Page 24 of The Bet

“Are you okay?”

“Nope.” I yank open the door and walk back to the recliner. If Tony wants a grand invitation, he needs to come back another day. I’m well on my way to a night of blissful oblivion. Or at least, an excess of alcohol, vomiting, and passing out. I don’t want to feel anything.

Tony’s eyes narrow as he shuts the door behind him and tries to adjust to the darkness. The only light is from the kitchen. “Damn, man. You’re a pig.”

“Thanks.” I fall back into the chair and grab another beer.

“This is disgusting.” Tony grabs the trashcan and tosses empty bottles into the bin. The clinking of the glasses fills the room as Tony cleans the mess. “I can’t believe you live like this.”

“Living?” I snort and close my eyes again. The room spins.Holy fuck.I pop open my eyes to stop the swirling.

Tony sits across from me. “What’s going on? I’ve tried to get ahold of you for almost a week.”

“Nothing.”

“That’s bullshit. You’re sitting in the dark, in nasty clothes, drinking three different kinds of beer, and reeking of body odor.”

I raise my arm and sniff.Gross. Meh.I shrug and lower my arm. “Who cares.”

“I care. Your family cares. And, if I’m not mistaken, Chloe cares.”

“The whole thing with Chloe was a mistake.”

“How?”

“Let me count the ways.” I laugh, but it sounds more like a demon’s attempt at humor rather than a happy chuckle. “Count the ways? Wasn’t that some movie?”

“Rich!”

“Sorry.” I sober. “Chloe was a virgin.”

“Was?”

Heat fills my face as the night in her kitchen flashes before my eyes. I wouldgive anything for a do-over, but I’ll never earn a second chance.

“Yeah, I treated her like shit.”

His jaw tightens. “How?”

“Damn, man. I hurt Chloe.” I wipe my hands over my face.

“What did you do? Punch her?”

“No. I didn’t punch her.”

“Slap her?”

“No.”

“Did she willingly have sex with you?”

I shudder. The vision of her sweet face as she surrounded me is never far from my mind. “Yes.”

“Then, what’s the problem?”

“She never told me she was a virgin, and I was too rough with her. Chloe is soft and sweet. And, I’m neither of those things.”

“Thank God.” Tony leans back against the sofa. “You’re a dumbass.”

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