The Game Changer The Final Score - By L.M. Trio Page 0,87
such an ass.” She smacks me.
We joke with each other as we clean up the kitchen together. I wash the dishes while she dries.
“Thank you. That was awesome,” I say, kissing her on the cheek.
“You’re welcome.” She looks up at me. My phone once again vibrates on the counter. We both turn our attention to it.
“Jesus Christ!” I exclaim.
“Why don’t you just answer it? I mean, you did tell her you were coming. She’s probably waiting,” she tells me, unable to look me in the eyes.
“De, it’s not what you think,” I say, reading her mind and turning her to face me.
“What?” she asks, trying to act as if she’s not bothered by it.
“I’m not into her.”
“What do you mean?”
“She’s different from us. Honestly, I liked her for about two weeks before it started to get old.” I laugh. “Besides, she’s into some stuff that just isn’t for me. I’ve only seen her once, right after the wedding, and I told her it wasn’t working out.”
“What kind of stuff?”
“Let’s just say they live a little wilder in LA. Her and her friends, they party way too hard. I don’t want to be involved with that shit, ya know?”
“God, no. You have way too much to lose. You’ve worked hard to get where you are. You shouldn’t be around stuff like that,” she says with genuine concern.
“I know, but at first, she promised she wouldn’t do it again, so I let it go. I knew they still partied, I just think she got a little better at hiding it. She’s got all these people around her, but nobody that really gives a shit about what she does. Anyway, I tried to tell her a few times that it was over, but then she calls with some sad, sorry story and I end up feeling bad for her. I always knew the relationship wasn’t goin’ anywhere. That’s why I didn’t bring her to the wedding. It’s not that kind of relationship.”
“What else is new?” she says sarcastically.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I cock my head to the side.
“You never care about anyone long enough to have a real relationship.”
“Here we go again.” I roll my eyes. “Not true,” I add, looking directly in her eyes as I take a step towards her.
“Name one person,” she says, not breaking her gaze from mine.
“There’s only one person I can name,” I say, taking another step closer.
I know this is the time. It feels right. I have to let her know what I’m feeling after all these years. I can’t stand it any longer. Since Thanksgiving, the tension between us has grown so thick, I can barely stand to look at her without thinking about how much I want her.
“Who?” she asks as I move even closer.
“What if I said…” I pause, and then I lose my nerve. “Never mind.” I’m standing directly in front of her, daring her to look away.
“I think you have to say it now,” she whispers nervously, biting her lower lip, but not breaking her gaze.
“What if I say… you are the only person I care enough about to ever be in a serious relationship with?” For the first time in my life, I’m feeling extremely nervous and shaky.
“I’d say… why did you agree to go to her hotel tonight?”
“Not the reason you’re thinking. I was going to make it clear once and for all that we’re through. I thought she’d get it if I told her in person, realizing she flew all the way out here for nothing.” Then I remember that De didn’t answer my question. “And… you can’t ask a question with a question.” I smile.
“I’m planning on answering your question, but I think you better get over to her hotel and make it clear to her that you are over… And when you get back, you’ll get your answer,” she says with a grin.
“I don’t want to leave you,” I answer honestly.
“I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be here when you get back.”
“Yeah? You Promise?”
“Promise.”
I pick my keys and phone up from the counter and turn to go. For some reason, I feel the need to let her know exactly how deep my feelings for her go. Before I reach the door, I stop and turn back to her. She’s about to re-enter the kitchen.
“DeDe,” I call out.
“Yeah?” She turns to face me.
“You know I love you, right?
“Of course, I love you, too,” she answers in a casual, friend kind of way.