Sweet Little Nothing

“For starters, I have a weekly reservation here. You joining me today is pure luck.”

“You said it was for two.”

“Who’s to say I eat alone?”

“Nice.” She clenches her jaw and flicks her eyes to the side before studying the menu like it’s her own personal bible.

“Jealous?” I ask, more amused than annoyed with the attitude she’s throwing my way.

“As if!” She scrunches her nose and damn, if it’s not cute as hell. “Why on earth would I be jealous?”

I shrug. “You seem awfully upset over the thought of me bringing someone else to lunch.”

“I’m not upset. Or jealous. I just think it’s... tacky.”

“Well, this isn’t a date,” I say slowly, watching her face like a hawk. “Just a meal between two... friends.”

“Friends?”

“Acquaintances?”

“That’s closer.” She closes her menu and nibbles her lower lip. “Why are we really here, Sterling?”

“Let’s order first and then we can talk, okay?”

“I guess. What’s good?”

“The nachos,” I answer without hesitation. “They hand-cut the chips and the pico is made fresh for each order.”

“Sold.”

“We can split an order. The chicken is good, too. Local, free-range, and all of that other shit people like.”

“Oh, um. Sure.”

Our server walks up at that very moment, and once Emmalyn orders her drink, I order our food.

“Now then, where were we?” I ask once we’re alone again.

“You were about to explain your personality transplant.”

Unintentional but genuine laughter spills out of me. Who knew my little mouse was so funny?

“Maybe I’ve seen the error of my ways?”

“Sterling, I’m not in the mood for games. Either tell me why we’re here or I’ll leave.”

A million shitty responses sit on the tip of my tongue, but I swallow them down, bitter as they are. “I’m not playing any games.” I lean forward, bracing my elbows on the table. “It’s just...” I trail off, laying bait.

Which she eagerly eats up. “It’s just what?”

“Everything with Rob, no one really bothered to really hear you, and I guess it doesn’t sit right with me.”

“Oh, sure.” She nods thoughtfully. “That totally explains why you’ve been such a nasty asshole. Because you were upset my voice was minimized. Makes perfect sense.”

Swear to God, she wants me to spank her ass.

“Look, I won’t deny that I’ve been... less than welcoming. I’ll even go a step farther and admit my behavior is a byproduct of my loyalty to Rob. He’s been my best friend my entire life, but that doesn’t mean he’s telling the truth.”

Her eyes are laser focused on me, not quite in a glare, but close. She’s angry, but she’s eager to hear what I have to say. She’s so desperate for someone to buy into her lies that she doesn’t even realize she’s playing right into my hand.

“And what brought about this change of heart?” she asks after our drinks are dropped off.

I sip from my whiskey, weighing which reply will soften her the most. Another sip, and I decide to go for broke.

“Honestly? Rob’s a little unhinged, and I just kept thinking, what if it was my sister?”

“You don’t have a sister.”

“Right.” I drum my fingers over the tabletop. “But, if I did, I’d want people to listen to her. To be there for her. To support her, to stand with her.”

“So you... you believe me?”

Not even a little… at least I don’t think I do. She’s so convincing, I can’t help but wonder who’s actually the liar.

“I’m starting to think there’s more to it, and I’d really like to hear your side of things, Emmalyn.”

Right before my very eyes, she softens. Melts, practically. “Emmy. Call... call me Emmy.”

My God, this is almost too easy.

“Okay, Emmy. So, yeah, if you’re open to it, I’d like to hear your side of everything. And I’m not saying to spill your heart in the middle of lunch, but in time. Is that okay?”

“I...” She licks her lips and glances around the room. “I think I would like that.”

Chapter Twenty

Emmy

Sterling smiles like the cat who ate the canary.

At this point, I’m not sure which of us is the dumber: him, for thinking I’m falling for his obvious bullshit, or me for being half tempted to believe him.

Regardless, I’m interested in seeing how this plays out. Even if it blows up in my face, it’s not like things can get worse, right? I only have three friends as it is, and who knows... maybe I truly can sway Sterling to see the truth.

I’ll never know if I don’t try, so here goes nothing.

“I know you’re majoring in psychology, but what are you planning to do with the degree?” Sterling asks as a heaping plate of nachos is placed on the table between us.

“I—I want to be a victim’s advocate.” I clench and unclench my fists, feeling a whole new kind of vulnerability as I open up to him. “I want to help other people... people like me. I want to give a voice to the voiceless.”