Another highlight plays, but I’m interrupted when someone bumps into me.
“Oh, I’m sorry…” the voice drifts when our eyes lock.
I almost want to laugh at how comical and cliché this is. The girl who slept with my boyfriend and happens to be my roommate-with-benefits ex, bumping into me.
Amanda stares at me knowingly, not surprised or the least bit apologetic.
There’s a long stretch of silence. I’m not sure if she’s trying to find the words or maybe expects me to lash out, but she stares at me, inquisitive and piercing.
I don’t have it in me or care to know if she’ll speak so I spin in my seat, darting my attention to the TV.
Unfortunately, I still feel her standing there, watching me.
“Did you lose something?” I ask her.
Her face scrunches with agitation. “What?”
“You’re staring at me like you’ve lost something.”
I’d be lying if I said that her standing in front of me didn’t bother me just a little. It’s not because of confrontation; I don’t have an issue with it. It’s knowing that Daniel dated her, liked her, and did things with her. It’s knowing that she’s better than me, at least emotionally. It’s knowing that she could give him that and I’m not sure I’d be able to.
I don’t believe in love or at least understand what the hell it is, but I’m sure she does. I wonder if they saidI love youtoeach other, because couples do that, and they dated for a while. Surely, they did.
She’s also drop-dead gorgeous. Naked or not, she’s beautiful, there’s no denying that. I understand why Bryson and Daniel are both attracted to her. Even I can’t help but gawk at her a little.
Amanda flashes me a tight-lipped smile. “Are you sleeping with Danny?”
Wow, she’s forward. “That’s none of your business.”
“It’s not and I shouldn’t be asking, but I just need to know.” Desperation fills her voice. The music is loud, but it audibly pours out of her.
I laugh this time. “If what you really want to ask is if we’re dating, the answer is no.”
She stands straighter, a wave of relief washing over her. “You know we dated for a while. That’s not something you just get over.”
“Was that while you were fucking my boyfriend? Because that’s also something most people don’t get over,” I quip.
Her nostrils flare, face glowing red. “It was a mistake. I didn’t mean to?—”
“You don’t have to explain yourself to me. I genuinely don’t care. You honestly did me a solid. I should’ve left Bryson a long time ago.” I take another swig and spin around, feeling a little irritated, not for me but for Daniel.
“We’re going to work things out,” she adds, but her voice wavers like she’s not sure if she believes it. “He loves me and he’s using you. He’s mad at Bryson and wants to get back at him.”
I was going to keep my mouth shut, but the sheer audacity. Shame needs to be brought back because what the fuck?
“Do you hear yourself?” I scoff. “You’re so pathetic.”
“Excuse me?” She jerks back, staring at me as if I had slapped her across the face. Although I want to, I don’t.
“You heard me. You’re so pathetic.” She wasn’t holding back, so why should I? “What the hell is wrong with you? It was bad enough you slept with a guy you knew had a girlfriend, but you cheated on a guy who I’m sure treated you like you were his world. You should be embarrassed.” I huff out a disbelieving laugh.
“I made a mistake,” she grits angrily. “You know nothing about our relationship.”
“You clearly didn’t know enough about yours,” I retort.
Her nostrils flare, jaw clenching. “Fuck you.” She goes to walk away but I stop her.
“Have some decency and leave him alone. You know he’s done with you. I don’t know why you keep showing up and spewing out this bullshit.”
