Page 53 of All Your Lies
Jenna looks at me as she sits cross-legged in the middle of my bed. “Why are you doing this, anyway? Yes, Gage was a complete and total bag of dicks, but I don’t think this is the best idea.”
“I second that,” Rosie says from the doorway. “You were pretty upset when you got home from talking to him earlier. Maybe you should wait.”
“I can’t.” I sigh. “Gage thinks I’m just going to roll over and do whatever he wants, like before. Now that he’s technically my boss, I need to show him it will only be business between us. Arranged marriage or not.”
Rosie winces. “You’re playing with fire, but I’m behind you all the way.”
“Hear, hear,” Jenna cheers. “Who’s the guy, anyway?”
“His name’s Brad. He’s from accounting at work.”
“Yawn. Sounds like a total fucking snooze fest, if you ask me,” Jenna says.
“I didn’t ask you,” I say as I apply my red lip stain and then glance at her in the mirror’s reflection. “And who are you totalk with all of your secret outings lately? Don’t think I haven’t noticed you being gone all week.”
She shrugs. “It was just a bunch of errands for work.”
“Yeah, sure.”
Jenna rolls her eyes. “So, after your date with Mr. Dull, who probably wears socks during sex and drives a Prius, what do you plan on doing? Because I’m thinking of drinks and more drinks to celebrate our girl’s special day tomorrow.” Jenna points at Rosie.
“I’ll be back later tonight, and then we’ll drink and eat our weight in junk food. I’m sorry we didn’t do more for your bachelorette party.”
“It’s not safe to be out and about. Besides, I’m happy just having you girls to hang with tonight,” Rosie says.
“My date is early enough that I should be back no later than nine.”
Jenna snickers. “Brad, the bore, chose the early date? What? Past his bedtime?”
“No, I chose it so we could have girl time. He’s been asking me out for weeks, and I always decline, but after earlier, I said fuck it. My temper was through the roof, and I had vengeful thoughts. I texted Brad, and he said he was free tonight,” I say with a shrug.
“So he’s kind of like a rebound,” Jenna mutters.
“There’s nothing to rebound from,” I say, grabbing my bag.
We arrive at the upscale steak restaurant about twenty minutes later. Brad looks decent in his khaki slacks and button-down shirt. His blond hair is combed over to one side, and a pleasant smile sits on his lips. He takes my hand as he ushers me from his car, which happens to be a Prius— a detail that had Jennasnorting in laughter as he picked me up. His hand is a little clammy, which makes me grimace.
A small irritating voice in my head reminds me that Gage’s hand wouldn’t be clammy. If anything, it would only be strong, warm, and commanding. I roll my eyes and try to banish any thought of him away. This is about retaliation and showing Gage I won’t give in as easily as he wants. This isn’t about comparing the two men. So I decide to give Brad the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he’s just nervous. But the promise to not compare lasts about two seconds. As we walk to the table, he holds the small of my back, and it feels all wrong.
I’ve never cheated, but the guilt consuming me mirrors my conception of a cheater’s remorse. I could kill Gage for making me feel this way even though I’m not even with him. Yet. Technically.
My phone rings with a notification. I apologize and check it just in case it’s Rosie or Jenna.
The Liar
Why the fuck are you on a date with the stiff?
The Liar
You’re testing my fucking patience.
My eyes scan the restaurant briefly before I type out my reply.
Alexa
Last I checked, you weren’t my daddy or my man. Run along while I enjoy my date.
I can’t help but smirk. He needs to experience a hint of the pain I felt when he lied to me. Maybe I’m being petty, but what did he expect? Me to jump into his arms once I found out? If so, he’s not only delusional but insane.
