Page 68 of False Play
“He’s such a shitty boyfriend he can’t even drop whatever he’s doing to come here?” Joe snorted a bitter laugh. “What a catch.”
A fresh dose of annoyance surged through my body, and with my jaw tight and squared shoulders, I put on my imaginary big girl panties and texted him.
Me
S.O.S.
Pretty Boy
What’s up?
Me
I would never ask this, but I kind of need you to come to Lorenzo’s…like right now. You know, the Italian restaurant? It’s right next to your house.
Pretty Boy
Yeah. I’m familiar with Lorenzo’s. But why exactly do you need me there?
Me
Long story short, I was supposed to have lunch with my girlfriends, but turns out all their significant others tagged along and she forgot to tell me.
Pretty Boy
I’m assuming Ken Doll is there?
Me
Yes.
Pretty Boy
Say less. On my way, Kenny.
I almost let out a sigh of relief at his response, but I kept myself in check as I took a seat in front of Joe and Meghan. It was just my luck that the only seat available was across from them. “He’s on his way.”
David rose from his seat. “I’ll go tell the hostess to add a chair.”
“Perfect!” Evelyn clasped her hands with a smile, but her eyes lacked any sparks. “The more the merrier.” She and Joe shared a fleeting glance that made the alarms inside my head blare, making me all shades of uncomfortable.
Was Evelyn part of whatever sick game Joe was playing? Is that why she invited me?
I tried to move past it, because realizing I was more alone than I thought felt like a thousand little needles prickling my body.
“When are you going to pick up your stuff, K?” Joe asked, making a show of draping an arm around Meghan’s shoulders.
My eyes followed the movement, and I expected to feel a pang of…something. Annoyance, maybe. Or the same useless feeling I had the first time I saw them together. But when nothing came, I smiled to myself in quiet triumph. “I’ll try to drop by later this week.”
“With your jock boyfriend?” he mocked.
“Babe,” Meghan whispered, pressing a hand on his chest. “Stop.”
I shot Meghan a grateful glance, and she pursed her lips awkwardly.
I didn’t hold anything against her. She was nice.
Was it pathetic to feel sorry for the girl? Probably. But I couldn’t help it. I doubted Joe had a sudden change of heart and started being different.
