Chapter Eight
There was no putting off a visit with their parents, and Addison stared at her reflection in her bedroom. Shaun had wanted her to spend some time at his apartment in the city near his work, but she’d held off. He visited her often, well, every single night, which she didn’t mind. She loved being with him.
“Are you okay?” Darla asked, leaning against her bedroom wall.
“I’ll feel better when this is over. Does that make me a bad person?”
Darla folded her arms, stepping into the bedroom. “I’ve told Dean I can’t have anything with him.”
“What? Why?” Addison didn’t understand her friend’s apprehension when it came to Dean.
“We’re two people who are not meant to be together. We had sex, and it’s over.” Darla shrugged.
Tilting her head to the side, Addie stared at her best friend. “What happened?”
“He’s a model, Addie. He’s surrounded by supermodel women all day. They’re perfect, and have amazing bodies.”
“Don’t treat Dean like that. He’s not a shallow person, and you’re saying that he only wants model women. You know him, talk to him.”
Darla shook her head. “I can’t. I’ve told him I’m not going to be with him. I’m going away for a little while, Addie.”
“Wait? What?”
“I’ve got an aunt who lives out in England. I’m going to spend some time there.”
“What about our show?”
“I’m really sorry. I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do.” Darla walked toward her. “Please don’t hate me.”
“I can’t hate you.” Wrapping her arms around Darla, she really didn’t know what to say. “You’re running away.”
“I’m going to do something for myself. I won’t be gone long. I might be back by Christmas. I’m not sure. Take care, Addie.”
She walked toward her door and opened it. Dean stood on the other side, and Addison watched them both tense.
“Darla?” Dean said.
“I, erm, I might as well tell you now. I’m not going to be around for a couple of weeks. I’m going away. Addie will tell you the rest.”
Before either of them could speak, Darla rushed out of the apartment, escaping from the pain she’d just unleashed.
“She’s running from me, isn’t she?” Dean asked, staring after Darla.
“You’re not going to go after her.” Addie was a little disappointed when he shook his head.
“She saw this, and she just freaked at me. I was so close getting her to take a chance.” He held up a magazine, which Addison took from him. She opened to the page that had been dog eared at the corner. Dean was pretty much naked, and the entire spread was erotic. “Three months ago I was approached to consider book covers, so I did, and it looks like it finally got printed.” He ran fingers through his hair. “What am I going to do?”
“Darla is a complicated woman. She doesn’t think she’s good enough for you.”
“What? Why the fuck would she think that? She’s amazing, beautiful, smart, funny.”
Addison pointed at the women he was being rather up close and personal with. “She doesn’t think she can compete with these women.”
“There’s nothing to compete with. Fuck, I’m going to go after her.”
He rushed downstairs toward the main door. Shaun was walking into the apartment building and moved out of the way as Dean rushed past.
“Am I missing something?” he asked.