Page 23 of Playing the Player

The sound of my phone pinging with several messages has us pulling apart quickly. It’s as if we’d almost been caught doing something we’re not allowed to do. I guess that’s kinda true. I pull my phone out of my jeans pocket, thankful for the interruption but also hating it with every fiber of my being.

Liam<3: Hey.

Liam<3: I miss you.

Liam<3: When are you coming home?

I shoot an apologetic look in Conor’s direction before typing out my reply. He gets up from the couch, the warmth of him disappearing immediately, and he storms into the kitchen.

Me: Hey, baby bro! I miss you too

:(

Me: I don’t think I’ll be able to come back

for a while. Stupid work!

Liam<3: Can I come visit you? BTW

I’m not a baby.

Me: Sure! Just ask mom and dad first.

I’m happy to have you anytime.

A sad smile tugs at my lips as I pocket my phone at the same time Conor comes back from the kitchen. He doesn’t speak. His jaw is clenched tight and his hands are balled into tight fists. He’s mad. Really fucking mad.

“I’m sorry,” I apologize, “that was my brother. I don't hear from him much.”

Conor’s head snaps in my direction. “Your brother?” Conor asks with hopefulness.

“Yeah… My brother, Liam. I thought I told you about him.”

“Oh thank fuck.” He breathes a sigh of relief that confuses me more than his anger.

“What just happened?”

“Well, we were about to kiss and then you got a text from some guy called Liam saying he missed you and asked you to come home.” Understanding finally dawns on me. “I just assumed…” He doesn't finish his sentence. He doesn't need to.

“Conor,” I sigh, not really knowing what to say, “we shouldn't have done that. We can't break any of the rules or this isn't gonna work.”

Conor’s shoulders slump. “Remind me again. Why do we have these rules?”

“Because, we have to!” I stand from the couch, trying to put some space between us. “We stick to the rules, to the plan, and neither of us will get hurt when this is all over.”

He hangs his head, running his hands through his blonde hair. “But we both felt that, didn’t we? That wasn’t just me getting caught up in that, you were too.” He has so much hope in his voice and I don’t want to hurt him, but if I tell him that yes, I felt it too, it would change everything.

“We had too much to drink and got lost in the moment.” I force out instead. “It can’t happen again.”

Conor nods once and then stands abruptly. When he looks at me, I can see the hurt in his now dull eyes. “I think you should go.”

“Conor-”

“I’m getting tired.”

“I-”

“Please, Sasha.” His voice is quiet now. Broken. “Just go home.”