What Deceit Looks Like | ✓

14: cassidy

After another drink later, Sephine and I are gossiping like we're old friends. I know enough about people from going to these that I can follow along with the conversation, but most of her stories revolve around Hayes, Tessa, and her friend Ollie.

She explained how Tessa used to be her enemy and how she and Hayes ended up together. To say I was surprised would have been an understatement. I'm careful not to slip too many details that would make her suspicious, but we avoided the topic of my family, thank god.

Sephine's easy to get along with, and the glass and a half of wine I've had have certainly helped loosen me up. My phone starts to buzz in the hidden pocket of my dress, and I pull it out, asking Seph to excuse me for a moment.

It's only when I look at the name on the screen that I remember how much of a fraud I am. I quickly find a quiet corner, which isn't hard because I'm used to blending into the shadows at these things.

"Hello?"

"CJ, I miss you," Noah's s's are slurred, and I take a deep breath.

I know the answer to the question, but I ask anyway, "Are you drunk?"

"No," He insists, and my heart falls, "I just wanted to talk to you."

"Go to bed. I don't know what you expect from me."

He sighs loudly, "You're with him, aren't you?"

"Noah..."

"Does he know you're using him for his money?" He angrily retaliates, striking me exactly where he meant to. I've never used Maddox for his money, but I wouldn't expect Noah to understand that. Everything with him is about money.

I pinch the bridge of my nose out of frustration, "Goodnight." I hang up before he can respond because I asked for space, and calling me drunk isn't space. He doesn't listen.

"Who was that?" Dean asks from behind me, and I flinch out of shock. These brothers seem to enjoy scaring me.

"My ex. He's drunk." I don't mind admitting this to Dean because I had figured he'd be here tonight.

He nods understandingly, "You should get back out there before they send a search party for you. Seph hasn't noticed you're gone yet."

"You're not going to come with?"

"It's a little crowded tonight for me. I'm the black sheep, remember? I tend to gravitate towards the outskirts, makes hiding from my dad so much more fun," He smirks, running a hand through his slicked-back curls.

I rest my hands on my hips, "Still not your own person yet?"

Dean's hands go up in defense, "Easy princess, I wish it was that easy to do. I'm waiting to pick my moment, and Maddox getting promoted to Chief Operating Officer at the family company seems like a pretty good time to do it."

"Princess?"

He steps closer to brush a curl behind my ear before creating more space between us than before, "It's what you look like, so I think it's a fitting name."

I take my own step backward, "Dean, I'm here with Maddox."

Dean nods, "I'm aware. I wasn't trying anything; it's just a different look than last time I saw you."

"Have you talked to Maddox, or does he still believe you're an asshole?"

He laughs and shakes his head, "Has he told you about Paige and Boston, or are you still pretending that it doesn't matter."

"He'll tell me when he's ready. I have a feeling that the two situations are not by any means comparable between you being an asshole and Paige. Just have a conversation with him." I defend, trying not to let his words get to me.