Page 112 of Stags

He got out his phone, thought about sending her a text, and then decided just to call her.

“You’re a fucking idiot,” she greeted him.

“Don’t hold back there,” he said.

“I mean, have you thought about the fact that if you make men out to be tragic little boy figures that they don’t ever have any incentive to grow up? Is that what’s wrong with you? You just want to be a little boy forever?”

He was quiet.

“Nothing to say to that?”

“Is this done, then?” he said. “You finally figure out you’re done with me? We both know you don’t like me.”

“Stop saying that,” she snapped. “Should I get a Lyft or should I meet you at your car?”

“Obviously, meet me at my car.” They lived only three blocks away from each other, it turned out. Driving her back didn’t mean anything. She could hop out and walk home very easily.

When he got to the car, she had her arms folded over her chest again. She looked annoyed.

“Hey, I’m sorry,” he said.

“You’re sorry.” Her nostrils flared.

“I can do better. You’ve got to train me,” he said with a little smile.

“Train you?” she said. “I do notbelieveyou.”

“I mean, yeah,” he said. “You’re very good at knowing what’s right and what’s wrong, Tawny. So, if I don’t get it, you’ve got to help me. Just like this. This was perfect. You were crystal clear. I will take the notes. I’ll do better.”

“You’re not mad?” she said.

“I’m the one who fucked up,” he said.

She furrowed her brow. “What did you do wrong, then?”

“I mean, I talk too much. I say dumb shit. It’s just… I don’t even mean half of it.”

She eyed him for several long moments. “You do say dumb shit,” she said eventually. “Really dumb shit.”

He shrugged. “I’ll stop.” He gave her a little smile. “Set me straight, Tawny. Tell me what you want. I’ll do whatever you want.”

She tried the door to his car.

It was locked.

He unlocked it.

She threw herself inside.

He got in, too. “I really am sorry.”

“Stop apologizing,” she said, shaking her head.

He raised his eyebrows. “Okay. But if I pissed you off—”

“Take me home,” she said in a soft voice. “Sir.”

He drew in a breath. He took her home.

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