Page 157 of How to Lose at Love

“I’ll move out of that goddamn house if I have to.”

Ryann scoffs. “Don’t be ridiculous. Why would you move?”

“So I’m not near that lying, backstabbing bitch.”

Anything to distance myself from the female who created this unnecessary drama.

“That’s a harsh thing to say about her.”

I gawk at her. “Are you pissed at her or are you not?”

“Yes. Both. And I’m pissed at the situation because I have no idea how to handle it, Dallas. I haven’t been doing this for years the way you have, so forgive me for freaking the fuck out!” Her hands go up over her head and she stalks away, toward the kitchen.

Comes out moments later carrying containers, plops them down in the center of my table.

“Here.” Puts her hands on her hips. “You should go.”

“But…” We haven’t paid. She hasn’t given me a bill. She hasn’t forgiven me or the situation, hasn’t let me beg.

“You should go.”

Beyond her, the chef holds up his spatula. A sign? A warning?

Simmer down, pal. I’m going.

I shimmy out of the booth, stuffing my hands in my pockets so I don’t reach for her. She doesn’t want to hear the sound of my voice, let alone accept a hug from me.

Drake and Drew stand, too. For once, they’re speechless.

Ryann nods toward the table. “Don’t forget your food.”

“Yeah, don’t forget our food,” Drew whispers, breaking the silence.

Drake leans around me to snap up the containers, tucking them under his armpit. Claps his hand on my shoulder and squeezes.

“Let’s go, bro.”

“Ryann.” Her chin rises when I say her name. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry.”

Her face gives nothing away as she says, “For what it’s worth, I believe thatyoubelieve you’re telling the truth.”

Ouch.

My brother nudges me from behind. “Come on, bro.”

I only glance over my shoulder twice as we’re walking out the door, Ryann no longer giving me the time of day.

forty-one

ryann

“He may not be good for the soul, but he’s great for the vagina.”

– Winnie

“And then what happened?”Winnie and I are folding silverware at work; she arrived after I messaged her that Dallas and the twins had just ambushed me.

She’s not on the clock, but she’s helping me anyway so I can give her all the tea in person.

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