“I’ve been thinking,” she spoke. “I’m going to take the bar exam.”
“Really? I thought you didn’t want to be a lawyer?” I asked as I wrapped my arms around her waist.
“I worked my ass off in college and law school and it would be waste at least not to take the exam.”
“I think it’s a good idea. I’ll tell you what, you can come work for me as my company lawyer if you want to. I’d hire you on the spot.”
“Don’t you have a lawyer already?”
I shrugged. “A firm. But they can easily be replaced by someone as sexy as you.” I smiled as I kissed her lips.
“We’d have to work together every day. We’d see each other all the time. Don’t you think we’d get sick of each other?”
“I could never get sick of having you by my side all day long.”
A smile graced her beautiful face. “Good, because I could never get sick of you either. There’s something else I need to do.”
“What’s that, baby?”
“I need to go see Grant and my mom. It’s part of my journey. For closure purposes.”
“Do you want me to come with you?”
“Yes. If you wouldn’t mind.”
“I would be happy to go with you.”
“Thank you. I love you.”
“And I love you. Now about that dessert you promised me.” I grinned as my hand traveled up her short skirt.
“Where would you like to eat it, Mr. Westbrook?” The corners of her mouth curved upwards.
“I was thinking right here in the kitchen.” I lifted her up on the counter.
“The kitchen is the perfect place for dessert.” Our lips met with passion.
****
Jillian
As Drew and I stepped off the plane, I thought I’d feel nervous, but I wasn’t. Which was weird. When I turned on my phone, a message from Kellan came through.
“Douchebag is at Bar Louie and he’s here with some chick. I’m sitting at the bar trying not to gag.”
“Thanks. Did he see you?”
“Yeah. When he was on his way to the bathroom. He just gave me a dirty look. Idiot.”
“We’re on our way.”
“You sure you want to do this, Bean?”
“I’m sure. See you soon.”
“He’s at Bar Louie with some girl,” I spoke as I held Drew’s hand.
“Don’t you think you should wait and talk to him at his house?”
“And risk seeing his parents? Um. No thanks. A public place is better.”
When we reached Bar Louie, I took in a deep breath as I walked through the door and saw Kellan sitting at the bar. Walking over, I gave him a big hug.
“So where is he?” I asked.
“Well, he’s walking over to us as we speak. Shit. Are you sure about this?”
“Look who decided to pop back into town,” Grant spoke as he approached me.
I swallowed hard. “Hello, Grant.”
Drew took a seat on the stool and ordered a scotch.
“‘Hello, Grant’? Is that all you have to say?”
“No. I have a lot to say. So how about we go over to that table and talk?”
“Nah. I have nothing to say to you, Jillian. Do you even realize the embarrassment you caused me and my family?” He grabbed hold of my arm.
“I suggest you let go of her right now,” Drew spoke in anger.
“And you are?” Grant cocked his head.
“The person who’s going to scar up that pretty little face of yours if you don’t remove your hand from her.”
“I’d like to see you try it, big man.”
Drew stood up from his stool and I stepped in between him and Grant.
“Stop it. I didn’t come here to argue. I came to talk to you. To put closure on us.”
Grant let out a loud laugh. “Us? There never was any us, Jill. I was marrying you out of obligation. Do you know how many women I fucked behind your back over the years?”
I didn’t think he could hurt me, but he did, and I needed to get over it real quick.
“Did you honestly believe I loved you? The only thing you were good for was a social status.”
An anger ripped through me and my breathing became rapid. I couldn’t control myself as I balled my hand into a fist and punched him, sending him down to the ground. I kneeled down and grabbed hold of his fucking polo shirt I hated so much.
“Do you know how long I’ve been wanting to do that, you little fuckwad?”
“Oh my God!” The girl he was with came running over.
“Get out of here or you’re next!” I yelled at her. Looking back at Grant, who was lying there holding his jaw, I spoke, “Now I’ve embarrassed you twice. I came here to have a civil conversation to put closure on what happened, but no, you had to go run your smart mouth like you always do. The best thing I ever did was leave your dumb ass at the altar, and now I’ve said my peace. Have a nice life, Grant.” I let go of his shirt and stood up. “Come on, Drew. Come on, Kellan. Let’s get out of here.” I turned on my heels and walked out the door.
“Shit, Jill. I didn’t know you had that in you,” Kellan spoke as he caught up with me.
“Are you okay?” Drew asked with concern.
“I’ve never felt better.” I smiled.
Chapter Forty-Two
Jillian
One Year Later