Left (Left 1)

“Don’t play dumb. Not with me.”

“I have a lot on my mind.”

“So share it with me,” I say bending down to meet her gaze full on.

“I can’t. I’m still processing.”

“You mad at me?”

She blinks. “What? No. Why would you think that?”

“Cause you’re freezing me out.”

“Mad would be easy. I’ve never had a problem telling you when I’m pissed off.”

I chuckle. “That’s an understatement.”

She places her hands on her hips and arches her eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean.”

“That you’re a fucking pitbull in disguise.”

“Humph. Nothing wrong with that.”

“Never said it was, darling,” I say.

A smile breaks out over her lips. She’s thawing, and I’m desperate for her attention. I never realized how much I took for granted until she withdrew.

“You know by now I’m immune to your clever golden tongue right?"

I snicker. “Ain’t no one I care about enough to sweet talk, except you and my Mam.”

“Maybe you should change that,” she whispers.

Her face closes off.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Phoenix made me think. Perhaps it’s time you get back on the horse and find a significant other—."

“Whoa.” I place a finger over her lips. “Where's this coming from?”

She pushes my hand away. “You heard them today in the car. It’s only going to get worse the older they get.”

“So you want me to do what, go on The Bachelor?” I’m confused by her outburst.

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

“Right now, you’re the one with outlandish ideas,” I say.

“Are they? It’s been three years.”

“Trust me. I know how long it’s been." I grit my teeth and stare.

“What are you doing?”

“Trying to figure out why you’re throwing stones when you live in a glass house.”

“Oh, fuck you.” She pushes past me.