Page 36 of Girls Will Be Girls
“Candie would be such a good name for that kind of journalism.” He says, making me laugh. “It fits so well.”
“You’re not the first person to say that.”
He drops his eyes to mine again. “I’m sorry anyone’s made you feel like your writing isn’t important.”
I nod, suppressing everything that’s bubbling inside of me. “Thanks.”
“If you want, I’ll go give every one of them a stern talking-to. I can even go full macho and beat them up if you want. I’ve never hit anyone in my life, but I’m sure I can figure it out.”
A laugh escapes me. “I’ll think about it.” He nods with a smirk and sits back up, pulling his hand away. “If I’m being completely honest, I wouldn’t mind watching you beat up the guy from today.”
“What guy?” His brow furrows.
“Just some sleaze.” I wave him off.
“What did he say?”
“Nothing new. Made a joke about the hard-hitting journalism I write.”
Lou’s not amused now, his smile completely gone for the first time.
I try to wave it off. “He was just some married, clearly out to cheat guy, and he just made me feel gross and stupid. It’s no big deal.”
“It is a big deal.” He looks annoyed. “Did you tell him where to shove it?”
“No, of course not,” I say. “I just left, I wasn’t gonna dignify him with a response.”
“That dick is probably out there now thinking he did a real good job of hitting on you, not knowing how much of a tool he is.” He says.
I shrug.
“That’s not okay.” He continues.
“I know,”I say. “But what can I do?”
“Tell him to eat shit.” He chuckles dryly.
“I can’t do that!” I laugh.
“Why not?”
“That’s so mean,” I admit.
“Good!” He leans in further. “It’s supposed to be mean.”
“I can’t do that,” I repeat.
“Why?” He repeats.
“I can’t,” I say again. “I say thank you to ChatGPT because I’m worried it’ll think I’m rude.”
He lets out a full-body laugh. “Fuck, you’re adorable.”
My cheeks heat to a bright red at his compliment.
“Fine.” He nods. “Tell me where he is and I’ll go tell him to eat shit.”
I burst out laughing.
