After focusing on the food for a bit and chugging the rest of my margarita, I take a deep breath and spill, fessing up about the repeat performance with Braden, leaving out the additional participant. I’m sure it’s unnecessary to the story and definitely TMI. Matt’s eyes convey enough surprise already.
“And I don’t want to hear it if you think I’m crazy. If I were a guy and told you that, you’d be high-fiving me, so no lecture. I’m only telling you because I feel weird talking to Braden while I’m starting something with someone else. So, from a guy’s perspective, what do you think?”
He takes in a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “Wow. Not what I was expecting. I just… shit, Poppy. I can’t believe you gave into him again.”
“Matt!” I sit back and cross my arms over my chest in defense.
His head drops. “I’m sorry, I’m not trying to be an ass. I’m just surprised. And you’re right, it’s a double standard. But if you’re still talking to him, feelings might be involved, and if that’s the case, youshould be careful. You could get hurt, especially since he doesn’t even live here. He could be keeping you on the line for a booty call whenever you visit Cici.”
“Maybe I wanthimfor a booty call. Huh? Then would it be okay?”
His hands go up in defense. “All right, point made. I’m sorry. So what is it you’re worried about?”
“Well, I feel like I’m doing something wrong by talking to both of them, almost like I’m being deceptive or something.”
The waitress comes to clear our plates, and we order more drinks since Matt says he needs another for this conversation.
“So, what do you think? Would it be bad if you were Braden or the guy from the dating app and found out about someone else?”
“I’m positive Braden isn’t a one-woman sort of guy. And you just met this other dude, so I’d say it’s too early to feel guilty about anything. And the app guy is probably already talking to other women. Most people don’t limit themselves to one at a time if they’re on an app, do they?”
I shrug. “I guess not.”
“Then, for now, I’d say you’re fine, but if it becomes serious, then you’ll have to make a decision. Until you decide to be exclusive, you’re not doing anything wrong. You should be cautious giving too much information about yourself online. He could end up being some psycho and start stalking you. Poppy isn’t a common name. You’d be easy to find.”
“True. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“And, you know, if you do become more involved, then be careful with—” Matt grimaces as his voice lowers. “—protection and shit.”
I burst out laughing. “Oh my God. Okay. Thanks, Dad. Let’s cheers to that,” I say, still chuckling and raising my glass for a toast.
Braden
“Dude, what’s up with you tonight?” Warren scrutinizes me while waiting for an answer.
Considering he’s all too familiar with the woman I’m preoccupied with, I’m not inclined to unload on him. It’s probably wise to let sleeping dogs lie where that’s concerned. So I go with the next best thing, which is way more believable than being troubled by a woman.
“Just work shit. The Marlow case has been dragging. We’re expecting the final documents this week, so I’m anxious to have the opposition filed. I think the wife’s gonna try to pull some more crap, and I’d like to put this last motion behind us so we can move on.”
“It’s Saturday, Braden. Take it easy. You should be focused on pussy, not paperwork. Speaking of… two chicks have been eyeing our table since we walked in. You game for a foursome?” He cocks his head in their direction, leading my gaze to the women he’s referring to, their eagerness evident with flirty looks.
I’d usually be all over that, but the only woman I’m eager for may currently be with another man. Sinking my dick into someone else might take her off my mind, but for the first time I can remember, it’s not appealing.
I shake my head to decline. “Nah, I’ll pass tonight.”
“Seriously? Who are you, and what have you done with Braden? They’re hotter than fuck. Plus, I owe you one for that last hottie we tag-teamed. She was a sweet piece of ass, man. I’d love to get my hands on her again.”
Damn it. Hearing him talk about Poppy like that makes my blood boil, and before I can stop myself, I open a can of worms.
“You won’t be, so forget it.” I chug my drink in disgust for allowing it in the first place. Was it hot? Fuck yeah. But knowing what I do about her brings guilt instead of pleasure from the memory.
Warren’s eyes go wide. “Dude. What crawled up your ass? Is something going on between you and that chick? Is that what you’re brooding about?”
“Her name is Poppy, and I’m not brooding. I’m just not in the mood tonight.”
He laughs loudly. “You’re not in the mood? You’re full of shit,is what you are. Oh, fuck, this is classic. Who’s the pussy now, huh?” He’s still laughing uncontrollably.
Although I’m irritated, I can’t help but chuckle along. He’s right. I’m acting like a fucking chick. This is pathetic.
