Page 16 of Ex- Factor
When the check came, he offered to take me home.
I smiled. “No offense, but I don’t know you like that. You could be crazy.”
He laughed like it was a joke.
I wasn’t really joking. I was deadass serious.
I had to take an Uber home because he’d driven me, which meant I’d need one to work too. A $60 orange chicken entrée with an obnoxious rich boy wasn’t worth it.
I made my way to the elevator and rode it up to my place.
As soon as I stepped off, I spotted Silas.
He was standing at my door. He’d changed into gym shorts. His hoodie was pulled low, and there was a duffel bag at his feet.
I sighed, digging in my purse for my keys. “What are you doing here?”
He raised his head slowly. “You been dodging me.”
“I’ve been busy.”
“You’ve been avoiding me.”
I didn’t deny it.
He stepped closer. “You go out on dates now? I thought you weren’t ready.”
“Don’t do that.” I shook my head.
“Do what?” His eyes flashed. “Don’t be pissed off because you’ve been ignoring me and then I find you sitting across from pretty boy.”
There wasn’t much heat behind his words; he was just whining.
I chuckled. “You’re the pretty boy in this situation.”
He had the nerve to crack a smile then. “I’m glad you noticed.”
“I did. And you should note that we’re not together, Silas. And questioning me like we are is crazy work.”
His jaw flexed. “No. We’re not. But still—why were you out with him?”
“I don’t owe you an explanation.”
“I don’t want one,” he snapped. Then softer, “I just want to know if you’re not going to do it anymore.”
I blinked.
He continued, “Because if you are,” he said, stepping close enough that I could smell his cologne—same one he left on my pillow, the one I had purposely not washed—“I’ll walk away.”
“Okay. Bye,” I said, sounding serious but just wanting to see if he’d actually walk away. I was playing with my ownemotions again, because I knew my feelings would be hurt if he did.
He frowned, then reached down and slipped my keys out of my hand. “Lady, stop talking nonsense, move so I can go inside. It’s Friday. I’m staying the weekend.”
Then he opened my door like he lived there. Walked in and left me standing outside of my own shit.
Chapter Nine- Silas
As soon as Eshe came in, I turned to face her, dropping my duffel bag next to her sofa.
