Page 66 of Force Play
“Dickwad?” he laughs.
“Shut up,” I say, pushing on his shoulder playfully.
He smiles softly now. “It’s okay if you have feelings about it, you know.”
“But I don’t,” I lie. “I’m stronger than letting him get to me.”
I don’t think Ari believes me, but he does drop the subject. We spend the rest of the song dancing with our friends, swaying on the dancefloor.
I let my thoughts go, just for the song, and enjoy the moment for what it is. My friends are married, and I’m dancing with Ari.
And, surprisingly, I really like that.
As soon as the song ends, I make a beeline straight to the bar. I desperately need a drink. The bartender hands me my vodka soda with a lime wedge, and I take a long sip before resting against the wall.
“Lucia Torres…” a female voice says, startling me as they come to stand beside me.
I feign nonchalance. “Anna.”
“Weren’t expecting to see me tonight, were you?” Her tone is so faux-sweet and smug, and I would love nothing more than to punch it out of her.
“Can’t say I was,” I shrug.
“Harlow and Cole are my third cousins,” she chimes. “When I got a plus one, I knew I had to bring my boyfriend.”
“And you did,” I say flatly, wishing she would just leave. “I saw Matt here with you tonight.”
“You know he doesn’t think about you at all, don’t you?”
“Okay?” I reply. It’s such a blatant lie because the man will not leave me the fuck alone.
“I think it bothers you that he chose me.”
“I don’t give a shit that he chose you,” I bite, keeping my voice low. “He’s a cheating asshole, and he’ll cheat on you one day, too, Anna.”
When she can see that she isn’t getting to me, she digs deeper. “Did he tell you how long we were together?”
“I know he was with you for six months before we broke up.” I stare ahead, refusing to give her the satisfaction of seeing me try to keep it together. “Dumbass left the receipt with all the jewelry he bought you at my place, and I found it when I was gathering his things.”
From the corner of my eye, I can see her smile turn malicious, and I’m wary of what comes next.
“Oh, sweetie, it was longer than that. We got together shortly after you two did.”
They were together ourentire relationship?
Matt told me he was cheating on me for six months, apparently only admitting to what I had evidence for.
“So why involve me in the relationship at all?” I ask. “Clearly, you two wanted to be together. He should’ve just let me go.”
“No fraternization policy at work.” She rolls her eyes. “But I left that job now so we can love each other out in the open.”
“Good for you,” I state through gritted teeth.
“It is good for us,” Anna smiles. “We’re so happy together.”
“Again, good for you.”
I see a figure approach from my other side, and of course, it’s Matt joining us.
