Page 88 of Unhinged

I nod, fixing my skirt. “Can we even be friends after this is over?”

He scoffs, “You’re my only friend here.”

“Amos is your friend.”

“Humpty Dumpty can mind his own business. He’s worried about me hurting you.” You’ve done it before.

“He worried about me hurting you.”

Greg looks away from me and mutters, “Vaughn can’t even pick a team.”

“We’re all on the same side.”

“Whatever.” Greg hesitates like he wants to do or say something but then sighs. “What time is your date?”

“He’s picking me up after work.”

“At two in the morning?”

“No. I told Amos I need to leave at eight tonight.”

His eyes harden. “No rounding the bases. That means no hand job or fingering, either.”

I scowl while finger-brushing my hair. “I’ll kiss him goodnight.”

“Come on. You know it’ll lead to more.”

“It won’t. You said you trust me.”

“Do you really have to go out with him now?”

“I don’t want to be alone forever, Greg.”

“You’re goddamn married, Simone.” Shit. I am.

I shake my head and cross my arms as I lean my ass against the table. “Don’t pull that card on me, buddy. We’re not in this for companionship.”

“Will you even tell him?”

I roll my eyes. “About my sham marriage? Yes. Not tonight, though. I’d like to have one date where it’s not about you.”

“Great. Have fun.”

“I will.”

Greg leaves in a huff, slamming the door. I’m following the damn ground rules when he’s the one breaking them. He doesn’t need me to help him fuck. He’s already ascending to expert level.

I nod to no one and ask myself, “What the hell am I doing?”

I wipe a stray tear and try to get back to work.

“So? How’s married life?”

“Shh,” I tell Candi as I approach a table to deliver drinks.

“I need details. Did you two spend the night together?”

I go for the technical truth. “No.”

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