Tristan chuckles. “Truth. What else did she say when you were fighting?”
“She told me she’s not moving to London and then asked me if I would move for her.”
“What did you say?”
“I said I’m not living in Bumfuck, Nowhere, for her to play with fucking cows.”
“There you go.” Jameson throws his head back and laughs out loud as if it’s the funniest thing he’s ever heard. “You are so fucking stupid.”
I exhale heavily, and we sit in silence for a while.
“It’s a control thing,” Jameson says.
“She’s not a controlling person,” I say. “Not in the least.”
“Not wanting control and not having control are two different things.”
“She said she’d live anywhere as long as we’re together,” I reply.
“That was before.”
“Before what?”
“Before she knew that where you live is out of your hands.”
“London is beautiful,” I scoff. “I don’t get it. It’s not like we won’t ever come back. We can buy a house in Bumfuck, Nowhere, as well.” I shrug as I look between them. “What’s the fucking problem?”
“She has no commitment to that.”
“She wants a commitment, I’ll marry her tomorrow,” I whisper angrily. “In my mind, I’m already married anyway.”
They both look at me, horrified.
“It’s that serious?”
“Yes!” I look between them. “Are you two dumb fucks listening to me at all? This is her. This is the one.”
Jameson widens his eyes. “Out of all the women in the world, you fall for one that hates money.” He laughs again. “Oh . . . the irony.”
“You think?” I scoff. “I didn’t sleep all night, petrified that she was going to leave me.”
“Give her time. She’ll calm down. It took Claire a while to come around to my life,” Tristan says.
“Same here.”
I can only hope that’s true.
“And for Christ’s sake,” Jameson sighs, “keep your big mouth shut.”
“That’s it?” I screw up my face. “That’s the brotherly advice you’re giving me? To keep my big mouth shut?”
My phone beeps with a text.
Can’t wait to see you today and
finally meet Hayden.
See you at 1.
Mom, xo
“Oh no.” I drag my hand down my face.
“What?”
“I’ve got lunch with Mom and Dad today to introduce them to Hayden.” I roll my eyes. “I completely forgot that I arranged it last week.”
“Tip of the day: keep her well away from Mother. That will be the final nail in your coffin.” Tristan widens his eyes.
“Yeah, good thinking.” I text back.
Sorry mom,
Super jet lagged.
Can we take a rain check?
I’ll call you tomorrow.
My phone instantly rings, and the boys both laugh, knowing exactly who is on the other end.