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I looked out the patio window at the gray day that was just starting to dawn. I was glad we were leaving for St. Croix on Monday. A little time on the beach and some bright sunshine would do me good. I was excited to see the progress of our home on Fox Island.
Oliver leaned back against the sofa, his expression thoughtful. "I need to do some shopping," he said.
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You? I'm surprised you weren’t done weeks ago."
"I have more people to buy for this year," he explained.
"Who did you buy for last year?" I asked, curious.
"A few friends and Jonah," he replied casually.
"Friends? Female friends?" I couldn't help but ask.
"Don’t start. You weren’t in the picture back then. You can’t expect me to feel guilty for buying gifts for female friends," he defended himself.
"You gave Lara a gift?" I questioned further, feeling a pang of jealousy.
"We were spending time together. I didn’t want to be rude," he explained, though his tone was defensive.
"What did she buy you?" I pressed, unable to contain my curiosity.
"Why is this conversation relevant?" he sighed, seeming slightly annoyed.
"I just want to know what she bought you," I insisted.
Oliver hesitated before finally admitting, "Cuff links."
My expression darkened. He always wore a certain pair of cufflinks, and if they were the ones from her, I wanted him to stop.
"The monogrammed ones you always wear?" I asked, my voice tinged with hostility.
"Yes. I like them. It’s not because I feel anything for her," he assured me.
"I don’t want you to wear them anymore," I stated firmly, my jealousy bubbling to the surface.
"Your green streak is showing," he remarked, though there was a hint of amusement in his tone.
"I’m not jealous. She’s a bitch, and you shouldn’t wear anything from another woman," I retorted, my tone firm.
"I’ll put them away," he relented.
"You’ll give them away," I insisted, determined.
"That’s rude. They’re gold," he protested.
"So?" I countered.
"Ryleigh, do you have gifts from Ty?" he asked, shifting the focus of the conversation.
"A few. Ty is different. I haven’t slept with him, and he’s just a friend," I explained, feeling the need to clarify.
"But he’s a man. Isn’t it the same thing?" he challenged.
"No, it’s not. You had an intimate relationship with Lara," I insisted, feeling a surge of frustration.
"I didn’t. We fucked, and she escorted me to functions," he clarified, his tone defensive.
"You fucked her, that’s intimate," I countered, my voice rising slightly.
