Chapter Twenty-One - Caught in the act

Skyla

Kelsey and I were having a girl’s day. We had been shopping for a couple of hours and now stopped for lunch and coffee. It is nice to spend time with her.

“Should we order coffee first, have that and then food?” she asks as we find a seat.

“Yes, sounds like a plan. There is a free table over there.” I smile, nodding in the direction of it.

We rushed to get it before someone else did because the restaurant was busy. I would be glad of a seat; my feet were killing me. Why I chose to wear heeled boots today, I have no idea. It doesn’t take long for someone to come over.

“Good afternoon. Can I get you something to drink?” the waitress smiles.

“Can we have two lattes, please and menus,” Kelsey replies.

She takes note of our order and heads off to get our drinks.

“Are you seeing Brandon tonight?” she smiles.

“No, not tonight. He has plans. I am going to catch up with some writing. We can have a movie night if you want. I can write while we watch.” I suggest.

“Sounds like a plan. So, when can I read this book?”

Kelsey is the only person who I allow to read while I work. I like to get her opinion because I know she will be honest with me.

“You can read some tonight if you would like?” I smile.

Kelsey smiles brightly, excitement filling her eyes, and she nods eagerly. I snicker at her reaction. I probably shouldn’t tell her where I found my inspiration for a lot of it because she might now want to read about the sexual adventures of her boos. That could be awkward.

The waitress returned with our drinks, handing us a menu each, “I will come back soon to take your order.”

“Yay, caffeine.” I celebrate, taking a sip.

Kelsey chuckles, shaking her head at me and gives hers a moment to cool down. She doesn’t like it too warm, while I like it straight after it is made.

We glance over the menu, deciding what we want. Kelsey wants a chicken salad, while I fancy Spaghetti carbonara.

“Shall we get some bread and olive oil?” she asks, looking up at me.

I nod, “Oh, yes, please.”

We return to our coffee, chatting until it is time to order. Hopefully, it won’t take too long because I am starving. I only had a banana for breakfast. It was all I fancied, and luckily Brandon wasn’t there to lecture me on the importance of eating a proper breakfast.

Suddenly, Kelsey looks over my shoulder and her entire face changes.

“Um, Kelsey, are you okay?” I ask, confused.

“Where did you say Brandon was today?” I can hear the nervousness in her voice.

“He didn’t. He only said he had plans with a friend. Why?”

“Because he is here, Skyla, and he isn’t alone. He is with some blonde, and they look cosy.” She whispers, a sympathetic look in her eyes.

“What?” I whimper.

“He is behind us.” she sighs.

I turn around, and there he is. He is sitting at the table with a gorgeous blonde woman, drinking wine and holding her hand across the table.

“Who the fuck is that?” I hiss, anger building inside of me.

“I have no idea. Maybe you should go and find out,” she suggests, sounding as angry as me.

“No. I am not going over there and making a fool of myself. Can we please leave? Get our food to go?” I plead, trying to fight back the tears.

Maybe I have no right to be mad because we aren’t exactly official. We haven’t talked about being exclusive. Though he made it clear while I am with him, no other man is allowed near me. Shouldn’t it be the same for him? He stays away from other women while with me.

She glares at their table over my shoulder, “Do you want me to go over?”

“No, please don’t. Can we just go?”

The tears start to brim in my eyes, some running down my cheeks.

She reaches over the table, squeezing my hand, “Okay. You go wait outside. I will tell the waitress we are taking it to go and wait for.”

“Thank you. Promise you won’t say anything while I am outside? I will talk to him later, somewhere less public, because I don’t need everyone knowing I am being cheated on.” I sob.

Kelsey promises me. I grab my things, rushing outside. I rest against the wall and let myself cry. I quickly wipe my tears away, not wanting everyone to see me have a breakdown.

How could he do this? If he wanted to date other people, he could have fucking talked to me about it. Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised because she is the type of woman a man like him should be with. Not me. This is why I try not to get involved with anyone because they always end up being lying, cheating bastards!

I start pacing the pavement, anxious for Kelsey to hurry up in case Brandon comes out. I don’t want him to see me upset because of him. I don’t want to give him the satisfaction.

It took ten minutes before Kelsey came out, and I wanted nothing more than to get back to the apartment and cry in private.

***
I have been trying my best to forget everything that happened today. It wasn’t working. Kelsey hasn’t left my side since we came home. Instead of movies, we are eating ice cream and drinking wine. I have been ranting and crying on and off.

“Skye, I am sorry he has done this to you. You deserve better. The man is a dick.” She snaps.

“I probably shouldn’t be surprised. He is a smart, handsome, wealthy man, and I am, well me. Plus, we aren’t even official, so maybe I don’t even have the right to be pissed at him.” I sigh, running my fingers through my hair.

“There is nothing wrong with you. He would be lucky to have you. And it doesn’t matter if you are official or not, sweetie. He should have discussed seeing other people with you.” She exclaims.

“I know…” I trail off, downing the last of my wine.

The sound of my phone ringing drew our attention. I see Brandon’s name flash on my screen. I let it ring out, but he calls back a second time. I don’t want to talk to him, not right now. It rang a third time, and before I could stop Kelsey, she grans it, answering his call.

“Fuck off, Brandon. She doesn’t want to talk to you. Call the blonde you were with earlier.” She snarls before hanging up.

“You need to be careful in case he fires you.” I protest.

“Trust me. He isn’t firing me over this. He can try, but he doesn’t have a leg to stand on because this situation has nothing to do with work. Do you want me to switch your phone off?” she asks.

I rest back against the sofa, closing my eyes and draw in my breath, “True. Thank you for answering. I am not ready to talk to him. And yes, please just switch it off.”

Kelsey switches it off and tosses it aside. It will probably be a long night because I won’t sleep. I don’t sleep well when I am upset or stressed.

I know I will need to deal with him in the morning.