Heading back to the living room, I grab my phone to call my parents, then remember they’re still on the road. If I call them now, they’ll turn around to come get me. And I don’t want that. I’m an adult, a college graduate. My parents are in their sixties, retired, and living in a fifty-five-and-up community down south. I was so focused on school and then Victor, I never bothered to build any long lasting friendships outside school. It’s not like he’d let me go out with them. And the few I’ve kept in touch with from high school live hours away.
Looking down at the screen, I notice a text from a number I don’t recognize. I swipe my finger across the message, prompting the text to pop up.
It’s Heather Reed. This is my number. Let’s grab lunch sometime.
Again, I’d been so caught up in everything with Victor, I’d forgotten about Heather. I don’t know her well—or at all, really—but she’s always been really nice.
Maybe she needs a friend as much as I do.
I move to stand in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows and stare out at the endless ocean. It’s late afternoon, the sun is out, and the sky is clear. The weather is perfect. It’s too early for dinner, but it’s never too early for drinks.
I save Heather’s number in my contacts, then press the Call button. She picks up on the second ring.
“Hello.”
“Heather, it’s Makayla.”
“Hey, girl. How’s it going?”
“Um.” I exhale a shuddered breath. “Well, my boyfriend just dumped me—literally. Like left me at a hotel.”
She gasps. “Seriously?”
“I’m sorry for just calling out of the blue like this, but I don’t know anyone else—”
“No, I’m glad you called,” she cuts in.
“Do you have plans later? I was wondering if you’d like to meet for drinks.”
“No plans. I’d love to meet for drinks.”
“Great. How about the martini bar in Pelican Cove? I’m staying at The Martin Portside. Oh, wait. I don’t even know where you live. Is that too far?”
“Not at all. Just text me the time and I’ll be there.”
“Will do. Thanks, Heather.”
“Can’t wait. See you.”
Chapter Seven
Cannon
After Heather finished checking out all four apartments, I took her home to change, and now I’m dropping her off at the martini bar to meet Makayla.
“Thanks for the ride,” she says as she climbs out of the car, then leans into the open doorway. “Don’t wait up, Dad,” she adds with a smirk before closing the door.
Shaking my head, I pull away from the curb and dial Desiree. “Cannon,” her sultry voice purrs through the speakers. “How was the graduation?”
“Eventful.”
“Oh?” she asks, obviously intrigued.
“Did you enjoy your time with Victor?”
I’m met with silence for a good fifteen seconds before she says, “I know we agreed no getting involved with members, but—”
“I’m willing to make an exception,” I cut in.
There’s another beat of silence. “Why?” she drawls, her skepticism clear.
Desiree knows me better than anyone, even Heather. She and I met twelve years ago at a grand opening of a new club. We hit it off instantly. We danced, she drank—because I’m not much of a drinker—and then I took her out to my car and fucked her. Afterward, I drove her home and fucked her again. We dated for seven years after that.
“Because I want you to be happy.”
“Cut the shit, Cannon. You don’t even like Victor.”
I chuckle. “True. Were you aware he was involved with someone?”
There are no secrets between Desiree and me, no matter how much the truth hurts.
She inhales sharply. “I… I suspected there might be, but he never said, and I never asked.”
“Her name is Makayla. She’s a beautiful young woman.”
“If she’s with Victor, I wouldn’t expect her to be anything less than perfect.”
“She is perfect.” I pause. “But not for Victor.”
A soft laugh comes from her. “Sounds like someone has a crush on Victor’s girlfriend.”
“She’s not his girlfriend anymore.”
“Meaning?”
“Victor gave her up for you. I don’t trust him, but if he’s what you want, you’re free to continue seeing him.”
“What about Makayla?”
I grin. “Let me worry about Makayla.”
Chapter Eight
Makayla
“Thanks for the drinks, Victor, you fucking dick,” Heather cheers, bringing the glass to her lips.
I throw my head back and laugh. She’s fun.
While waiting for my Uber, I checked my bank account, and my eyes nearly fell from their sockets. Victor gave me a very generous graduation gift, and after I’d calmed down, I decided I wouldn’t be too hasty in returning his money. I still need to find a place to live and a job, after all.
“What about you?” I prompt. “Do you have a man?”
Heather pulls her glass from her lips and shakes her head. “I’m not really a relationship type of girl.”
“Oh?”
Now I’m curious. Heather is exotically beautiful with dark, wavy hair that hangs down just past her shoulders, golden brown skin, light eyes, and full lips.
“Relationships are too much work.” She sets her drink down on the table and leans back in her seat. “When I was sixteen, my parents were killed in a car accident. I had a hard time getting close to anyone after that.”
I frown. “I’m sorry.”
She lifts a shoulder. “I’ve had a few boyfriends since then. I just haven’t met anyone worth the effort.”
Running my finger over the rim of my glass, I tell her, “I had a few boyfriends in high school, but only one serious relationship. I went out with few guys in college, but I wasn’t interested in second dates. Junior year, I dated a guy, Spencer, a senior from my Economics class, for a few months. He was cute and nice. We slept together a handful of times,
