Page 59 of Lovebug
“Because who the hell have you been… humping?”
“Just… people. I mean person!Oneperson!”
“Right, right. Where’s the iceberg?”
“Huh?”
“Your finger.” He points at my naked left hand.
“Oh. It was just a little tight, so I took it off until we can—”
“Honeymoon over so soon?”
“Of course not. Everything’s fine. I mean… this is none of your business! Gosh, how rude are you?”
“Hey, I’m not the one who broached this particular topic! I was very innocently discussing my swimming regimen. You’re the one who brought our discourse to a full… hump.”
I stare him down. “You are so…”
“Go on,” he taunts. “You have something to say? Say it.”
I feel my breaths quickening. My heart rate is skyrocketing.
“Speak your mind,” he continues.
“I-I’m not sure what you think you’re—”
“You know what, Mabel? You strike me as someone who has much more depth and layers than what she puts out there.”
“What are you? Youjustmet me,Wallace.”
“True.”
“So maybe you can withhold the psychoanalysis a few more days?”
“I used to be like you.”
Geez, he’s relentless!
“Used to be like me how?” I huff, though I’m almost certain I don’t want to hear the answer.
“I was a people pleaser too.”
“A people pleaser? I am not a people pleaser!”
“Sure, you are! Always doing the right thing. The kind thing. The… palatable thing. Mark my words, sweetheart, that shit will wear you down.”
“Don’t call me sweetheart,” I chide. “And don’t…”
“I’m listening…” he goads me. “Gimme what you got, girl. Tell me what’s on your mind.”
I hesitate, but then start to sputter.
“You have no idea what you’re… You make me so…”
My words hang in the air for one supercharged moment.
He says nothing, and neither do I.
