“So you’re saying that this thing between you and Dilynne is real?” she asks with an arch of her brow. “Because I’m sorry, Elliot, but I find it really hard to believe that you two went from hating each other’s guts to engaged in a year.”
“I don’t owe you any fucking explanation of mine and Dilynne’s relationship. Just know that she’s a million times more of a partner to me than you ever were. She wouldn’t lie to me. In fact, she was there to pick up the pieces that you left broken and told me the truth about you that I should have believed in the first place.”
She sits there studying me for a minute before she finally declares, “You really love her, don’t you?”
Clearing my throat, I say, “She’s my fiancée.” I don’t elaborate further because Dilynne deserves to hear those words before anyone else. I mean, I basically told Henley that’s how I feel, but that’s only so he knows how serious I am about her. I don’t owe that explanation to Tori though.
Tori shakes her head. “No, Elliot. You love her in a way you never loved me. Iconvincedyou to love me, told you what you wanted to hear, and played a part, right? But with Dilynne?” Her head falls to the side. “You look at her in a way you never looked at me and I think that’s when I realized there would never be a second chance for us.”
How can Tori see what I feel so clearly? That with Dilynne, it is different. Everything with her is different.
“And when did you finally realize that?”
“At the winery. I was watching you and her…”
“I am in awe of her, Tori. She’s the kind of woman I’ve always been looking for and she’s been right under my nose this entire time.”
“Then I guess I’m happy for you.”
“You know, you were a bitch back then to Dilynne too, Tori, and I defended you. Tried to get my friends to give you a chance because we all make mistakes. But you need help,” I say, letting out a year’s worth of thoughts at once. “Besides paying off your debt, I think you need to take a hard look at yourself and learn how to be a decent human being. Maybe if you fix that part of yourself first, the rest will work itself out.”
Her brows lift. “Jesus, Elliot. Tell me how you really feel, why don’t you?”
“Oh, I can keep going if you’d like me to.”
“No, I think that’s enough. But just so you know, your father is the one who brought me back. I didn’t think it was a good idea, but he was adamant you would forgive me and I figured leaving Nashville was probably for the best.”
“The only reason he thought that is because my dad has cheated on my mom several times and she’s always looked the other way. But I am not my father, Tori.”
“I know you aren’t, Elliot.”
“In fact, I think it might be best if you quit the practice this week while I’m in California with Dilynne.”
“I can’t quit, Elliot…”
“Oh, yes, you can. In fact, if you don’t, then I’ll make sure to report you to the authorities for conspiracy to commit fraud.”
Her eyes widen. “Elliot…”
“This is the option I’m giving you to avoid jail, Tori. I suggest that you take it.”
Her bottom lip trembles but she nods reluctantly. “Fine. I mean, I should be grateful, but what do I tell your dad?”
“Tell him that you realized you and I had no chance at a future and you’re ready to move on with your life.”
She nods. “Okay, but I hope you figure out just exactly what he’s up to because if there’s one thing I’ve learned about him in the past year and a half, it’s that he can be quite manipulative in order to get what he wants.”
Yeah, no shit, Tori. Fortunately for me, I already know what he wants and need to figure out a way to put a stop to it, stat.
Chapter 29
Dilynne
It All Comes Down to This
“Well, we can’t wait to see everyone’s reactions to the Porsche tomorrow, Miss Clark,” the reporter says, reaching out to shake my hand. “Best of luck to you.”
I stand from my chair and nod at him. “I appreciate that. Thanks.” Hopping down from the stage, I head right over to Elliot standing off to the side, his smirk in full effect.