Page 81 of Unleashed

Rhonda sighs as we stop at the next traffic light. “I know he’s very particular about the women he likes.”

My rueful laugh fills the car. “Yeah. That says a lot about the woman sucking his lips tonight. But a lot of women like Greg.” Damn bitches.

Rhonda makes a face at the windshield before whispering, “But he doesn’t like all women in that way. Tonight, I think he’s teasing you.”

“Not more than usual.”

“Very different from usual.”

Turning toward Rhonda, I’m skeptical and shocked to all hell. “How do you know?”

Her face shows a thousand emotions. “He’s told me.”

“Are you fucking with me? What did he say?” Never mind. I don’t need to know.

Rhonda laughs, but it’s resigned this time. “He said what I just told you. He’s into you.”

“He couldn’t have said that recently,” I mutter as the light turns green. “Anyway, it’s not real, Rhonda. That’s always his endgame. Greg Rodwell is an illusion. Don’t fall for it.” Or him.

Because of Greg, I’m stuck in the lie he started. Because of him, I still can’t move on. Because of him, I’m nauseous every day, thinking of him with another woman. And because of him, I dumped Greg after he begged me not to, and I’m furious that he was right. But then Greg killed a part of me. I can’t go back. No matter how much he’s apologized. And that’s why I hate him most of all. Or I should, at least.

I sigh, watching my breath fog the window. “I thought you always had a thing for Greg. You went on a date with him, for Christ’s sake.”

She coughs, and I look at her until she recovers. “He’s handsome. He has a way of charming every woman he meets. I bet a ton of ladies have crushed on him.”

Annoyed about that prospect, I make a face. “Not Hadley, apparently. She’s immune to his charms.”

Rhonda glances at me, and I swear I see shock in her eyes. I blink back at her. “Rhonda, do you think Hadley had the hots for him at all?”

She looks at the road. “I...I don’t know, Simone. That’s something to ask her.” Not suspect at all.

“I’ve asked Greg, but he said he didn’t have feelings for her like that. They’re best friends. I can’t believe he didn’t want more, especially when my brother took off.”

She shrugs and doesn’t comment further. Either this is a big cover-up, or I’m still making something out of nothing.

Rhonda pulls up to my apartment. The row of two-story apartments looms in front of us. I look at the living room window with the light on and hope my dad is in bed. But he’s probably waiting, and I’ll have to fib some more.

On the sidewalk, I notice the two guys who live two doors down from me talking. I offer a limp wave. The taller blond wearing a sweatshirt and jeans is hot and is in one of my psych classes, but I could only focus on a nameless man who wanted nothing to do with me. The blond waves and hits his brunette roommate, wearing glasses, who then looks over at me. He’s also good-looking and has a friendly smile. Maybe that’s what I need. Either or both would work. I’ve never had a threesome.

Still clutching my purse and sweater, I sigh. “Thanks for the ride, Rhonda. You really helped a girl out tonight. I hope you had an okay time. You danced little.”

Rhonda smiles. “It was fine. Thanks for asking me to come along. I don’t get many invitations like that. I’m a wallflower. I wanted a night out, but ten minutes was enough for me.”

I wish I were more like Rhonda. Self-contained and not desperate for affection from a man who doesn’t love her back.

I shake my head as I look at the dashboard. “Don’t sell yourself short. You’re more dignified than I’ll ever be. People choose to be around you.” Tears threaten, so I open the door. The cool night air burns my eyes and chafes my skin as my short dress rides higher on my thighs. The guys on the sidewalk gawk as I tug the material down and lean into Rhonda’s car. “See you at work on Tuesday. Enjoy your day off.”

“Actually, Finn texted all of us. We have practice tomorrow afternoon.”

I roll my eyes and hiss, “Motherfucker.”

She shrugs. “Your brother is unpredictable like that.”

“Yeah. My mother went into labor with him at the mall in front of a Foot Locker, and that asshole had the audacity to be a breach.”

She giggles as I shut the car door. I watch her drive away and then walk to the front door. I hear my phone buzzing in my purse, but ignore it. My fucking brother.

“Are you ever going to say hi?”

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