Page 29 of Taming Georgia

We sit in my empty apartment, eating steak purchased with the last of my money. I decide to call him Cooper. He just looks like one.

“It’s just me and you now, boy.”

Cooper crawls over and lies in my lap. I gently hold him to me, careful not to touch his wounds. I bury my face in his neck…and I cry.

8

“There’s something in me that wants something in him. It’s undeniable. But it’s wrong. He’s taken, and he’s an asshole.” —Georgia Wright

London left a couple of hours ago. I had a wonderful time with her. It’s always great to spend time with my sister. Paige is currently in her room, gabbing on the phone with Ethan. She was so busy with my sister and me this weekend that she hasn’t spoken to him much, which means she’ll be in there for hours.

I’m bored.

And restless.

I just feel off. I can’t pinpoint why, but I’ve felt weird since my run-in with Wyatt on Friday night. I’m too old to let a bully from high school affect me.

I’m an adult, damn it.

I don’t need Wyatt Gates’s approval. I don’t need him to like me. If he wants to go on believing that I’m the most self-centered bitch in America, then who am I to stop him?

His loss.

I find myself driving without a destination in mind, though I know where I’m heading.Maybe Ethel needs my help?

It’s not fair for her to work seven days a week. I can lighten the load for her. That will make me feel better.

I’m greeted by Cooper’s kisses the second I step foot into the building.

“Hey, boy.” I rub his big head.

“What are you doing here?” Wyatt asks, his voice deep and gravelly.

“I thought I would come help Ethel. She told me she’d be working all weekend.”

“I sent Ethel home,” he practically growls before walking away from me.

I follow him. “I can help you then.”

“I don’t need your help. Go home.”

I ignore his request. “What are you doing?”

“Don’t worry about it.”

I continue to walk behind him. “Look, I’m not leaving. I came here to help…someone. Since Ethel’s not here, I’ll help you.”

He stops abruptly and whips around to face me. “Are you the dumbest woman in the world? Why don’t you understand simple requests? Go. Home.”

“Are you stupid? I said, no.”

He pulls his hands through his hair. “You drive me insane.”

“Ditto.”

“Why do you want to be here?” he shouts, his face turning red.

“I don’t know! Okay? I just do,” I yell back, holding my ground.

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