Page 45 of Baby Love

Jaw clenched, I lean back in my chair. “Fuck, you are unbelievable.”

“Don’t be a dick, Baby,” Kiet says.

I look at him incredulously. “Me? You’re telling me not to be a dick? What about her?“ I jerk my head toward Daw just as she reaches our table.

“Great, sounds like he’s already revved up,” she says, sitting next to Kiet and kissing him on the cheek.

Fuming, I can’t even bear looking at her. I thought Kiet and I were going to be able to talk things out between us, and he’s brought Daw here to stir up more conflict. And I’m fucking stuck because P’Park dropped me off. I should’ve realized Kiet wouldn’t go against his controlling girlfriend’s wishes.

“We need to get this out in the open,” Kiet says to me. “You were rude to Daw, and I expect you to apologize to her.”

My mouth drops. “What about all the times she’s insulted me, or Cushion, or Bass?”

“You just don’t get her humor,” Kiet says.

“I get ridicule when I hear it, thanks very much.”

“Bab—Spin.”

I glare at him for not using my nickname because of her, the headache I’ve had since yesterday flaring behind my eyes. I am so sick of this shit.

“It’s weird that you make your friends call you Baby,“ Daw says to me.

“I don’t make them do anything. It’s a nickname.”

“Why don’t you just admit that you’re gay and that you want my boyfriend?” Daw looks like she wants to claw my face with her long pink fingernails.

“Daw,” Kiet warns. “I told you that isn’t what’s happening here.”

“You’re such a good person you can’t see what’s happening. But I can see right through Spin and his…” She makes air quotes with her fingers, “need for attention.”

“Your paranoia knows no bounds, Daw,” I say, rolling my eyes at her before turning to Kiet. “Why are we doing this?”

“I’d like my best friend and my girlfriend to get along. Is that so much to ask?”

“In this case, yes it is.” I feel badly for him, I really do, but I can’t do this anymore. When I saw that he wanted to meet me, I thought he understood. That he would make time for his friends separate from his girlfriend. The fact that he thinks Daw and I can work through this just shows how far up her ass he’s crawled.

“I’ve tried, Kiet. I really have. I’m not going to speak for Cushion and Bass, but I don’t get along with Daw. And I don’t think it’s that crazy for me to ask that we be able to hang out without her.”

“You’re acting like I never see you alone, and that’s bullshit. Remember the night I dropped you off at the event? We hung out then. I did your hair and makeup.”

“Something you really enjoy doing, by the way, but rarely do because Daw thinks it’s girly,” I remind him.

Kiet glances at Daw like he’s sorry he brought up the subject.

“And that was the first time in I don’t know how long that we’ve been alone,” I add.

“I’m just going to be brutally honest,” Daw says, looking at me. “I don’t like you, Spin. I’ve never liked you. I don’t think Kiet should be friends with you because you’re a gay bl actor who is dragging him down.”

“Wow. Are you sure that’s all, Daw?” I ask sarcastically.

Ignoring me, she looks at Kiet. “Sever this unhealthy relationship with Spin, or you and I are through.”

I can tell Kiet didn’t expect her to throw down the gauntlet like that, but it doesn’t surprise me at all. Surely he sees what she’s doing. How manipulative she is. She wants him to end a six-year friendship because she doesn’t like me.

“Daw, Babe. I can’t choose—“

“Well, you have to.” Daw stands up from the table. “Have your time with him, if you want it so badly. But I’m telling you now, it’s Spin or it’s me. Your choice.” She stalks away.

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