Jealousy Read online

  My relationship with him is good. We’re healthy together. There’s a comfort in Austin I desperately need.

  Dylan only causes heartache.

  TIME PASSED QUICKER than usual. Summer was a blur of work and romance, art and Austin. We spent five days in Paris back in June. It was amazing. I’d been once before a few years ago, but I was in no state to appreciate it back then. It was a work trip that I extended by a few days to enjoy the museums, the history, the art.

  But I didn’t. My head was there, but the cavern in my chest still held empty heartbeats. The real ones only beating for a lost love.

  The trip with Austin was different, incredible in so many ways. He would give me the world if he could. He’s that sweet and kind, loving and generous. But he’s worldly too, smart, and charming. He talks of taking the next step. I’m not sure if he means moving in together or getting engaged. And I’m not sure how I feel about either of those yet.

  Austin: I’m sending the car for you. My meeting is running long. I’m sorry.

  Me: You’ll still be there at 8?

  Austin: I won’t be late.

  Me: I look forward to seeing you later, sexy.

  Austin: Sexy? I like that. Btw - I have a surprise for your birthday. Prepare to be showered.

  Me: Literally showered? Is that my present.

  Austin: lol. I like that idea.

  Me: Glad you’re amused. I’m disappointed I have to wait through dinner to get my present.

  Austin: You won’t be. I promise. Oh, and yes I will now literally be showering you. Hope you have plenty of hot water. I have plans while I’m in there.

  Me: Aren’t you in a meeting right now?

  Austin: Yep.

  Me: How does the owner of a huge international company get away with saying ‘yep’?

  Austin: Like you said, I’m the owner.

  Me: I need to get ready for a fabulous dinner with my boyfriend. He’s taking me to this bistro downtown that is impossible to get reservations to.

  Austin: He sounds connected. Is he a keeper?

  Me: A total keeper.

  A few minutes pass before I receive another text.

  Austin: Just got asked a question and I had no idea what they were talking about. I guess I need to pay attention but these financial strategists are so boring.

  Me: Glad I’m not in finance then.

  Austin: Me too. I’ll see you tonight, beautiful.

  Me: Bye, Charmer.

  I set my phone down on the bathroom counter to finish getting ready. I find it hard to apply makeup properly when smiling so big.

  I ARRIVE AT Le Bonne Vie five minutes early and have just enough time to check my lipstick in the bathroom before returning to the waiting area.

  “Hi there. Sorry I kept you waiting,” Austin greets, smiling, admiring. He kisses me lightly on the cheek.

  “Hi there yourself. I haven’t been here long, so no worries.”

  With his hands on my waist, his expression changes. “I have some bad news. Two of my business associates have to join us tonight.”

  “What? It’s my birthday, Austin.”

  “I know. We just need to get some contracts signed, then they’ll be off. I didn’t want to keep you waiting any longer, so I told them to meet me here. Just one drink and they’ll be gone.”

  “That’s fine. One drink doesn’t ruin our plans.”

  “Mr. Barker, your table is ready.” The hostess guides him, walking too close to him in my opinion.

  He sits next to me, two empty chairs across. After looking over his shoulder, he nudges. “They’re here. Thanks for understanding.” Austin stands as they approach. “Jacqueline Rosen,” he starts the introductions.

  I stand and shake her hand, “Jules Weston.”

  “So nice to meet you, Ms. Weston. I’ve heard lovely things about you from Mr. Barker, such as it’s your birthday. Happy Birthday.” She hands me an envelope. “I hope you don’t mind the last minute wrapping.”

  Her face, she looks familiar, but I can’t place her right away. I look down at the gift and say, “You got me a present? You didn’t have to do that.”

  She waves it off like it’s nothing.

  I peek inside the envelope just as Austin says, “Ah, here we go. Jules Weston this is Dylan Somers.”

  My gaze flashes up as the envelope slips from my fingers to the floor.

  “Ms. Weston.” Dylan smiles as his voice coats my body. When my eyes meet his, I see the same surprise I feel inside.

  I glance back to Jacqueline and the picture completes in my head. Dylan, Jacqueline, the restaurant. She was all in red just like tonight. I find myself staring at her before my eyes work their way back to Dylan, shocked he’s with her… still.

  Austin touches my elbow and asks, “Are you alright, honey?”

  I glance to him. “Yes, I’m fine. I apologize.” I reach my hand forward and Dylan takes it. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Somers.”

  “The pleasure is all mine.”

  My heart races just from seeing him again, hearing his smooth voice that enunciates with confidence. The touch of his skin against mine sends warmth streaking through my veins and I wonder if I affect him the same way.

  We all sit down, Dylan taking the chair across from me, and our eyes meeting again. “Happy birthday, Ms. Weston.”

  Austin retrieves the envelope and hands it to me. Trying to act like my Ex being here doesn’t affect me, I look inside. “The Red Door,” I say, looking at the gift certificate. “That’s so kind. Thank you.”

  Jacqueline leans across the table, caddy-corner, as if we’re old pals. “I was there last month for an entire day. I joke that they were going to have to kick me out. That spa does everything first class. You have to try their chamomile herbal hydrating facial. Wonders. It does complete wonders.” She laughs, Dylan and Austin chuckle lightly, humoring her. “Of course, you’re naturally beautiful, but some of us have to work a little harder.”

  She’s fishing.

  Austin’s caught because he’s polite like that. “I’m sure you have no trouble turning heads.” He has a natural ability to make everyone feel good while making it clear to me that he didn’t include himself in that group of heads turning, which makes me smile.

  I lean forward and tell her, “Thank you again. I look forward to using it.”

  We order cocktails and Dylan and I continue not looking at each other. I wonder if he’s avoiding me as much as I am him. When I dare to finally peek in his direction, the old anger that lived inside of me for so long is not quite like it should be. It’s not there at all in fact, which worries me.

  Jacqueline puts her hands on Dylan a lot. I eye her fingers touching him, pretending to be nothing but a friendly touch, but I can tell it means more to her. When I look up at her face, I wonder if they’re dating. I want to ask so badly, so damn curious. While anyone can tell Austin and I are together, the two of them are not as obvious.

  I bet Dylan doesn’t even remember that I saw them together at the restaurant all those months ago. If they’re dating then why is she touching my boyfriend right now? I watch as she reaches across and taps his hand lightly to get his attention. Everything about her annoys me. Her thick, long red hair is a nuisance the way it drapes over her dinner plate, almost knocking over a water glass as she talks to him.

  Our cocktails are served. “Thank God,” I say out loud though I meant to keep that inside. Austin gives me a questioning look.

  Dylan chuckles, making me feel a little less crazy and I smile. He understands the relief needed right now. Jacqueline turns to him, hands on his arm—always with the touching—and says, “Dylan, the contracts.” He pulls an envelope from his inside suit pocket, along with a pen he sets down in front of Austin. Jacqueline leans across and starts to explain, “Dylan went over the documentation twice…”

  “You’re an accountant?” I ask, speaking to him directly as Austin and Jacqueline discuss the details.

  “No.” Dylan shakes his head,
a tinge of happy making his blue eyes sparkle in the restaurant.

  I look to my left. Austin is reading the contract as Jacqueline continues explaining the major points, but she stops suddenly and says, “The food smells wonderful. Have you eaten here before, Jules?”

  My eyes go toward the sound of my name. “No, this is our first time here.”

  “I meant to tell you that I love your dress. It’s a wow dress. Just what a birthday dress should be.”

  “Thank you,” I reply. “I wanted something special.”

  Austin leans over, sliding his hand behind my back and pulling me closer. “I was going to tell you in private but since we’re on the subject, you look incredible.” He kisses me lightly, appropriately for a dinner. Then he whispers into my ear, “You make me want to skip dinner altogether.”

  “Stunning,” Dylan adds unabashedly.

  Everyone stops talking. Austin sits back in his chair, his hand immediately on my thigh. He tilts his head, surprised like everyone else by Dylan’s compliment. Jacqueline appears confused by his vocal nicety.

  Maybe it’s the alcohol, but Dylan doesn’t seem to care. His eyes directly on mine, ignoring the others. He clears his throat and looks down before turning to Austin. “We should let you get back to your celebration.”

  “Yes, well,” Austin replies, “everything looks to be in order and how we discussed.” He starts signing the paperwork, directing his attention back down to the documents in front of him.

  Just as he hands them back to Jacqueline, I don’t know what overcomes me. Without thinking about the repercussions, I suggest, “You should join us. As you said, this is a celebration. Stay for dinner.”

  Jacqueline jumps at the opportunity. “I’d love to try this place. I’ve heard it’s spectacular.”

  “Thank you,” Dylan adds, “that’s very kind. But only if you’re positive we’re not intruding.”

  I know what Dylan’s doing. I can see right through his act. He wants me to plead, wanting to hear how much I want him to stay. I’m in a good mood, so I oblige. “No intrusion at all,” I say, “Please. Stay.”

  I feel Austin’s hand on my thigh, warming me as he rubs gently. “Great, let’s order then. I’m starved. That meeting went on about two hours too long.”

  Jacqueline points out, “The meeting was only two hours long.”

  “That’s my point.” Austin raises his eyebrows and smiles.

  Over dinner, Jacqueline is working Austin hard. He seems interested in a lot of what she has to say but challenges her on some of those ideas as well. I like that for some reason.

  Dylan clears his throat, and asks, “Discovered any new talents I should know about in the art world?”

  That he’s talking to me over dinner is a bizarre concept, not wholly welcome, but not completely unwanted either. I look down for a moment, unsure how to proceed. How much of myself am I willing to give him? Since art is my professional world, it’s a topic I’m comfortable sharing with him. “Yes, we held an artist named Jean-Luc’s exhibit over the summer. He has another one coming up in a week. He’s talented, so talented. His next show is called Body Affair.”

  He glances over to Austin who is deep in a business conversation with Jacqueline, neither of them listening to ours. He replies, “Sounds risqué.”

  “One can only hope,” I reply, bringing my martini glass to my lips and taking more than a polite sip. Looking into Dylan’s eyes, I venture into dangerous territory. “What do you do, Mr. Somers?”

  “I’d prefer if you called me Dylan.”

  “Alright, Dylan.”

  “I work in investments. Austin’s corporation is a client of the company. Jacqueline is leading his financial team and they brought me in to guide their fund growth.”

  “Sounds intriguing to hold so much power over all that money. Do you like power?” My eyebrow quirks up involuntarily.

  “What man or woman doesn’t want power?”

  “It’s nice to have power, but sometimes at home, in private, it feels good to let someone else take the lead for a while.”

  “Only a powerful woman can say that.”

  “I think power means different things in my world than in yours. You, Dylan, seem to be someone who needs it. I don’t need power. I just need to know I’ve done the best I can.”

  He drinks, three long gulps and I watch his Adams apple as he swallows, remembering how I used to… I shake my head. I shouldn’t think those thoughts about him anymore.

  There’s a welcome interruption from the waiter. “Miss, your plate.”

  “That looks good. Let me know if you need help with it,” Austin says lightheartedly, eyeing my food.

  I giggle, momentarily forgetting about Dylan and the redhead.

  “How long have the two of you been dating, Jules?” Jacqueline asks as if we’re going to be friends.

  I’m not the one she cares to impress at the table. I’m just someone she’ll use to get what she wants, which is Austin’s attention, so I reply tensely, “I’m not sure actually.”

  I look to Austin who quickly covers for me. “Five months. It’s been really great.” He grabs my hand, bringing it to the tabletop between us, not showy, but in a casual way. Our fingers are intertwined and as he continues, I look across the table at Dylan. His eyes are on our hands and scanning up slowly until they meet mine, then I face Austin. “… I’ve learned so much about art since we’ve been together. Jules and I went to Paris over the summer—”

  “Oh I love Paris,” Jacqueline says, her hand settling on Dylan’s forearm. “Have you been to Paris, Dylan?”

  “No.” He looks to me again and I’m hoping it’s not obvious, that we’re not obvious. We once dreamed of going to Paris together. “I’m waiting,” he says, “to go when I find the right tour guide.”

  “You can hire one,” Austin adds innocently.

  “I can show you the sights,” Jacqueline offers. Something in her tone pisses me off. It’s more than just a friendly offer and her damn hand is still on his forearm.

  Dylan laughs, loud and deep, then says, “I meant I want to go with someone I’m in a committed relationship with.”

  Jacqueline laughs, a bit embarrassed as she should be for being so available. She says, “Seeing me at work a couple of times a week isn’t committed?” She squeezes his arm again. The minute caress starting to bother me. “I’m teasing you, Dylan. Yes, going to the most romantic city in the world does make you want to bring someone you love.”

  Dylan is placating her, being polite and smiling, but I’m not amused at all.

  BY THE TIME dessert is served, the mood is light like the conversation again. “Please don’t make me eat this alone.” I say, pushing the dessert forward to the center of the table.

  “I thought you’d devour your birthday treat.” Austin says, “Jules doesn’t consider it dessert unless it has chocolate in it.”

  After taking a bite, I savor the rich cake in my mouth, then amend his statement. “It’s true. Though I do love a great crème brulee these days and I wouldn’t say no to cheesecake.”

  “I couldn’t agree more on the chocolate. Do you mind if I try your dessert?” Dylan asks, picking up one of the four spoons delivered with the dish.

  “No, not at all.” And for some reason, I don’t. I blame the olive-sullied vodka I’ve been drinking.

  Everyone at the table watches as Dylan reaches across and scoops the cake and fudge with his spoon. Normally, one would eat from the side closest, but he doesn’t. He takes his bite from the exact place where I took mine. My heart speeds up and my eyes widen watching him open his mouth slowly, insinuatingly dragging the spoon from between his lips. I assume this reaction is from the rich chocolate I just inhaled, but I have a feeling it’s not.

  Jacqueline and Austin return to their conversation about team dynamics, but we don’t join them. We’re not talking at all, just watching each other. My chest seems to be heaving a bit more than it should and my body heats. I can feel Dylan’s
gaze heavy on me, so I close my eyes and try to regain my composure.

  “I’ll take care of the check. It’s my girl’s birthday dinner, after all.” Austin’s voice brings me back and I open my eyes to find Dylan’s narrowed at him, irritated.

  “Was it good?” I ask Dylan, trying to redirect his glare from Austin.

  He looks over, directly into my eyes, a small arrogant smile appearing. “The best I ever had.”

  Austin speaks, not aware of the current conversation I’m having. “I wanted to give you your present over dessert. Hope you don’t mind an audience.”

  Eye contact is held a beat or two longer before I turn to see Austin’s sweet smile. “Okay,” I reply. He sets a Tiffany’s box in front of me. It’s too small and it feels like the thermostat has been turned up a few degrees. The box is way too small to be a necklace or bracelet. Racing heart. My breathing shallows.

  Oh my God! No, he’s not doing this.

  Not here.

  Not now.

  Not in a restaurant.

  Not in front of Dylan, my boyfriend… ex-boyfriend. Ex. Ex. Ex.

  “Open it,” Austin encourages.

  With shaking hands, I pull the Tiffany blue lid off. A velvet box resides inside, a box the perfect size for a ring.

  Thump. Thump. Thump.

  As soon as I take the box in hand, Austin stands suddenly and I feel dizzy. He wouldn’t do this now, not after only five months. Would he?

  When he leans down, Dylan jumps up and shouts, “Wait!” There’s panic in his eyes. The same panic I feel, but for the same reasons?