Page 137 of Hateful Games

“Why the surprise visit?”

“Can a guy not check on his best friend?”

“Check or make fun of?”

“Both.” He shrugs innocently. Approaching my desk, he sits across from me. Something catches his interest and he squints his eyes at my slightly messy desk and asks, “Did you buy nicotine patches?”

“Yes.” I should’ve hidden them in my drawer.

“Why?”

“Trying to quit.”

“Quit smoking?” He stares like I’ve suddenly grown two heads.

“Why else would I purchase a damn nicotine patch, you idiot?”

The jerk laughs and imitates me, “I am not quitting smoking. Rosalie will have to get used to it.”

“Is that supposed to be me?”

“One day and your wife already has you scared?”

“Why would you assume she’s the reason?” I counter. “I could totally be doing it for a health-related reason.”

“But you’re not.” When I immediately don’t deny it, his eyes go wide and he accuses, “You like her.”

“I do not.”

“That’s just the denial talking.”

“She’s the enemy, remember?” I can’t tell whether I’m reminding him or myself.

“Her father is. And you’re hooked on your wife. That’s what you hate about her.”

“Why are you here, anyways?” I demand irritably, shuffling papers aside, and he smirks in satisfaction like a loon.

“Why so grumpy?”

“Because I hate the game of twenty questions in the morning.”

“You have bags underneath your eyes.”

“Jesus. You turning into a woman?”

He continues, unbothered. “I know it’s not because you were playing horizontal games with your wife all night long. So, I’m curious as to what’s the reason.”

“I didn’t get enough sleep,” I reply because it’s better to sate his curiosity than argue. Either way, it’s a waste of time.

“Why?”

Because three mutts kicked me out of the bed and despite being half my size, are keeping me away from my wife. Obviously, I’m not going to reveal this to my best friend to mock me for the rest of my life. So, I lie, “Her dogs’ snoring kept me awake.”

“Damn. Her pug is still alive?”

“As well as a Chihuahua and an angry pit bull who has it out for me.”

His eyes go round before he bursts out laughing. “I don’t know whether to congratulate you or give my condolences.”

---