Page 301 of Deep Pockets

“So what, you just randomly decided to try the whole dating thing? You were sick of living your life of sin? What?”

“Bee…”

“What, Mason? Why the hell did you even go on that date in the first place? You can have any girl you want in this stupid city. Why did you go on a date with someone like me?”

“For two Knicks tickets! Jesus.” He turned away from me and ran his hand through his hair.

“What?” I didn’t know what he was going to say. But I hadn’t expected that.

He turned back toward me and ran his hands down his face. “Carter and Marie gave me two Knicks tickets for promising to take you out and show you a good time.”

“You’re lying. They wouldn’t do that. I’m not some charity case.”

“I don’t think you are. But what do I know, right? I’m just your rebound aren’t I? Isn’t that why Carter and Marie set you up with me? To get over Patrick?”

“Yeah, but…”

“Well, great. I’m glad I could help.” He was pissed now. He had let me yell and scream and berate him. He had remained calm the whole time. But when he mentioned Patrick, something changed in his face. Suddenly it felt like I was in the wrong.

“Mason.”

“You were still in love with him when we met. You’re probably still in love with him. So what the hell are you doing getting mad at me and saying that you love me? You don’t love me. You love him.”

Is that why he was so upset? He didn’t believe that I loved him?

“And I didn’t trick you. I accidentally saw what you wrote in your notebook. I accidentally pitched your idea to John Landry. But you don’t want my excuses. So I don’t know why I’m bothering. Why don’t you just run back to Patrick. Clearly that’s where you belong.”

“I don’t love Patrick. I don’t want to be with Patrick.”

“Then maybe you should find someone who you deem fit for your time. Because clearly it’s not me. I have better things to do than stand here and argue with you.”

“What, like cater to your new account? The one you got with my idea?”

“Don’t act so innocent, Bee. Like you didn’t get everything you wanted from me? Like you weren’t using me?” He laughed.

“What are you talking about?”

“You only wanted to be with me because of my money. Well guess what? My dad cut me off. I’m not getting his inheritance. Without the Sword account I’d be as broke as you. I’m not a catch, I’m a fucking mess. You’re better off without me.”

“I don’t care about your money. I didn’t even know you had any money when I started falling for you. I just liked you for you. Money doesn’t matter to me.”

“So you just spread your legs that fast for anyone? You’re easy, Bee. You’re just like every other girl in this fucking city.”

“And you’re just like every other arrogant, pretentious bastard.”

“Guilty.”

“I never should have trusted you,” I said.

“Don’t give me that shit. I told you I wasn’t a nice guy. You had me pegged from the very start. It just made you want me even more. And it was damn fun stringing you along, waiting for you to beg me.”

“So this whole thing was a game to you?”

“A game I always win.”

“You’re such an asshole.”

“Speaking of assholes, I need to go tell my boss that I quit. Thanks, sugar, I really owe you one.” He walked over to the door.

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