Chapter 110
Dorothea hadn’t told Latham about any of this and she planned to keep it that way. She didn’t want to feel like she owed him, not more than she already did. Relying on that man every time things got tough just didn’t sit right with her.
She pressed her lips together, thinking things over, then finally said, “Thanks, guys. I get it now p>
Wade couldn’t shake the feeling that something about her words was off, but he couldn’t quite figure out why.
Pushing the confusion aside, Dorothea pulled over and grabbed her phone to call Carmen.
Carmen picked up right away, sounding worried. “Dorothea, are you okay p>
“I was traveling the past couple days, totally missed all the news back home. I just landed and realized all this crazy stuff went down. Carola again. Seriously, what is she after this time? And did Albert help her mess with you again p>
Dorothea couldn’t help but laugh softly. “It’s fine, Carmen. Don’t get all worked up. Things got a little complicated, but it turned out alright in the end p>
“So it’s all settled?” Carmen had actually been ready to head home and ask her grandpa for help. Albert was powerful, sure, but nobody could go against her grandfather.
“It’s taken care of,” Dorothea said, a small smile playing on her lips. “I think it was Latham who helped me out p>
She thought about that woman who’d shown up out of nowhere, about how quickly the police had handled things. It had to be Latham pulling strings behind the scenes. She just hadn’t expected Wade to be the one to break the news to her. And thinking back, she was pretty sure Latham had called out Wade’s name that night.
“Hey, Carmen. Can I ask you something? If two guys are into each other, like, really into each other, why wouldn’t they just get together p>
The question caught Carmen off guard. She paused, then tried, “Maybe… they just don’t match up? Like, personality-wise or something p>
“You mean my husband and the guy he likes don’t match up p>
“Not exactly,” Carmen said, trying not to laugh. “I mean, imagine your husband is a
Top and the guy he likes is also a Top. Isn’t that a problem p>
Dorothea blinked, still not getting it. “A problem how p>
Carmen sighed. “Dorothea, if they’re both Tops, then neither wants to be the Bottom. It’s just… not going to work p>
“But if they really loved each other, wouldn’t one of them be willing to switch p>
“That’s what I’m saying. If it was true love, someone would take one for the team and be the Bottom p>
Dorothea fell silent. Suddenly, she understood why Latham and Wade weren’t together. But why had Wade told her about it? In a weird way, did that make them rivals?
Giving up on figuring out their
complicated relationship, she changed the subject. “Anyway, Carmen, Latham helped me a lot
this time. What should I get him as a thank-you p>
She’d already given him a tie and cruise tickets. A watch was out of her price range. Just one of Latham’s watches was worth more than two apartments downtown.
Carmen thought it over. “He’s not short on money, so something expensive probably won’t impress him p>
She paused, then added, “Maybe just get him something he actually likes? Do you know what he’s into p>
Dorothea shook her head, even though Carmen couldn’t see. “No idea. Latham’s hard to read. He acts all laid-back, but it feels like nobody really gets close to him. Maybe. that’s just with me, though p>
“I’ll look into it and see what I can find,” Dorothea promised.
Suddenly, Carmen’s voice got excited. “Wait, I remember! Back in high school, he and Albert were on the same basketball team. They even played against each othe once, and Mr. Stephens won l wonder if he still plays? Oh, and I heard some NBA stars are coming for an exhibition game soon. Why don’t you get him a ticket p>
Dorothea’s eyes lit up. “That’s perfect p>
She decided right then she’d get two tickets. Latham might be shy about inviting
Wade, so she’d just give one to each of them. Problem solved.
“Thanks, Carmen. You’re the best. Love you p>