Page 98 of Beautiful, Violent

A few hours lapse between that and the next message.

I know you’re still upset. Don’t blame you.

The kiss was somewhat out of left field.

I know that.

Just talk to me, Vay.

I grit my teeth. He wants me tojust talk to him?

I start typing up my response.

SOMEWHAT out of left field? Try way out of left field FROM A BALLPARK ACROSS THE CITY.

I toss my phone aside with attitude and twist the top of a tonic water off. My phone beeps within 30 seconds.

Was it though?

My mouth falls open after reading his message. Anger threatens to erupt inside of me.

“Yes. It was,” I clip out towards my phone as if Rigger is inside of it and can hear me.

But then I get an acrid taste on my tongue. It’s the way a lie tastes.

Because I know deep down, he’s right. That kiss wasn’t as out of left field as I’d like to believe.

Meet me tonight at the Salty Lodge so we can talk. I fucking hate texting like this.

I huff and roll my eyes. He does hate texting. What guy doesn’t unless there’s actual sexting slipped in there.

I’ll have to think about it. I don’t know if I’m still mad at him or just mad at the situation. But my mind is made for me when I get a message from Ben.

What you doing tonight?

I reply right away withnothing. You?

Frenchie is driving through town for a business trip. She wants to meet for dinner. You game?

Me: Hell yeah. Sounds fun.

Ben: Aight. I’ll come get you. Can you be ready by 6?

Me: yup. see you soon.

I set my phone down and immediately feel guilty about blowing Rigger off. Just a few days ago I wouldn’t have dared pick a man over my friendship with him. It’s amazing how quickly things changed.

I have plans tonight. Tomorrow is good though.

As soon as I send it I remember that the third Thursday of every month is Rigger’s guys’ night out. I don’t know who he hangs with. He could be sitting alone at a bar for all I know. But Idoknow that he’s religious about having this time. Therefore, I’m surprised when he comes back in the affirmative.

Sure. Let me know what time works and I’ll be there.

Another twist of guilt, knowing he’s willing to give up his guys’ night out for me.

Seven o’clock works.

I head to my room and change clothes, touch up my makeup, and consider packing a few things in case I crash at Ben’s again. But I change my mind. I don’t want to set a precedent for sleepovers every time we go out. I still don’t know what our relationship status is. Not that it bothers me because I don’t think he’s going anywhere anytime soon.

---