Page 18 of Revive

“I’m not.”

“It’s the one thing that’s so refreshing about you.” It’s simple, but probably the nicest thing someone has ever said about me. My honesty has gotten me into trouble more times than I can count, and I was sure this was heading in that direction. “Can I ask you what she said?”

“What do you think she asked? She wants to know if the guy she’s in love with is with someone else.” He raises an eyebrow, perplexed like the idea never even crossed his mind. “Why are you surprised?” He doesn’t answer, so I decide to push the situation even further. “Don’t worry, I told her we’reonlyfucking,”

His jaw clenches and I wait for an outburst. Something to show how he really feels, a hint at why he’s so wound up about what went down, but as the seconds pass, whatever it is, festers. “Look, I might not have a filter, but I’m not an idiot. I didn’t say anything to her,” I huff, frustrated at his silence. “Besides the fact that I think it’s none of her business, you seem to be forgetting there’s nothing to tell. And,” I continue to ramble. “If it makes you feelanybetter, she was so embarrassed she even let herself utter the question.” He’s twisted himself away from me, facing the front and gripping the steering wheel. I take it as my cue to leave. “Okay, that’s enough for today. Thanks for the ride.” Grabbing my phone, I open the door and jump out as quick as I can, my bag still hanging across my body. Getting caught up in this shit isn’t worth the last few hours of my weekend. I slam the door only to be unexpectedly pushed back up on it.

“I’m sorry.” He cages me in with one arm, the other hand pinches the bridge of his nose. “This whole weekend caught me off guard.”

“The whole weekend?”

Both his arms are on either side of me now, his body covering mine. “Yeah. You and then Sasha. I didn’t expect to enjoy your company, and I had hoped to avoid hers.”

“Should I be offended you have really low expectations of me?” I ask feigning hurt. “Because that’s not the first time that’s popped up.”

“Yeah, it’s not the only thing that pops up when it comes to you.”

“Look at you twenty-four hours in my company and those sexual innuendos are strong.” A soft, coy smile materialises on his face, and he hangs his head to try and hide it. Standing straighter, my body forces him to look back up. “Don’t get shy on me now, Sexy. Tell me about how you enjoy my company.”

“Let’s just say it’s been a long time since someone has piqued my interest as much as you have.”

“And let me guess, Sasha is the reason why?”

He’s silent, again. Unlike me, he thinks before he talks, which also means quiet time is often. I decide to cut him some slack, remind him I have no expectations when it comes to his past. “I know the answer, and contrary to what’s going on in your mind, in this moment, I don’t need to know about you and her.”

“I feel like I should apologise for her attempt at interrogating you.”

“There’s nothing to apologise for. People in love do and say crazy things—”

He cuts me off, “She’s not in love with me.”

“Now who’s lying?”

“I’m not lying,” he insists. “It’s not something I do.”

“Then you’re blind.” I slip my phone in my back pocket, and place my hands firmly on his chest, putting us as close to eye level as I can. “I would bet my whole house she’s in love with you.”

“You’d lose.”

“Pffft,” I scoff. “I’m a solicitor. I never lose.”

“With Sasha, everyone loses.”

“You sound bitter.”

“Just experienced.”

Every revelation is another puzzle piece, and I’m forced to taper down the curiosity brewing within me. I’m torn between my natural need to want to know every morsel of every story, and the want to specifically know his story.

“And this got a lot heavier than I anticipated.” He holds my hands and pulls them off his chest, hiding his in the front pockets of his jeans, subtly putting distance between us. “I should let you go.”

“Yeah, my mum has probably turned my whole house upside down by now.” I tilt my head toward the house. “I’m surprised she’s not peeking through the window right now.”

He turns, checking for himself nobody is spying on us. “What’s she looking for?”

“Condoms, pregnancy tests, men’s clothes. Anything to prove I have a life, really.”

“She wants you to sleep around?” he asks, wrinkling his brow.

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