Page 140 of Becoming Us

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“Why?”

“Because there’s a guy I’m meeting, and I don’t want you in the way.” He didn’t even bother looking up.

Fuck you.

We weren’t anything to each other. Hell, I didn’t want him to be anything to me—except my Seattle supplier and an easy lay. But lately, he’d taken to saying things like that, like he needed to make sure I didn’t catch feelings. He was such a self-centered asshole. This was the last fucking time.

“Couldn’t care less.”

His cold laugh bounced off the walls. “Don’t get touchy, hotshot. We can fuck again tomorrow. If I’m not busy.”

I made my way to the door, intent on getting the hell out of there. “I’ve got plans.”

He cleared his throat behind me.

I turned. He was holding up a small baggie, that familiar smirk plastered across his face. How had I ever found him attractive? In the daylight, he looked like a fucking monster.

“Aren’t you forgetting something?”

Bile rose in my throat. “You know what? Keep it. I can get my own,” I said, and slammed the door behind me.

I already had his dealer’s number. I’d sent it to myself weeks ago when River asked me to text the guy for him. I even introduced myself, made sure it stuck. I didn’t need him.

My phone buzzed in my pocket as I walked toward the elevator. Holly’s name lit up on the screen.

Holly

are you at home?

Me

River’s

Three little dots appeared, but nothing came through. She was probably mid-eye-roll, crafting her response. She hated his guts.

Holly

again Noah?

when are you going to stop seeing that guy?

he’s a fucking asshole

Me

I’m aware

Holly

so?

I stepped out onto the sidewalk and inhaled deeply. Even the city exhaust smelled better than that apartment.

Me

I know he’s an asshole

I don’t expect anything from him

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