Obsessed 18+✔️

Forty - Sounds Interesting ✔️

I have tried to discreetly drop hints over the last couple of weeks to Colton that Jolie lied about the miscarriage.

I think he has already caught on due to some things he has said on his own.

But I never outright confirmed his suspicions; he will find out soon enough.

I can tell Jo is slipping; her usual cocky, overly confident demeanor is toned way down, and she is certainly watching how she presents herself in front of me.

I think she knows that I wasn't bluffing, and even if she questions it, she is too scared to call my bluff on the chance of being proven wrong.

I am enjoying this newfound peace and using every opportunity that I can to use it to my advantage.

I have also finally, after a few salon trips, gotten my hair back to a normal hue.

It is a bit ironic that the one thing that truly set me and Jolie apart as far as looks go was our hair.

Hers was dark brown mine was a light, dirty blonde naturally, which was why the red dye was such a mess on my hair.

The stylist said the best way to cover it was to go dark, which suited my aesthetic better anyway.

What is ironic about it is that Jo had recently decided to go lighter, so now we look even more alike than before with our nearly matching hair colors.

"What are your plans for today?" Colton interrupts my thoughts.

"After I leave here? Nothing that I know of just going home, same as always."

"Would you want to go with me to see Steve?"

"You're going to visit him?" I ask
"I don't think they will let anyone but family in right now."

Well, family and me, but I leave that part out.

"Yeah, I talked to his parents this morning; they said they okayed it with his doctors. I just can't stay too long.

"Then yeah, sure. I'll go with you."

I need to get by and see him anyway. I haven't seen him since a couple days after Jo and Colton got back from their "honeymoon," and I am well overdue for a visit.

"You coming, Jo?" I ask as she walks through the room, looking completely absent-minded.

"Coming where?" She asks looking confused.

"Colton and I are going up to the hospital to see Steve."
I say looking at her trying to figure out what her deal is. She acts completely spaced.

"Uhmm, no, you two go; I'm just going to stay here. Have a good time." She says walking away.

"What's up with her?" I ask, looking at Colt.

"I have no idea, but she's definitely not been herself lately. I think it's..."

"Yeah." I say quietly in agreement.

I know that's not what it is, but I understand what he's alluding to.

"Get your stuff, I'm just going to run and check on her right fast, and then we will leave."

I nod, getting up.

I'm not sure what her deal is but I'm also not really sure I give a damn.

■■■

"Well, Steve seems to be improving tremendously."

"He really is. He has already made huge strides since I came to see him the last time."

"You been visiting often?"

"Not really. I'd go every day, but I think Harold and Teresa need some time without people being in and out all the time."

"You know it's hard on them."

"Oh yeah, I mean, that's their only son."

"I'm glad that they were the ones who adopted him." He says staring forward.

How does he know?

"Hey  how do you, know, about Steve being adopted?" I ask puzzled.

"Oh, that? Well, Carrington, that is a story for another day." He says patting my knee.
"Here we are. Let's get something to eat."

■■■

"Thank you for lunch."

"It's the least I could do. Hell, you've been cooking all these great meals for me,the least I could do was treat you to a lousy lunch.

"Lousy? It was the best lunch I've had in a long time."

"Well, I'm glad you liked it. You ready to head home?"

"I still have to get my car from your house."

"Oh yeah, that's right. I completely forgot..

The conversation flows between us so easily. I have never heard him be able to carry on a conversation like this with Jo.

And why would I?

They don't have the connection, the chemistry that the two of us do.

We get back to his place, and he walks me to my car.

"Oh, I almost forgot."

"What is it?" I ask as he holds the door open for me.

"My parents are supposed to come over on Thursday. They want to discuss plans for the annual masquerade party."

"Masquerade party, huh?"

That's right up there with skiing on the list of things that only rich people do.

"Yeah, it's this big thing they do every year—invite a bunch of snobby people that hide behind obvious masks for a change." He laughs.

"So why are you telling me about it?" I ask snapping my seat belt.

"Two reasons."

"Which are?"

"I was hoping you would stay over and cook for us and meet my parents formally." He adds.

Yeah, the last time we "met", outside of the interview, didn't go so hot, seeing as how I announced their fake pregnancy to the entire dining room filled with both of our families.

"And of course I, we, Jo, and I would like you to come. We are hosting this year."

"A masquerade party might be interesting. I'll think about it." I say smiling and shutting my door.

I back out, leaving him standing in the driveway watching me pull away.

Yes, I could definitely use this to my advantage.

Now, what the hell am I going to cook for Colton's parents?