Page 28 of One Weekend in Los Angeles

Oh, no, he didn’t. “Don’t you dare gaslight me and make excuses. I have been supportive in every single thing you’ve done. Even when it didn’t make money.” I’d been the breadwinner while he pursued his passions during our entire relationship.

He scrubbed a hand over his face. “I get to be a different person with Paula.”

Hindsight was a kick in the ass considering Paula practically hero-worshipped him and fed his ego. “I’m sure you do. And the truth is I don’t like that person you’ve become at all.”

“I can change, I promise. Seeing you with Deacon is killing me.”

Ah. Of course this was what was motivating his sudden hope for reconciliation. Like a kid who’d put down his favorite toy in favor of a new one, he’d been happy with the decision until the point he saw someone else pick it up.

Although I’d had no intention of releasing all of my pent-up resentment, he’d unleashed it. He had the nerve to think we’d simply go back to the way things had been because he was jealous of my trade-up?

“You threw away your integrity for a chance at fame. And when it came to choosing the person who loved you or this artificial life, you chose fame.”

“It’s not like it’s been easy. I’m being crucified in the media currently. The bar has one-star reviews before it’s opened.”

“And I’m what? Supposed to feel sorry for you? You’re a liar and a cheater, and what I’ve realized since you’ve been gone is I don’t miss you. Because you’re not the man I fell in love with, and I deserve better.”

It was true. I no longer viewed him as my future or a man I wanted to be around and I certainly didn’t miss him. Over the past few days, I’d started to realize I hadn’t been happy in my marriage in quite awhile.

“What, you have a rock star pretend to be your date, and suddenly you’re over me?”

“Wasn’t anything pretend about the way she stayed with me last night,” came Deacon’s voice from the door.

Jeff’s jaw clenched, his gaze ping-ponging between us. “This farce isn’t going to last.”

He wasn’t wrong, but I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of admitting it.

Deacon chuckled, taking a casual pose against the frame as only a sexy rock star could. “I suppose losing Andi would make any man bitter and grasping at straws.”

Jeff’s eyes bugged out, and he turned to me with accusation in his voice. “He calls you Andi?”

I’d never allowed even him to call me by that nickname, and it was clear how jealous he was in hearing it.

“Ready to go, Andi?” Deacon wasn’t above making the dig twice. Although I didn’t need the rescue, I appreciated it.

Jeff pivoted toward Deacon, bright red in the face. “You can see yourself out. I’m having a private conversation with my wife.”

“Ex-wife. You should get used to saying it,” I retorted. I was done with this and ready to get this man out of my life.

He practically snarled, “So this is how it’s going to be? You thinking you can treat me like you’re better than me just because you’re fucking him? Fine. I’m going to make your life hell and take you to court over every single item in the house, including the fucking dog.”

Deacon moved out of the doorway, allowing Jeff to storm past like the egotistical ass he was. I closed my eyes and refused to react to his threat. The problem was he’d already proven himself spiteful enough to carry through on it.

Deacon put his arms around me, rubbing my back. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have goaded him. I’m sure you had it covered, but when I saw him walk back this direction, I couldn’t leave you alone with him.”

“It’s just stuff.” Material things could be replaced. “At the end of the day, I’ll give him anything to keep Callie and be done.”

Chapter Sixteen

DEACON

I’d never been a man of violence, but the anger I felt toward Jeff had me seeing red. It was all I could do not to punch him the hell out. But physical violence would only garner me an assault charge followed by a lawsuit.

“I’ll give you whatever you need to settle with that prick.”

She leaned back from our embrace, her eyes wide. “Meaning money?”

Jeff threatening to go after Andrea’s dog was the last straw. I’d do or pay anything to ensure she didn’t have to deal with his petty bullshit. Including buying him out.