“I’m ignoring that because you’re not going to be dubious anymore. You’re going to be grateful because I’ve got a great opportunity for you.”
Opportunity = she needs Luke’s money. “No.”
“God, asshole. Hear me out.”
“No.”
“Such a dick,” she hisses. “You never, ever believed in me. How many times did you tell me I needed a profession? Something to occupy my time.” It sounds like there may be some sobs coming soon. Remember what I told you? I’ve seen all the Shanna’s. Here comes sad, pathetic Shanna. The one she uses when she wants to guilting me into shit. It’s not gonna work. Not this time.
“Just spit it out.” So I can say no one more time. Then I can sleep, maybe.
“I need an investor. I want to open my own message therapy business.”
“No.”
And there it is. It feels damn good.
“Jesus.” Shanna’s voice has reached an all-time high. “You aresuchan asshole.”
Ignoring her insult, I give her some good advice, “Get a loan from a bank, Shanna. They love to invest in women’s businesses these days.”
Through sniffles, she replies, “I tried.”
“Sorry, but my money is all tied up inmybusiness.” As well as this house, but she doesn’t need to know about that.
“You could take out a loan against…”
“Shanna.” I’m getting pissed now. “I will never—and I mean never—loanyoumoney.” I’d never get it back and forget about interest. “We settled up after the divorce. You got a shit-ton ofmymoney.”Allof my money that was in savings. I had to pay her off because she wanted part ownership of Cy’s. My baby––my bar. No way.
“But, you havesomuch money.” Whining isn’t going to get her anywhere.
“No, I really don’t. Besides, that’s none of your fucking concern anymore, Shanna.” My breathing is getting labored. I literally hate this woman. She made my life a living hell after I asked her for a divorce. Before then, it wasn’t a fuck-ton of fun either. “I’m hanging up. Have a good life, and leave me the fuck alone.”
I hang up. It wasn’t satisfying enough. I mean, pressing the red button instead of slamming down the receiver on a real phone? There’s no comparison.
I flop back onto the couch and close my eyes. “A loan?” I laugh to myself but stop suddenly. My mind goes to Tayler. Seemingly Shanna’s opposite, but I used to think Shanna was sweet like that. The minute I put a ring on her finger, though, everything changed. She wanted shit. A big new house, for one. Nothing like this place I ended up buying. She’d hate this house.
It makes me smile when I remember how much Tayler loved the old Craftsman bungalow. I guess the two aren’t so similar, and after that call, I’m even more confused about Tayler. She’s nothing like Shanna. This I know for certain. But it changes nothing. Even if Tayler were the perfect woman for me—it still wouldn’t make be believe I’m capable of a relationship. I’m not.
I place my palm over my heart and wince. “Must be a chest cold coming on.” I relax into my couch and close my eyes. The sounds of hockey on the television in the background help relax me, and I fall asleep.
