“It would appear so.” He finished his beer and set the bottle down with a resounding click. “The man’s a dick.”
“You dislike him that much?”
“Have I minced my words?” Bear said without any hesitation.
“You might be a bit prejudiced.” She swallowed hard.
“How I feel for Fletcher has nothing to do with what you and I shared. He doesn’t treat you how you deserve to betreated. You said yourself, he doesn’t care about anything but his campaign.” There was a new tension in Bear.
Aasia sighed, a long shaky exhale. She’d heard the same from all her friends, not just Bear. “He’s stressed. He has a lot on his plate. Running for senator requires commitment.”
“You’re making excuses for him,” Bear said in a firm tone.
“I’m not making excuses for him. I’m just pointing out the truth.”
“You’re being delusional.”
“And you’re being judgmental,” she retorted.
The rigidness of his features relaxed. “I’m just looking out for you. You’re not the type to contort yourself to meet any man’s needs. Fletcher’s a user, or as I like to call it, he’s a real piece of shit.”
The sting of his words sunk in. “Bear? Do you know something that you’re not telling me?”
“Do you need me to point out his discrepancies?” he said sarcastically. “He stood you up how many date nights? How many times has he disrespected you by leaving you sitting alone in a bar?”
“I see your point, but…” She lost track of her thoughts. Defending Bentley had become a job and she was growing tired.
“I’m tired of watching you become a smaller version of yourself to fit perfectly into his life. How many times has he asked you what you want? He doesn’t, does he?”
She watched the amber liquid swirl in her glass. “I’m not delusional.” Her voice was shaky. “He’s not changing me.”
“He’s not a partner, Aasia. Look at me,” his words were demanding and she couldn’t resist. “Fletcher is an oxygen drainer. He’s treating you like an option. How many times are you going to allow him to sweep in and turn your world upside down?”
She turned her cheek to look into the crowded bar but not seeing anyone. “You don’t know him and anything about my relationship.”
“I know you aren’t a repair shop,” he said stiffly, tapping the polished wood to get her attention. “He’s a liar. A manipulator, and a fucking coward. You deserve to be with someone who appreciates you and never questions your worth.”
“Like who, Bear? Someone like you?” She watched for any emotion to flit over his rugged features.
“Aasia…”
“Stop. Pretend I didn’t ask that question.” She picked up her whiskey and took a long sip, coughing against the sting.
“He’s not a good man,” Bear said in a lowered voice.
“Tell me why. What are you not telling me.”
“You should know that—”
“Aasia! What are you doing here?” The robust greeting from Tansy, Aasia’s best friend, stopped any chance he had to answer.
“Tansy!” Aasia welcomed the woman in for a tight hug. “You’re finally back from your trip. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I’ve only been back a few days and swamped with work.” Tansy was a tall, beautiful woman with remarkably blue eyes which happened to settle on Bear in semi-curiosity. “Hi. Am I interrupting?” She offered Aasia a subtle smile.
“I was having a drink with Bentley, but he got called away,” Aasia answered a little too abruptly.
“Bentley? What?” Tansy’s groan garnered the attention of a few passersby. “I thought you two were through?”
