Page 88 of Strings

“Everyone said you were really upset after seeing him collapse and went home. I should have known your boyfriend would take care of you.” She smiles and winks. “I just wanted to see if you needed anything.”

I open my mouth and Bash speaks before I can get a word out. “She was really upset. As you can see, she’s still a little on edge.”

“Yeah. Good thing you’re here. I’m actually surprised you’re not here more often. Do you want me to come by and check on her later, after you leave?” she asks.

“No, that’s not necessary,” he responds.

I’m starting to get pissed that I can’t get a word in between them. They’re talking about me like I’m not here.

“I’m staying tonight to make sure she’s okay.”

I tilt my head to the side to regard him. What did he just say?

“Oh good. I’m sure you’re exactly what she needs. You should do it more often.”

“After today, I plan on being around a lot more.”

Cherese hugs me. “Okay, well, I’m glad you’re good. Let me know if you need anything.”

I close the door behind her and lean my back against it. “I don’t recall asking you to spend the night. And who do you think you are speaking for me like I’m not even here?”

He crosses his arms. “So if I’m understanding you correctly, you’re pissed at me for a myriad of reasons. Shall I list them?”

“List away!”

He steps closer and counts them on his fingers. “You’re mad because one, I found you, two, reassured you, three, drove you home, four, made you dinner, five bought you a phoneandbooks, six, talked for you, and seven…”

“Said you were spending the night when you were clearly not invited to!” I finish for him.

“Yeah. All of those. Is that everything? Or should we also add the fact that I forced you to be my dumb girlfriend in the first place?”

“Oh, we should definitely add that! Don’t forget forcing me to go to your stupid dinners, too!”

He shakes his head. “Well, while you’re at it, why don’t you add my kissing you several times and undressing you with my eyes tonight?”

“Definitely! Let’s add those… Wait, what?”

He starts to unroll his sleeves and rebutton his wrists. “You know, I don’t get you. At all. You’re the most frustrating, irritating woman I’ve ever met in my entire life.”

“You were undressing me with your eyes tonight?”

His eyebrows furrow. “Oh, for the love of God, Talia! Is that what bothers you the most? Fuck it all.” He marches off to the kitchen and grabs his keys.

“You’re leaving? Now?” I ask.

“You just said you didn’t invite me to stay. You’re clearly pissed off at me. What else should I do?”

I block the door. “No. You can’t go.”

“Really? Why? What now?”

I swallow hard. He’s really pissed and really hot. “I wasn’t mad before Cherese came.”

He shakes his head. “Um, yeah you were.”

“No—well, I was, but not for why you think.”

“Talia. I really want to go. Please move away from the door.”