Read Online Style and Disgrace by Caitlin West - Free Book Online Page B

and now you’re drawing back.”
    “I guess that’s what happens.”
    “I don’t have to go until tomorrow morning…the assignment isn’t until then.”
    “Nevertheless, don’t you think you’ve caused enough damage here? Or do you think you might be able to find a couple more things I care about to insult, attack, or break?”
    Ian rubbed his eyes. “I don’t want to leave you alone tonight. I…I’ll stay down here and keep watch. We should continue this conversation when we’re not so emotionally charged.”
    “Ah, yes…I wonder who got us that way.” I tapped my chin before starting up the stairs. “You had better stay down there the whole night, Ian. I have absolutely no interest in hearing you creep around near my bedroom. Just for the record, the door will be locked. I trust that you’re enough of a gentleman to respect that?”
    “Of course, Abigail I just—”
    “We’re not having any more of this conversation until tomorrow, remember?” I paused at the landing. “I’m an idiot for not kicking you out. Don’t make me regret that decision more than I already do. Whatever you and I could have had, I can tell you right now that’s long gone. The ship’s sailed, the rocket’s launched, and the balloon has popped. I’d start thinking about the next chick you’re going to obsess about and, maybe in a few months, we can discuss your success over coffee.
    “For now, good night. Oddly enough, that’s the last time you’re going to hear that without the closing of a car door punctuating the sentence.”
    If only that would end this little dalliance so simply. I know we’re not done talking about it, or finished with the potential, but I’ve bought some time to regroup and wise up. Come on, Abby, it’s time to make the right decision for a change. The road less traveled is the one where you keep your panties on in the presence of the hot guy who treats you like crap.
    Wow, I really am a sad person .
     

Chapter Ten
Shadow Victims
     
     
    I remember visiting Los Angeles the very first time. We hit all the sites, kept our eyes open for celebrities, and donned our blatant tourist visage proudly. Now, I dress like a secret agent when I’m there just to buy some milk and pray I can get back to the hotel without being spotted. That’s a weird evolution I never expected.
    —Abby’s Facebook
     
    I locked myself in my bedroom and sat on the bed, staring out the window. The argument flaring in my head involved whether or not I should kick Ian out of the house immediately or wait until later when we weren’t so pissed. My professional side argued I had to tread lightly because we couldn’t afford to fire two managers in less than a month and that’s where fighting with him would lead for sure.
    There wasn’t a good reason to get rid of him, not that I could tell the others about. The fact he was staying the night at my house wasn’t exactly conducive to happiness either. David might understand if I explained the circumstances thoroughly, but he shouldn’t have had to. I decided to let the night go by uneventfully because the next several months would be crazy enough to make it not matter.
    My mother came back into my head. How the hell did she have any money to be staying at a hotel? Who was she screwing to bankroll what had become her semi-fabulous lifestyle? The best question made me flush, both angry with myself and just because it made me sound like a jerk. Why the hell did I care what she was up to?
    I mean, turnabout was fair play and all that.
    I texted Sammy and asked her what she was up to. Her reply came right away.
    Sammy: Being bored. You?
    Me: The same.
    Sammy: We’re about to play Rock Band with our cousins. Just think of the fun you’re missing!
    Me: Hey, I like that game. I get to sing all the songs you guys think are too cheesy to cover.
    Sammy: Yep, keep getting your Night Ranger on at home cause I will never play that piano line outside the living room. That’s a