Page 99 of My So-Called Perfect Life

He glances back to the table where Danielle is engrossed in a conversation with Luke and the new guy, who just joined the group. “She’s enjoying it all right. A little too much if you ask me.”

“No one asked you,” Roxy tells him. “Stop projecting your dislike for her onto Ryan. You’re a jackass, trying to cause problems.”

“Enough,” I order. “Both of you, knock it off.”

Evan takes a seat, his eyes still on Roxy as she walks away. “I brought a few listings to go over with you.”

Topic change. Smart move. “Well, let me see them then.”

Evan pulls some papers out of a folder in his hand that I didn’t even notice him holding and spreads them across the bar. “Okay, so this place”—he points to the first one—“isn’t an ideal location, according to your plan, but it’s big, and it has potential, so I figured I’d at least show it to you.”

He continues on, explaining the details of each of the four properties. He’s right; I don’t like the location of the first one. The second one is a little smaller than I’m looking for. The third one seems to be the best of them. It’s two thousand square feet, and the kitchen is already in working order.

Danielle’s voice interrupts my thoughts on the fourth one as she squeals, “No way! Please tell me there’s a video.”

Evan’s head snaps over to the table much the same way as mine. “Dude, she’s so disrespectful. She’s not even trying to hide the fact that she’s into some other guy inyourbar.”

Today might be the day Evan and I come to blows about this. How long is he going to harp on this shit? “You have no idea what they are talking about.”

“Does it make a difference?” he asks. “Do you think she’d be cool with you chatting it up with some girl, all touchy-feely with the hugging she’s been doing?”

“I trust her,” I lie through my teeth. Well, technically it isn’t a lie. It’s not that I don’t trust her, I just don’t understand our relationship at the moment which makes me doubtful.

He slides the papers into a pile and places them back in the folder. “You shouldn’t. It’s been red flag after red flag, and you keep her around. Her pussy can’t be that good.”

“Last warning,” I growl.

It doesn’t matter that he’s my best friend; I’ll break his fucking nose if he mentions Danielle’s pussy again.

“Don’t worry. I’m leaving.” He shakes his head.

Roxy places her hand on my shoulder and leans in, speaking low so no one else hears, “Do not take advice on women and relationships from that jackass.”

Danielle and her group finish up not too long after.

She comes over to the bar and takes a seat. “Do you have our tab ready?”

“No tab.” I say too pissed off to care.

The people behind her—including Luke, Brooke, and the new guy—all protest.

“That’s very generous of you, but please let us pay.” Luke says. Of course he has to be a stand-up guy.

They each place bills into a pile on the bar and head toward the door. Danielle says good-bye to them without introducing me, and I try not to feel offended.

My head is in a bad place right now.

“What are your plans for tonight?” Danielle asks, coming back to the bar. “Want me to wait?”

I quickly rebuff her offer, knowing I need to be alone tonight. “I’ve still got some stuff to finish up here. It’s been a long day for you. You should go get some sleep.”

She looks disappointed. “You sure? I don’t mind waiting.”

“It’s okay,” I tell her. “You go. You’re tired, and I might be a while.”

“Okay,” she says. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

“Maybe,” I deflect not sure if I’ll be in any better of a mood by then. “I have to help my mom tomorrow and Saturday for the party.