Arms crossed I say to him, “Are you comparing me to a dog?”
“Is that all you heard?”
“I heard some other stuff I choose to ignore.”
“I’m starting to think something’s wrong with you.”
“You’re not alone.”I throw my hand behind me and shift my weight.“Get to the back of the line, most men do after they get to know me.They realize I’m not all sweet and abiding.”I sweep my hand up and down my body for effect.“False advertising, but they should just be happy with the package they’re getting and get over themselves.”
“You should grow the fuck up and be reasonable.How about that?”
My lips press together, I stick my finger in his face and let him know what I think.“Your problem is you can’t handle me the way you want to.Like I said, most men can’t.If you’re not man enough to deal with me, back the fuck up and move out of the way and go find a prim-and- proper miss who will bow down to you.”
He grabs my hand out of his face and throws it to my side, not at all gentle.“I’m going to deal with my brother.”
“Yes, you do that.Since you didn’t before.”
I watch him storm down the hallway after his brother.Damn.Our families have turned into the Hatfields and McCoys.I’m not sure who’s winning.And things were going so good between us.
I flop down in the chair next to Gage—who’s texting away—and put my head on his shoulder.
“What’s up with you two?”he says without looking up.
“Nothing now.I’m back to square one.”
“First guy you set your sights on that won’t fall at your feet.”
“He won’t even brush my pinky toe.”He chuckles, texting leisurely.
“Maybe he’s overwhelmed by all your Ava-ness.”
“That’s not it.”
“I don’t think so either.I was trying to make you feel better about being rejected.”
I slug him in the chest, and he howls in mock pain.“Ow!This is why you don’t have a man.”
“Oh, shut up.”
“Ava, I’m going to share some advice with you that works when a girl tries to resist my charms.Eventually they come back.All you have to do is keep calm and move on.”
I lift my head off his shoulder and look at him still texting.“You’re giving me T-shirt advice?”
“Yep.You should try it.It works.”
Why not?Nothing else I’ve tried is working.
Cat
“You’re awake.”
I sit up against the pillows and try to rub the sleep out of my eyes.“Sorry I fell asleep on y’all.I was trying so hard to keep my eyes open.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“Were you arguing with someone?I heard Ava’s voice, she sounded pissed off.”
“Jay was outside.Your family wants to see you.”
