Chapter Twenty-Six
Tayler
Idon’t know why I’m still putting myself through this with him. Earlier today, when I called myself his girlfriend, he nearly lost his mind. We’ve been seeing each other exclusively for over a month now. We spend almost every day together. Sometimes it’s at work, sometimes it’s at my place, and other times it’s at his. We’ve slept in the same bed nearly every night and I’mnothis girlfriend?
As I sit in my car on the street outside of Cy’s, I’m staring at the building I just redesigned. Blinking, I feel my eyes start to burn, but I force back any tears.
But then it hits me. He’s right. I’m not his girlfriend. How could I be? We’ve neverdoneanything together. I mean, other than working at the bar, having sex, watching television, and sleeping. He’s never taken me out to dinner or to a movie. He doesn’t talk about his family, friends, or anyone else for that matter. Hell, I don’t even know when his birthday is. And how old is he?
“Shit.” A hot tear slides down my cheek.
It’s true. I’mnothis girlfriend. I’m his friend with goddamn benefits.
* * *
Luke:Babe? Quinn’s here. You’re not coming to work?
I stare at his text message. I was supposed to work at five tonight, but after the epiphany in my car earlier, I decided I couldn’t do it, so I started up my car and drove home, stopping first at the store to get ice cream and wine. A necessity for a girl after ending a relationship.
Luke:You okay?
I sigh, knowing I shouldn’t have left him in the lurch. In my defense, I called Quinn, who said she’d work for me, thank goodness. She didn’t hesitate to say she’d do it—probably because I was sniffling the entire conversation. All she said was “Of course. Should I kill Luke while I’m there?”
That made me laugh. “No.” Yes.
I pick up my phone to reply to his text.
Me:We need to talk.
Ha! Now let’s see howhefeels about those four little words.
Luke:Babe. Is this about the bar? Because I don’t want to renovate?
God, he’s such an asshole. I might as well get it out there. Let him stew for a while.
Me:I can’t do this anymore.
Luke:Do what?
Me:Be your fuck buddy.
Luke:Tayler. Is this about the girlfriend bullshit?
I stare at my phone.Girlfriend bullshit?No. He. Didn’t.
Me:I told you I wasn’t going to be your friend with benefits, and that’s exactly what I am.
Luke:No. That’s not true.
Me:You’ve never taken me out. I still know nothing about you. Hell, I don’t even know your birthday.
Luke: December 11th.
Me:Tomorrow? Your birthday is tomorrow, and you didn’t bother to tell me?!
If he could hear my mind, he’d hear screeching. And then he’d hear me cry. How could he not tell me it was his birthday tomorrow?
Oh, I know why he didn’t bring it up. It’s because I’m just a booty call to him. I mean nothing. And I’m so in love with the jerk, the realization about all of this makes my heart hurt.
