her,” Bethany fired back at her lifelong best friend.
“Fucking hell, there’s a reason for that!” he boomed again.
“Playboy, calm down. I asked her to tell me.” Bethany watched as his eyes shifted to Tai.
“Why?” he asked, working to calm himself.
“I wanted to know, playboy.” He sighed and looked back to Bethany.
“Certain topics are off limits,” he hissed before storming away.
“Goodbye, Tai.” Bethany mustered up before leaving. She didn’t give Tai a chance to say anything. She knew Raiden wouldn’t like that topic. Even though he joked with her the last few years about not being a bad husband, he didn’t like the choice being taken away from. Hell, what sixteen year old would.
Jordan
When she walked through the apartment door she looked crushed. He rushed to her, “Beautiful, what happened?”
“Tai asked me to tell her about the night Raiden and I found out about the arranged marriage.” Jordan nodded.
He knew Raiden probably didn’t discuss this with Tai because he didn’t want her to think that he wanted Bethany. “Raiden didn’t take it well?” he questioned. She answered him with a shake of her head.
Bethany’s phone rang and she looked down at it. ‘Tai Calling.’ She answered, “Hi Tai, I hope you don’t mind but you’re on speaker.” Jordan led her to the couch.
“Hi Jordan,” Tai responded.
“Hi Tai.”
“Bethany, are you okay?” she sighed. Jordan rubbed her back.
“I’m going to be. Are you and Raiden okay?”
“We’re fine, Beth. I told him to call you in the morning.” Bethany nodded.
“Tai, I’m going to talk with her now,” Jordan answered.
“Have a goodnight,” Tai responded before hanging up.
“Let’s talk,” Jordan said, she shook her head.
“Thank you, but I just need to get some sleep,” she answered, getting up and leaving him alone in the living room.
Jordan hated to be shut out, but she needed to be alone so he let her be. He went to his bedroom and shut the door. He knew she was just waiting for Raiden to propose. Hell, he was too. He wanted to move forward with her, but she couldn’t do that till Tai had a ring on her finger.
Bethany
Her phone started ringing pretty early in the morning and she knew it was Raiden without looking. “Good morning, Raiden.”
“Morning, Beth. I’m sorry.” She nodded which she knew was dumb. “I can’t hear you nod,” he laughed.
“I know. I’m sorry, but she asked. You can’t keep her in the dark!” her voice raised.
He sighed, “I know, but I can’t help wanting to protect her.” Bethany understood that. “Jordan really crushed her Beth. Please understand where I am coming from?” he pleaded.
“I do,” she sighed. Raiden ended their call and Bethany stared at the ceiling. She was worried about what happened between Tai and Jordan. Now even more. Jordan wasn’t ready to share it though. He could have a little more time, but then she was asking Tai.
Jordan
She had asked him a few times about Tai and him. He knew she wanted answers, but he just wasn’t ready.
“I’m meeting Tai. Have a good day at work,” she spoke from behind him. He turned around and the look in her eyes told him all he needed. His demons would be revealed today.
He walked towards her taking her hands in his. They were both nervous. Raiden had had the ring for a month and hadn’t proposed and Bethany needed more, but Jordan couldn’t do that. She wouldn’t understand what had happened with Meredith.
“Baby, promise me something,” he pleaded.
“Okay,” she agreed.
“After you talk with Tai you come back here and let me explain.” She nodded and kissed his cheek before walking out of the apartment.
Jordan walked back to his room to get ready for work. He silently prayed this wouldn’t ruin them before they even got started.
Bethany
She arrived at the park where she and Tai were meeting. When she spotted Tai, Kai was there running his hand down her back. Tai was frozen