how I almost spilled the beans about what Thomas did to me, and Melissa’s warning when she visited the room last night.
“I know you shouldn’t hate people, but I really despise the hell out of that chick. She’s nothing but trouble, and Phoenix is a damn fool if he can’t see that. I can’t believe he lied about you being stood up just to appease her.”
“I’m pretty close to throwing in the towel. How can I fight for something when I’m the only one fighting? It appears he’s made his choice. I’m just a fuck until he works things out with her.”
“Stop giving up the goods then. He can’t have it both ways. He either wants you back or wants to work things out with her. I say reduce your effort some until he meets you halfway.”
“That’s just what that bitch wants. For me to back off.”
“Don’t think about her. You’re not surrendering to her—you’re surrendering to your own sanity. Phoenix will never realize what he’s lost if you make it too easy for him to get some pussy here and there. It has to be about more than sex. Remember, I suggested making him remember why he fell for you—just without the sex part.”
“You have a point. It’s just so hard to even want to try. Every time we take a step forward, we take two steps back. We’re not getting anywhere as long as she’s here.”
“I have an idea,” she says, suddenly excited. I’m afraid to ask.
“What is it? Should I be worried?”
“Nope. Why don’t you follow through with his lie? Teach him a lesson and show the twatwaffle you have other options.”
“You mean go on a date?”
“Yep. Let’s create you a profile. I’m sure you’ll have several matches lined up by morning. I’d bet anything on it. Then we can set up a meetup right away.”
“Reeks of desperation, Lil.”
“No, it doesn’t. You’re a gorgeous girl. Time to make him sweat some. Make him pay for his lie.”
I haven’t spoken to Phoenix since last night, but I admit that Lily’s plan has merit. He has Melissa waiting in the wings, so I can give him a glimpse of what it would look like if I had the same. Only this time, my date won’t stand me up.
“Okay. Let’s do this. I hate the thought of playing games, but I’m involved in one whether I like it or not. Sometimes, the best defense is a strong offense.”
“What does that even mean?” She chuckles.
“Hell if I know in this situation, but it sounded right.” We both laugh.
“So today we relax, then we’ll create your profile tonight and watch all the available matches roll in by morning. You never know. You may find somebody—”
I shake my head adamantly before she finishes that statement. I’m doing this with one goal in mind. To give Phoenix a wake-up call and show him what it would be like if I moved on with someone else. What it felt like to have to watch him with someone else. I don’t have any hopes beyond that.
“This is my last effort, Lil. I don’t think I can continue watching him with someone else even if he claims it isn’t sexual. She at least has him emotionally. He cares what she thinks. He’s holding on to her for a reason.”
“I can understand that, and it’s fair. Besides, if this doesn’t wake him the hell up, then I don’t know what will.”
We join the guys and pig out on barbecue and potato salad. I’m so stuffed that I can barely move. My state of content is soon interrupted, though, by the arrival of Phoenix and twatwaffle. The guys hoorah him as soon as they see him.
“Where is Desiree?” Asher is the first to ask.
“Ah, she didn’t even come back with us. She had the driver take her to the hotel in Houston. She’s flying home in the morning.”
“We watched your interview. Was she pissed with you?” Killian asks.
“Oh. That’s an understatement. She bitched me out the entire ride to her hotel. Her exact words were that I was a fucking PR nightmare. Can you believe it?” He grins at the audacity. Melissa spins on her heel and heads toward the house, obviously not impressed.
“Those were my exact words,” Asher jokes. “I called that shit.”
“Well, Desiree isn’t the only person unhappy with your little stunt.” Mitch points toward a disappearing Melissa.
“Yeah. She’ll get over it.”
“I’m guessing she didn’t like you sharing what you two did in the bedroom?” Mitch adds.
Phoenix