Starter Wife (The Jilted Wives Club Book 1) by Bethany Lopez (a court of thorns and roses ebook free TXT) 📕

“I should call her,” I decided, sitting up and reaching for my phone.

“No, you shouldn’t.”

“Fine. Then I’ll text her.”

“How about you give me the phone and I’ll text her for you, that way we know you don’t send something you’ll regret later.”

“That’s probably a good idea,” I said, handing him the phone.

“That’s me, always thinking.” He took my phone and glanced at me. “Okay, what do you want to say?”

“Whitney, pausing is stupid. I don’t want to spend another minute of my life without you. I’m sorry about what happened today and how I reacted, but you didn’t react well either.”

“Nope, not gonna say any of that. How about, ‘Whitney, I’m sorry about what happened today. I’d love the chance to talk to you about it, but I know you need time. Call me when you’re ready and I’ll be there.’”

“Yeah,” I said, nodding enthusiastically. “That sounds good. Then put … heart emoji, thumbs up emoji, and kisses emoji.”

“No, no emojis.”

“Why not?” I argued.

“Because you’re not twelve, Luca. You want her to take you seriously, not think you’re too immature to have a relationship with an adult woman.”

“Fine. No emojis … But not even the heart?”

“No.”

I scowled and took another drink. Seconds later, my phone chimed.

“Is that her?” I asked eagerly.

Damon nodded. “She said she’s happy you texted and that she’ll be ready to talk tomorrow night. Come over at seven.”

I stood up and let out a whoop. Then the room started spinning and my stomach seemed to turn in on itself.

“Uh-oh,” I muttered, pressing my hand to my mouth.

“I think it’s time to get you to bed,” Damon said, rising. “You need to get your act together by tomorrow night. I suggest flowers, chocolates, and a nice bottle of wine.”

“You’re a prince among men, my friend.”

“I prefer god, actually, but I’ll take it,” Damon replied, and I snorted in response and he guided me toward my bed.

Thirty-Five

Whitney

“You told him you wished he’d died rather than cheated?” Summer said with a peal of laughter. “I love it.”

“You are a badass,” Margo agreed with a small smile.

I’d called an emergency meeting of The Jilted Wives Club … Yes, Summer now had me saying it … and they’d come over with no hesitation.

I chuckled and said, “I didn’t say I’d wished him dead, but that I had imagined what life would be like if he’d died. He still wasn’t too happy about it. But honestly, I was just trying to relay the fact that I’d never imagined us breaking up for any reason other than death and that’s why I was so blindsided when he left.”

“Well, I’m glad you had the conversation you needed to have in order to close that chapter of your life. Now, what exactly happened with Luca’s family?” Margo asked.

As we sat around my table, drinking coffee and nibbling on macarons, I told them about the dinner at Luca’s parents. I told them about how I was feeling initially, then Charlotte’s grand entrance, and how I pretty much shut down for the remainder of the meal.

“It was bad,” I admitted. “I hadn’t had a reaction like that to anything in a couple years and it took me completely off-guard, and I couldn’t get out of my head. All the therapy, the passing of time, it lulled me into this false sense of security, and I thought I was over it. But I wasn’t, which was why I went to see Marcus.”

“Have you spoken with Luca at all since?” Summer asked.

“He texted last night, and I told him to come over tonight to talk. I feel really bad about what happened, and I could tell he was disappointed things didn’t go as well as he’d hoped. Looking back, I don’t love the way he reacted to everything either, but I can understand where he’s coming from. I think we just need to talk it out and things will be okay.”

“I hope so, I love you two together,” Summer said, and Margo snorted.

“Yeah, we know,” she said sarcastically. “But seriously, I like him for you, too. I think you’re much lighter now, happier than when we first met, and although I don’t think he’s the sole cause, I think he is a big component in your growth.”

“Me too, and honestly, I’m falling for him,” I admitted, laughing when Summer squealed in response. “I think that’s another reason for the freak-out. My feelings have come on quicker and stronger than expected. He’s amazing and I’ve never felt like this for anyone before, not even for Marcus, and that’s absolutely terrifying.”

“That’s completely understandable,” Margo said, grabbing a macaron. “I can’t imagine being in a serious relationship with anyone right now. Honestly, with the way things played out with Carson, I may never be ready for something like that again. Maybe it’ll just be hookups for life … and I’m okay with that.”

I reached out to touch Margo’s hand and she gave me a small smile.

“I’m so ready for love I can’t stand it,” Summer said unexpectedly. “I’ve decided to give the dating app another chance. I’m tired of being alone and seeing you and Luca makes me believe there’s someone just as wonderful out there for me.”

“Of course there is, Summer. You deserve all the happiness in the world,” I told her. “If that’s what you want, then we support you one hundred percent, right Margo?”

“Yeah, but now that Whit’s tied up with Luca, don’t expect me to be your wing woman on any of those events you go to.”

“I know,” Summer said sunnily. “But if you ever want a wing woman to go with you to the bar, count me in. I’m open to meeting Mr. Right anywhere.”

“And Margo’s interested in meeting Mr. Right Now anywhere,” I joked.

“Damn straight,” Margo agreed, then popped the whole macaron in her mouth.

“So, what’s your plan for tonight?” Summer asked.

“I called Luca’s mom last night to apologize and invited her and Mr. Russo over for dinner tonight