Rewriting the Rules (5 page)

The next morning, I wake up and head downstairs, hoping to find Troy so we can talk. Between last night and now, he needs to understand why I’m here and hopefully he can slowly let go of the past.

I’m in love with Troy and have always been in love. When you find your soulmate, you do everything you can to get the one person who makes your world move and puts a smile on your face. The connection you have with that one person is so fierce it consumes you and pushes you to the edge of desire.

Passing by the living room a framed picture catches my eye. I pick up the simple black framed picture and look at it. He has an arm around her waist and is smiling without showing his teeth. She’s beaming, and he looks okay. I put down the picture and walk around his living room. There are pictures of him and his parents, Cora and Michael, and pictures of him and Will. Turning to look at the other wall I notice a picture and I’m taken aback. Stepping closer I see it’s a picture of us from the day I graduated. He’s smiling, showing his teeth, and holding me with both arms. We’re hugging in the picture and I remember how much I loved him, and wished I had the balls to tell him. God, I was such an idiot back then. I should’ve stood up to Will and told him about Troy. I should’ve done so much more.

“Morning.” The husky, deep voice brings me back to the present. Turning around to see Troy, an instant frown appears on my face when I see a girl standing next to him. “Did you sleep well?” He eyes me.

“Good morning,” I answer. “I did sleep well. Thank you again for last night. I appreciate it.” He nods and I turn my attention to the woman standing next to him. “Hi, I’m Charlotte Maxey. Will’s sister, and Troy’s best friend.” I notice the smirk on his face.

“Hi,” she flatly says, eyeing me. “I’m Andrea Ramos. His girlfriend.”

Sweetly I smile and walk over to them. “So nice to meet you. Excuse me, please.” Walking into his kitchen, I hear her whisper and inside I’m throwing my arms in the air. I know I’m hot, and I’m confident. I’ll give her a few points. She’s absolutely gorgeous, fit, and is his girlfriend. Only I wonder how serious they are or how long they’ve been together.

Turning around, I jump on the island, hanging my legs, and look in Andrea’s direction. “So, tell me more about yourself. I’m moving to Rochester and would
love
to get to know you. All I know is you’re a supermodel and dating Troy.”

“Ah,” she starts to say and leans against the counter, facing me, with her hands cupped together. “Yeah, I’ve been modeling since I was ten years old. Grew up in New York City and came here to visit one weekend. Met Troy, we started dating, and I’m in-between Rochester and NYC.”

“I love the city! I bet you have a penthouse and everything.”

“Well, I live in a model house with other models, but usually, I’m in hotels paid for by the agency, or traveling. Troy and I were talking about moving to the city.”

I hear Troy huff and not respond. Looking over my shoulder, I see him walking outside and taking a seat by the pool.

“So you and Troy have been together for a while,” I ask, turning my attention back to Andrea.

“About two years.”

“That’s cute.” Hopping off the island, I open his fridge to find ingredients to make a breakfast smoothie. “Do you want me to make you a smoothie?”

“No, it’s okay. I’ll ask Troy.” I watch her walk outside to talk to him. There’s tension and bad vibes coming from them. He’s not relaxed like he used to be. Last night when we talked, he wasn’t so moody, I guess. He’s always been a complex man and even now, I’m sure he’s guarded. I’ve always been able to read him and years apart hasn’t changed that ability. He’s confused as to why I’m here and soon he’ll know.

“You know what,” she marches inside with a pissed off look on her face. Troy’s right behind her and I have no idea if I should get popcorn ready to watch this fight or stand back and giggle on the inside. “Never fucking mind. I don’t get your attitude this morning. I’m
leaving
for six weeks,” she yells. This is too good. Thank goodness I’m up. This woman has no shame. I’m surprised Troy’s with someone like her. He hates complications and drama, yet she seems to be all about that.

“Excuse me, Charlotte. Can you give us a moment please? As you can tell, we’re trying to have a conversation.”

I hear the annoyance in her voice and turn around with a sad smile. “Oh sure,” I wave my hand. “I’ll be outside enjoying the sun. You two talk it out.” I smirk and skip outside.

Walking outside, I rest on the chair. It’s so beautiful out today. The sun’s out and the skies are clear. Taking off my dress, I toss it to the side and lie down on the black chaise. I’ve never been ashamed of my body. I work hard to keep it tight. I eat right and work out every day. Stretching my arms over my head, I smile and think about last night. The memories between us are so strong. We have unfinished business and as soon as Andrea is gone we’re going to deal with it. No more skirting around the issues. I worked hard to make myself who I am today. The confidence, my brain, my body, and my personality all represent a strong woman. I am strong because I want to be. I didn’t change for Troy or any other man. Everything I did to get where I am is because of my own strength and courage.

A woman should never change herself to get a man’s attention. She needs to work hard for herself, and sometimes getting his attention motivates, but it should never be the primary reason. A woman needs to know her worth before she can make someone happy. Love yourself first, then you can freely give love.

My phone rings and I grab it to see who’s texting.

Jessica:
Hey babe. Make it okay? I didn’t hear from you last night.

I’m missing my best friend. I hate leaving her especially since she’s planning her wedding and I’m the Maid of Honor. When things settle down, I’ll go back for a weekend and help get things done. I can do a lot of planning and helping online and via Skype. It’ll work out. I’ll be there for my best friend and her special day.

Me:
Well, hello, my love. Yes, I’m here. At Troy’s house.

Jessica:
STFU. Did you talk to him yet?

Me:
He has a girlfriend. They’re talking or fighting right now.

Jessica:
You’ve been there less than 24 hours and you’re playing the homewrecker role.

Me:
No. I think they’ve had issues before me. Who knows. I’ll find out. I miss you! How’s my JimJim?

Jessica:
Good as usual. We just had sex! ;) My God, that man can work it and make me come! LOL!

Me:
STOP! My eyes!

Jessica:
Oh, whatever.

Me:
Shawn texted me last night.

Jessica:
Yeah I know . . . He was here when he texted you . . . Do you think you guys will be okay for the wedding? Jim said he doesn’t have to have Shawn be the best man.

Me:
NO! It’s YOUR day . . . Don’t make changes because of me. Everything will work out and it’ll be okay . . . Shawn and I need space.

Jessica:
Totally get it . . . Just let me know if you need us to do anything.

Me:
I know, but it’ll be okay! So I made some appointments for you and Jim. Let me know how it goes! I can’t wait to go back and see you guys!

Jessica:
Thanks babe! I know we’re so excited. Thanks for helping me. You’re the bestest friend I have and I’m so honored you’re my MOH. <3

Me:
I love you! We’ll talk soon. XO

Jessica: XO

I put my phone away and settle back in the chair.

Chapter 5

Troy

“Do you want to do this now?”

“Of course! You’re my fucking boyfriend. What’s going on with you?” She touches my arm and I pull away. “Troy?” Her caring voice is nauseating. I can’t wait to get her out of my house and my life.

I back away from her and cross my arms. “I don’t believe in love and you knew that going into this. You told me you understood and felt the same way.”

“Things change, Troy. I’m sorry I fell harder for you than intended.” She walks closer to me and places her hands on my chest. “Just let me in, please. Let me in and let’s work on our future.”

“I know you want more. I can’t give you what you want, but I was damn sure going to try and keep you happy. Even though I don’t believe in love, I’m still honest and faithful to you.”

“Okay,” she rubs her temple. “You lost me.”

“When we first started dating you told me you understood and accepted what I wanted. I’ve noticed a pull, and I thought it was because we’ve been busy and you’re traveling more.” She doesn’t say anything. “I did my best. I gave you everything I could and made sure to keep you happy and
satisfied.
”

“I know and I get it. I can get used to this life with you. I was upset earlier, but after some time away, I know this is something I want with you. We don’t have to get married or any of that. As long as I’m with you then that’s what I want.”

“I got a phone call yesterday, Andrea. I fucking have chlamydia! I didn’t think this shit would happen. But when you piss and it fucking hurts, that tells you something. Do you know how it fucking feels to find that shit out? I have a damn STD and it’s because you couldn’t keep your legs closed.” She stands before me with wide eyes. “Got anything to say?”

“Well, you didn’t get it from me!”

“Bullshit! So my fucking piss burns for no damn reason? I have a fucking STD, you bitch!” I calm myself so I don’t kill her with my bare hands. “I never cheated on you, but since you couldn’t show me the same respect, then you can pack your shit and get out of my house.”

“Baby, I’m sorry.” I raise my hand to make her stop talking. “Baby, please. I was lonely. We’ve been together for so long and you never wanted more. I need more. It wasn’t the sex. I mean, my God, you were great. But a woman needs more than sex.”

“So you fucked someone else? Is that it?” I roll my eyes. “I hope whoever he is will put up with your shit.”

“It was a one-time thing,” she quietly says.

“So wait,” I laugh. “You fucked someone else, who gave you an STD, because you were lonely and wanted more, but I fucked you like a God. Do you see my confusion, Andrea?”

“It’s more than that, Troy. You don’t get it. He paid attention to me and made me feel good.”

“Right,” I laugh again and shake my head. “Baby, admit it, you fucked up and got caught. You know I was the best.”

“I know and I’m sorry I cheated. We can work this out. I promise you no more games. I’ll do whatever you want.”

“Get out before I throw your skank ass out my door and burn your shit.”

Tears well in her eyes and my heart grows colder. “Where am I going to go?”

It hits me then. I’m her sugar daddy. When she travels, she’s in hotels paid for by the agency, and it never occurred to me she didn’t have her own place. I’ve been supporting her since the day we met. Well, fuck that shit. “Go to your boyfriend. I’m sure he’d love to be with you.”

She doesn’t say anything and runs upstairs. I don’t care what she does as long as she’s out of my house and life.

I’m waiting to go in for treatment and get the medicine so I can get this shit taken care of. I can’t have sex until it clears, so guess who’ll be a major asshole. I look at my hand and smirk. Looks like we’ll be best friends again, buddy.

I look outside and find her lying down. Not caring about Andrea, I walk outside and nearly fall to the ground. She’s in her bra and panties. Her lacey white bra and white boy shorts make her look innocent. I want to sink myself inside her and hear her moan my name. I want to bring her to oblivion and then back down so we can do it again.

Her eyes are closed and she’s sunbathing. Fuck, her body is out of this world. So toned, curvy, and begging for my lips.

Last night, thoughts of Charlotte kept me up. I want to know more about why she broke up with Shawn and why she thought coming to me would matter. Having her close to me isn’t what I need or want. We can’t have the relationship we had before.

Today she’s leaving my house to stay with her brother. I can’t have her living with me for another night.

“Hey,” I finally say, and take a seat next to her. “Ready to talk yet?”

“I’m hangry,” she whines. “Are you two done yet?”

I laugh. “Oh yeah, we’re done.”

Charlotte opens her eyes and looks at me. “What does that mean?”

“It means,” I start to say, “I don’t like cheaters or liars, so I broke up with her.”

“Ah, gotcha. I’m surprised you went for a woman like her. Doesn’t seem like your type.”

This intrigues me. I lean in closer and whisper in her hair. “And what would my type be, Charlotte?” I see her body tense, and smirk.
Oh . . . this is going to be fun.