Page 74 of Debts and Desires
“So, you sing, too, right?” she fired back. Where was she going with this?
“I do. And play guitar.”
“That’s right! Tyler said your little show went great. Not asmany as usual though, for a Friday night. But I’m sure a lot of folks were just busy or didn’t recognize your name.” She checked her nails. “Ty told me Carter missed the ending, too. Shame. I’m sure it was adorable. He’s always stayed for others.” Our conversation had turned awkward as Cassie’s tone took on an arrogant edge. I tried to maintain my composure, but her words ignited a jealousy deep within me. I had witnessed her performances at Pete’s several times now. Not only was she talented, but she possessed a captivating stage presence. And the fact that she had once held Carter’s attention only added to my insecurities.
“He had a tow call,” I said, trying not to grind my teeth.
“Hmm. Never known him to take calls when he’s here. Weird.” Her eyes met mine, staring daggers. She was desperate to win this pissing match. I had no idea why, but damn it, so was I. “Did you know he sings here sometimes?”
“Yeah, I d?—”
“Sometimes even with me,” she added quickly.
Bitch!I wanted to scream, but didn’t. I held it together.
“Oh, that sounds really nice. He was just helping me with a song in the shop the other day,” I smiled just as the memories flooded back. I had to look away, feeling the heat creep up from my neck. Cassie must have understood the unspoken part well enough, because she simply huffed and headed back out. Steeling myself, I followed, thankful that I hadn’t seen her anywhere on my way back to Carter. But the more I walked, the more I could hear it.
Don’t be jealous. Don’t be angry. Don’t let it affect you.
Cassie took the stage not long after, her eyes locking onto Carter as she sang. Tyler cleared the bar behind us, grumbling to himself about Cassie. Carter didn’t seem too interested in her, which made me cheer internally. Yeah, I was being immature and petty. But I had endured enough bullshit from everyone in my life that I was allowed. That thought had my parents’ voices swirling around. I ignored them. Even though he wasn’t interested, I decided to go one step further with my pettiness.
I leaned over to him, placing my mouth to his ear.
“Can we go home?” I asked.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, looking at me. I shook my head.
“Nothing. I just…” I looked him up and down, moving back to his ear. “I really want to feel your head between my legs.” Carter let out a low growl.
“Yeah, let’s go.” He finished his beer, closed out our tab and stood. Tyler went to the back. On our way out, I looked over my shoulder at Cassie. The scowl on her face told me all I needed to know. I winked and turned back around, grabbing Carter’s hand. He let me, squeezing it as we continued out.
Even with Carter beside me, Cassie’s words stung, swirling in my head still.
I thought of my parents and how they always called anything I did little, cute, and adorable in the same demeaning way, as if what I did wasn’t important.
And because I could only think of that petty conversation with Cassie, I became a sourpuss in the time it took us to get home.
Carter was quiet for the ride there and as he opened the front door for me. I absentmindedly patted Mac before kicking off my shoes and heading into the kitchen for a drink of water.
“You okay?” he asked, having followed me in.
“Yup.” I gulped down the cold liquid, but it did nothing to calm the burning rage I still felt.
How dare she.
I finished the drink, setting the cup in the sink. I then turned, heading upstairs.
“Goodnight,” I gritted, walking by him.
“Hey, now,” he said, grabbing the crook of my elbow. “I was promised dessert.” His lips descended on my cheek, then jaw, before I pulled out of his grasp.
“I changed my mind.” I huffed, pushing him away. He raised a brow.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Somethin’.”
