Page 27 of Power Play
"Fuck, Lace, I'm sorry. I'm an ass."
"That was low, even for you." She narrows her eyes at me.
"It was. I don't even know why I said it, I don't believe it. I just...I've had a shit day. Not that that's an excuse. I'm just a shit person, too."
"No, you're not. Come here."
I tilt my head at her as she rummages around in her purse.
"I'm a dick to you and you're still taking care of me?"
She shrugs.
"You're the strongest person I know, Lace. And I'm sorry I keep fucking that up." I want her to know that I mean more than my stupid comment outside. But Garrett Jones doesn't know how to do emotions or apologies. So, I pray she can read into my words what I'm unable to say.
She removes the towel to take a look. A fresh wave of blood flows out. "Ben?"
"He's a little protective of you, in case you haven't noticed."
She smiles.
"There something going on there?"
She shakes her head. "I told you. I'm not dating."
"Not sure he got the memo," I grumble. Just add jealous asshole to my resume.
"But there used to be something there?"
She gives me a soft look, as if she's lost in her memories. So that's a yes.
Lacey pinches the top of my nose with one hand while she rummages around in her purse with the other. Before I know whatshe's doing, she's unwrapped a tampon and unrolled it into two cotton plugs and shoved them up my nose.
I look at myself in the mirror.
"I can't go out there like that." I stare in horror at my nose, two tampon strings hanging out of either side.
She gives me a soft smile.
"Consider it penance for what you said. You have to spend the rest of the night like that." It feels good to see her smile, even if it is a little sad.
"Ten bucks I can still pick up a chick like this."
She rolls her eyes, but her smile stays. I'll take it.
Sobering, I grab her by her elbow. "No, Lacey, I really am so very sorry. I'll do better."
Her lower lip trembles, and I see the moment she decides to let it go. Not because I deserve it, but because she’s Lacey, and that’s what she does. Forgives. Even idiots like me.
She waves a hand. "I'm usually not so sensitive about it. I must be PMSing or something."
I don't buy her excuse, but I give her the out. She needs to appear strong. I get that.
The room erupts in laughter as we return to our table, but it's only Lacey's that I hear clearly, as if my ears have tuned themselves to only her.
And she's laughing. So that's all that matters.
Chapter fifteen
