This is War (Checkmate Duet 1)

Once we pay, she lowers the radio and her questions don’t stop. “So what did it mean?” She shifts into park as we wait for our drinks. “Does it mean you two are like together?”

“Oh, God, no!” I’m quick to push that idea out of her head. “It was a one-time itch and it’ll never happen again.”

“Never?” she questions, her brow arched in disbelief.

“Nope. I don’t have time for complicated in my life and Drew would have my head, or his head, or both. I don’t know. Either way, it was a huge mistake, and it cannot ever happen again.” I know I’m telling her the words, but it feels as if I’m trying to convince myself more right now.

She nods at me with a disbelieving smile. “I totally believe you.”

I sigh, giving up on trying to explain myself. My head’s a complete cluster fuck and I don’t need to overthink it anymore.

The girl at the window interrupts my thoughts and hands over our lattes and Courtney’s pastry buffet. While we drive around, she continues the twenty questions, popping pieces of her muffin in her mouth every free chance she gets. The sky is turning a deep bruised purple and the wisps of clouds are a pretty pink. We’ve been driving for over an hour, and I am relieved that she came back early and can help me process the hot mess I’ve created.

“So I know you’ve hated him since like forever, but maybe this is a good thing,” she says as she pulls into Drew’s neighborhood. “Maybe it was meant to happen. Like fate.”

“Not unless fate was drunk,” I snort.

“Well, being drunk is the whole reason you’re in this situation now, isn’t it?” She grins.

I glare at her, even though she’s right.

“Trust me when I say it’s not. Biggest mistake ever. I’m not sure I can even look at him. And I have to live with him for the next week and a half.”

“Listen, we’ve all been there and done that. But at least it’s Travis. The dude is sex on legs, so it’s not like you had a one night stand with some random guy.” She’s trying to make me feel better about it, but the truth is, it’s going to take more than that.

“I wish Professor Snape was here to steal the memory of it away,” I sigh.

“Huh? Who’s Professor Snape? Is that the lit professor?” She’s really trying to figure it out and all I can do is laugh.

“I seriously don’t know how we are friends. If you don’t read Harry Potter in the next year, I’m best friend divorcing you.”

“Hardy har har. All I’m saying is, don’t get worked up about the future like you usually do. Chill out. Have fun. Enjoy yourself. You’re young, beautiful, and my bestest friend in the whole wide world and you deserve to be happy. Just forget the past and focus on those sexy abs and gorgeous eyes.” She looks up as if she’s imagining him in her head. “ Actually, I’m glad Travis helped clear out those cobwebs.”

“Whose side are you on anyway? I have plenty of sex.” I really don’t and she knows it. All she can do is laugh, and I start laughing too.

Courtney is right. I should focus on the now, even if I can’t stop thinking about last night. At the thought, I remember Travis sent another text message. As we pull into the driveway, I unlock my phone and open it.

I know you’re probably super busy thinking of me and all, but I need a huge favor.

I roll my eyes and write back, Define huge… Knowing I’m playing with fire, I press send anyway.

Any chance you’d pick me up from my office?

I furrow my brows, curious. Why? One of your mistress’ husband’s find you out and steal your precious wheels? I snicker as I hit send again.

He responds almost immediately. Not quite.

I sigh. Fine. Be there in 15.

Thanks, and just for the record, I don’t fuck married women either.

I groan inwardly to myself. Just the ones with STDs and daddy issues. I don’t even think twice before hitting send.

Are you trying to tell me something? Should I be worried about the herp now?

I clench my jaw. Fuck off, Travis!

See you soon, V! :)

I lock my phone and slam it into my lap.

“Dang. You two must’ve hate-banged the shit out of each other if there’s that much intensity.” Courtney glances over at me with a smile.

I give her a side-glance evil eye. “He needs a ride.”

“I bet he does.” She chuckles, wagging her eyebrows at me.

“Does everything have to be a sexual innuendo with you?”

“Obviously you haven’t been around me long enough.” She grins, making a U-turn and heading downtown to where he works.

As we coast through the streets, music blaring, and my hair blowing in the wind as the sun sets, I think about my options.