a soft kiss on my lips. "Only the moment I saw you, you flipped my whole world upside down and I couldn't think of anything but you," he whispers into my ear.
I look at him for a moment. His whole countenance is so sincere and open, there is no way I don't believe him. I guess if it's just Julia and he hasn't seen her since before he even found me again, I shouldn't worry about it... But it's not just her I'm worried about.
"Anna and Stephanie... Did you ever... I mean, they implied-" How the hell am I supposed to ask about those skanks that ruined my whole damn day by filling my mind with doubt?
“He’s going to use you and kick you out just like every other girl in his life! Has he told you about Julia? They’ve been together for years, and he just ditched her like trash. What makes you better than her?” The words have not stopped repeating since Anna spit them in my face.
And really, I have no idea what makes me better than Julia! I've never met the woman... But I've met Stephanie and Anna. And if I know them, they aren't going anywhere. They are going to keep pushing me until I break.
"Baby, I bet I know what they implied. But they were employees only. I never slept with them. They worked at my clubs, and I kept it that way. I don't want a damn lawsuit!" he grumbles. Then he sighs. "I know damn well what I was like when you knew me back in high school, Josie. I'm not proud of it! But I swear I've changed!"
"So they weren't-" I gulp in a deep breath. "I mean, they were never in your bed?"
Why the hell do I feel so guilty asking him this? And why do I feel the need to know the whole truth from him right now? I hate interrogating him. I just want us to be happy! I had been so happy this morning and those two bitches ruined everything in less than 5 minutes!
"I told you yesterday, they weren't anything special. And they aren't! Those girls are a dime a dozen; but if they are bothering you at work, you can always quit. You can go to school if you want... Or you could always teach dance," he suggests, moving his hands down my hips and squeezing tightly.