Page 31 of Getting Over You

“She is my friend,” I say, hoping the fury that is dancing on her face dissipates. “I had a great time tonight, though.”

“Can I put my number in your phone?” Nadia asks. “Rain check?”

I can practically hear Gigi’s eyes rolling around. “Yes,” I sigh, handing over my phone. I get Nadia’s number and walk with Gigi out of the bar.

“I’m glad it went well,” I say. When she doesn’t say anything, I try again. “It seemed like you guys had chemistry, at least.”

She slides into the truck, wordless. I put the keys in the ignition and turn the engine over, casting a glance her way. Those blue eyes look watery.

Princess is crying because of White Sneakers. And I’ve never wanted to break someone’s legs more in my life.

“What happened?” I ask. “Why are you crying?”

“He couldn’t do it,” she whimpers. “I wanted to. I was ready. And he pushed me away and told me it wasn’t going to work out tonight.” She scrapes her hands across her face, trying to wipe away her sadness. “That’s code forever,isn’t it? Saying tonight won’t work and then not asking for my number is code for it won’t workever?”

My heart clenches. “Gigi—”

“I think I’m sad because I’m drunk,” she realizes, wiping at her eyes with the back of her hand, mascara smearing.

“Are you normally sad?” I ask. I don’t want to see her cry.

She shakes her head wildly. “No.”

“Are you normally sad whendrunk?”

“No.”

“I want to help,” I say, “but I don’t know why you’re crying.”

“No one wants me,” Gigi whispers. “Nobody.”

My chest squeezes. I hate that she believes something so untrue with such conviction. “Why do you say that? Did it go bad with that guy?”

She’s crying again, tears streaming, and she tries to swipe them all away, to no avail. I watch as the tears fall, small dots of wetness collecting on the truck’s dashboard as she leans her elbows against it, her head in her hands. “No one wants me, Cade,” she sobs. “Not Marcus, not Belinda. Not even a random guy in a bar. Guys love anything willing to sleep with them!” Her voice is hoarse. “Except for me.”

“Gigi.” I hate seeing her like this. “Did he do anything wrong?”

“No.” She shakes her head. “Not really. I was just really trying, you know? And he seemed into me. Until he wasn’t. What did I do?”

I’m upset she’s upset. My jaw ticks, and I consider once more breaking White Sneakers’ legs. Worst that’ll happen is I go to jail.

“Where was this?” I ask. I’m imagining that asshole getting Gigi in the bathroom, or in a dark corner, just to reject her in the end. I hate him.

“His car. But does that really matter?”

I shake my head. Guess not. “No. But listen to me, this is on that guy. Not you. You arehot. You did everything right.” What a sleaze ball, taking her to his car. It’s like he’s in high school.

“I lost it,” she confesses. I started crying immediately. Like a fucking baby.” She’s not looking at me, her head still supported by her arms. “It was one thing to have casual sex with Marcus. It’s another with an actual stranger.”

“Not everyone’s cup of tea,” I agree.

She laughs, wet-sounding. “Not everyone’s cup of black coffee,” Gigi supplies, a small grin forming. “I wish Beach Brew was open.”

The words are bubbling, begging to be set free. I let them go with a carelessness only Gigi Knox can bring out of me. “I want you,” I say.

“What? Cade. I’m not sleeping with you.”

“No, I know that. But you said no one wants you. It sounds like you’re saying no one enjoys your company, no one enjoys your existence.”

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