Page 58 of The Jaded Notes

Trent:You told me you don’t want to date anyone. Can you be with a man without getting all emotional?

Me:Absolutely. That’s not an issue.

Trent:Then have fun. Write down any details you mightforget because I need every moment of passion told to me when you get home.

I glance out the window and let myself enjoy the suspense the last thirty minutes brought. It sits deep in my abdomen and thrums up to my heart.

If this isn’t Jaxon’s doing, then what? The problem is, I don’t have his cell phone number, so I can’t check whether my suspicions are correct.

“The tour is going great. I love Europe.” Bren peers at me through the screen of his phone as I get ready for my surprise date. “We’ll be in Paris in two months. Have you changed your mind about coming to the concert?”

“No, I’m still not in a place where I could risk running into Callum.” I apply blood-red lipstick and smack my lips together when I’m done. “Sorry, Bren. I love and support you, but I still need the time and space to let him go completely.”

“I get it, but he’s been doing better, Liv. He’s not using as much, and he’s not hooking up with anyone. I think he’s trying hard to get his life back on track.”

Internally, I roll my eyes. “I’m sure he’s having plenty of fun.”

“He’s trying to fix everything, Livianna. Cut him some slack for once.”

“It doesn’t matter what he does. I’m moving on. That’s why I’m going on this date tonight.”

“Really? You can look me in the eye and tell me you’re finally over him?”

I consider his question, and the pain in my heart still aches. Callum’s not a bad person, but he made a hurtful decision and ruined everything.

The burn is just as agonizing as it was three years ago. Iwish I could release him, but I seem to be tethered to him. That’s why I can’t see him yet. I need distance to heal.

I stand and show myself to Bren. “What do you think?”

“You always look fantastic.” He brings his face closer. “That’s not one of your designs, is it?”

“No.” I spin around. “Tonight, I’m being spoiled.”

“How so?”

Shit.I didn’t think that through.

“It’s nothing.” I tuck my hair behind my ear and show him a smile.

He narrows his eyes. “Spill it.”

“What?”

“It’s not nothing. You’ve got the guiltiest-looking expression written all over your face. I’m not hanging up until you tell me.”

My shoulders roll forward. “I don’t want to explain myself to you.”

“Why? What did you do now?”

“Bren…”

“Just say it, and we can deal with it.”

I grit my teeth, then decide to give him something so he’ll quit pressing me. “I’m going out with someone I met at Elite-Sinsations. He bought me the dress.”

It’s kind of true.

Bren’s eyes widen as big as the moon. “You’re fucking kidding.”