The JCrew Update makes me realize that he feels the way she does.
When Marliese was thrown in her face, she felt a punch in the gut, easily replaceable (replaced), rejected and dejected.
This update, his quips about "best seat in the house" and "couldn't wait", tell me that with her throwing Sree in his face, and then finding her in those circumstances, perhaps he feels the same - that maybe she's not invested as he might be...that he is easily replaceable & she's just having fun. Though he may know better - knowing she's conservative, knowing he has a certain affect on her, knowing that it shouldn't affect him because he knows how women are...you can't blame him for thinking so given his experience with women - ones who have only been after his money...or ones who ruin his parent's marriage and unceremoniously rip his mother from his life.
He may be the "I've been around" type, he may not trust women or relationships, he may be trying to heal his heart, lessen the pain, but he cannot deny to himself that he is becoming emotionally attached to HER...the idea of HER and HIM. I have a feeling that he probably doesn't even realize it yet, and hasn't allowed himself to really even give it a second thought, but the pull is there...she's gotten under his skin...under all the pain and distrust...the cynical skepticism. He's possessive about her. It's undeniable.
So yes. I believe Marliese is really just an old friend (flame), but my heart won't allow me to believe he's been with her since he's been with II. I just can't believe it. I'm not calling him a saint, and sure, theirs isn't even a real relationship - its just moments of heated passion, but I just don't see him stringing her along...cause then, he'd be walking in his dad's footsteps...he wouldn't. Not ever.
That line about his mom made my heart hurt.
I try not to speculate and just let the story unfold, but a lot was revealed about R&B with this update, so couldn't help but throw in my two cents of speculation. I needed to explore his plight before I could allow myself to read further. I'm read now...for him to realize he's in love with this woman. I'm ready to see how this realization affects him...and how he will react.
I'm glad he was there to be her Knight in Shining Armor. I'm glad he's talking more. I'm glad they are both aware of the pain their inflicting on each other.
I'm glad you're writing this story. So so glad.
Love,
P