so damn sorry. Tell me what happened. Did he say something? Do something?”
I bite the inside of my cheek, contemplating if I really want to get into the nitty-gritty details of what happened. “He kissed me.” I find myself reveling in the memory of his lips against mine, the softness of the kiss while his full lips pressed against mine, even while being pissed that he did it. “But it was the things he said before he did it that bother me the most. He was so hateful, Gabby. He treated me like I’m something disposable. And the worst part? He doesn’t even act like he remembers me.” Something inside of me cracks, like saying the words out loud have a harder effect on me than keeping them to myself. The tears come next, and no matter how much I swipe them away, more come, covering my cheeks with wetness. “How does he not remember?”
“Ava.” Gabby whimpers like she’s feeling my pain, her body moving without thought so she can wrap her arms around me. Her hug is warm, and it brings me a small amount of peace.
“Even though I’m mad at him for not remembering me, and for trying to proposition me for sex, I-I still want to know what happened to him to make him be this way.”
Gabby pulls away as I speak, her eyes scanning my face. “I get why you’re mad. He’s a douchebag, especially considering he doesn’t remember sleeping with you. Of course you want to know what’s wrong with him and what’s making him be such an asswipe.”
I nod, my tears finally starting to slow. “I do, because the night we made love, he was different. He was gentle, caring, and so passionate. Having a taste of that man, I want…” I pause for a second, knowing that isn’t the right word. “No, I need to know what happened to him to make him so cold.” I can’t lie to myself, or Gabby, and say I’m not interested in him, even after what happened today.
Even his hate and disdain didn’t affect me the way I know he expected. It only makes me more curious as to who the man underneath the attitude is. It makes me want to see if I can catch a glimpse of the man I shared one amazing night with.
“Do I smell Chinese food?” Marie’s voice echoes slightly as she enters the living room, her eyes landing on Gabby and me. When she sees Gabby’s arms wrapped around me and the tear tracks on my cheeks, she rushes over to us. “Is everything okay? What happened?”
Concern replaces the happiness that previously lingered in her voice, and I hate that I’m going to be the reason everyone’s night is ruined. I don’t want to be the center of attention. Hell, I don’t want anyone to care about me or my feelings. I’m already used to dealing with it all on my own.
“Everything is fine.” I smile, but I can tell Marie isn’t buying it. Her blue eyes pierce mine, and I know that look. It’s one that says, “Tell me now, or someone is going to get their ass beat.”
“Since Ava can’t seem to answer me without lying…” She glares at me briefly before directing all her attention to Gabby. “Is everything okay Gabby, or do I need to go get my prison orange on?”
Gabby rolls her eyes and snorts, barely managing to hold back her laughter. “Orange isn’t really your color, so you should burn anything you own in that color, but yes, everything is okay. Ava’s just having a hard time with her new boss, who she also happened to sleep with.” My face pales as she says the words, while Marie’s face fills with shock. Seriously, Gabby? You had to put it out there like that?
“Hold on. Let me sit down for a second, because I can’t actually believe what I’m hearing.” Marie drops into one of the cheap dining room chairs before looking between Gabby and me, waiting impatiently for one of us to continue with the story.
“Believe it because that’s what happened.” Gabby pauses briefly, letting what she said sink in before she starts again. “Basically, Ava had a one-night stand with a man she didn’t know until she showed up for her first day at her new job. Guess who her new boss is?” Hearing her say the words makes me feel less burdened by my thoughts and sadness, but I still don’t know how