Page 105 of Breaking Hollywood

“Yeah. She’s great.” I smile and then take a drag of my cigarette.

“And she makes great fucking pizza.”

“Ain’t that the truth.”

We’re silent a moment, and then he says, “You look real happy, Gabe.”

“Don’t I always?”

“Nah, you’re a moody fucker, and you know it. But, now, you seem…I don’t know…different. Lighter. Less tense.”

He’s right; I am. And it’s because of Speedy.

“She’s good for you, Gabe.”

“Yeah, I guess she is.” I smile.

“It’s about time you found someone to love your sorry ass.”

And that knocks me back in my chair.

“Whoa! What? Love? Calm yourself the fuck down. We’re just dating. Well, fucking. I mean, we haven’t actually even been out on a date.”

Shit. I haven’t even taken her out on a date. What kind of boyfriend am I? The clueless-shit kind obviously.

He raises a brow. “A minute ago, she was your girlfriend. And, not to point out the obvious, but you do have her living in your house.”

“She is my girlfriend. And she only lives here because of circumstances,” I protest. “With my broken foot, I’ve needed help, and she needs a place to stay.”

“You still need help?”

“Well…no, not anymore, as I can take it off to bathe now. But she hasn’t found a place to stay yet. She can’t find anywhere in her price range that takes pets.”

“Mmhmm.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing.” He’s watching me with an amused look on his face. “I just think Gabe doth protest too much.”

“Don’t fucking quote Shakespeare to me, you douche. And I don’t love Speedy. Sure, I love fucking her. She’s hot as fuck. She’s funny and smart, and she cooks amazing food. I like having her around. Like,” I emphasize. “I like her. Not love.”

“I never said you did. I said, it’s good that you have someone to love you. But, now, I’m thinking that you do love her.”

I flip him off, and he laughs.

Why is this bothering me so much?

I don’t care what he thinks. I know I’m not in love with Speedy, and she’s not in love with me.

We’re just having fun.

Right?

Right.

Julian stubs his cigarette out and gets to his feet. “I’m gonna head off. I’ve got an early start in the morning.”

“You going back to Vancouver?”