The Rocker's Muse

Given that I had to endure her in town for two weeks, maybe it was a good idea to embrace reality. It would also be a good reminder of which man I belonged to. Despite my heart continuing to flutter for Tristan, I was with Ethan now. So, I agreed to breakfast, knowing that despite my sense that Tristan was against the idea, he wouldn’t say no.

***

Later that night, I was back home in my bed when I got a text around 2 AM. It wasn’t unusual for Ethan to text me goodnight, especially when he was out of town.

But when I looked over at my phone, the text was from Tristan.

Tristan: I’m sorry if Nazarene showing up made you uncomfortable tonight. I had no idea she was going to come here.

I deflected.

Emily: She’s really beautiful.

Tristan: We don’t have to do breakfast. I wasn’t sure if you said yes because you felt pressured.

Figured he was trying to get out of it. But I was determined to face the fire. It would be just the wake-up call both he and I needed.

Emily: No, I think it’s fine.

Tristan: Only if you want to.

Emily: You don’t need to apologize for her being here. It makes sense that your girlfriend would visit you.

The dots moved around as he formed a response. Despite what I’d typed, I seethed with jealousy and hurt. But I’d made my own bed after crossing the line with him in the first place. And I probably shouldn’t have gone out with him tonight.

Tristan: I just don’t want to upset you. I’ve disturbed your peace here enough as it is.

I wasn’t going to respond, but a minute later he sent another text.

Tristan: You mean a lot to me.

My chest constricted. You mean a lot to me, too.

But I wouldn’t let myself reciprocate. I typed as simple a text as I could conjure.

Emily: It’s all good.

Then I shut off my phone and placed it in my bedside drawer before any further texts from him could keep me up all night.

CHAPTER 30

EMILY

A couple of days later, Ethan and I met Tristan and Nazarene for breakfast at Sparky’s.

After we were seated, Tristan crossed his tattooed arms and aimed some questions at my boyfriend. “So, Ethan, what do you do for a living?”

“I work for my father’s construction company, Mills Construction here in town.”

“Nice. Family business. Will you take it over someday?”

Ethan played with the wrapper to his straw. “That’s the plan.” He nudged me with his elbow. “I’m trying to get this one here to work for us, but she doesn’t want any handouts.”

“Well, I can’t blame her for wanting to be her own person. She probably wants to use her degree for something she’s, you know, interested in.”

“I just meant in the meantime. Instead of waiting tables,” Ethan clarified.

“There’s nothing wrong with waiting tables,” Tristan challenged. “As long as she’s happy doing that. It’s her choice.”