I grasp the wheel with my left hand for no reason at all other than just to have something to do with it. I’m actually glad for the change of subject. “I know. That was bad. It could have been so much worse, though.”
“Like Susan refusing to marry him because he just about yakked all over her?”
“Yeah. Like that. Or like him not making it at all, or passing out. Not being able to say his vows. God, it could have been so much worse.”
“It could have ended in no wedding at all, and then you bringing Gabriel would have been for nothing because all the attention would have been on Susan anyway.”
“Stop. That’s not helping.”
Dean folds his arms behind his head. “While you’re here, you want to drive me back to my parents’ house? I think I’m drunk enough for the night and completely danced out. And, as I thought, there are no single gay guys there to hit on.”
“Because there aren’t any gay guys at all.”
“That’s right.”
I sigh. “You and me, Dean. We’re so unlucky in love.”
“You could change things. You have the power. Right now. You could ask you know who—who you’re obviously into even if you weren’t supposed to be—if he’d stick around, or if he’d like to go out at least, or if you could be friends that turn into friends with benefits that turns into something else when you’re both ready.”
“Dean…”
“The point is, who cares that he has like, a shit pile of money. Whatever. So, he’s rich. So, he didn’t tell you. Does it really matter to you?”
“Money is nice—”
Dean rolls his eyes. “I know it doesn’t matter to you. You’re not like that. You don’t even know the meaning of the term gold digger.”
“I do know what it means.”
“That was an expression,” Dean says in exasperation. “I know that you know what it means. Who doesn’t? I’m trying to say that you would never use him for his cash.”
“Yeah, but he doesn’t know that. And obviously, people have tried it, and probably not just women he’s dated. Other people too. You’re right. Everyone always wants something from someone who has everything. He told me he got used. That’s why he wants to stay single. He’s like me. He doesn’t want to take a chance on it happening again.”
“I’m not going to accept that. If you’re into each other, then take a chance. Maybe he’s just waiting for someone to change his mind.”
“Or maybe he means what he says.”
“Doubtful. He came here with you, didn’t he? Obviously, he was attracted to something about you. And he seemed like he was having a good time. Maybe this is the most memorable thing he’s ever done. And he…you know, boinked you, so that says something.”
“Do not say boinked!”
“I’m just saying…”
“Don’t just say.” I turn the key in the ignition and slowly edge away from the sidewalk, all while reaching for my seatbelt and clicking it into place. “That’s it. I’m taking you home.”
“Thank you for the ride. I thought I was going to have to walk.”
“Shit! I forgot! My dad is ferrying people back to their hotels tonight. Gabriel promised he’d help. Shit. Fuck. I’m going to have to wake him up. Should I ask him if I should go along? Should I pretend like I don’t know anything? Oh my god, I have no idea what to do. How did this turn into such a mess? And now, if he doesn’t stick around, it’s going to suck. Seriously. And when I tell my parents that we fake broke up because we were never really together, I’ll feel even worse. It will be like getting dumped-not-dumped since this wasn’t real, all over again. Even the plans for the fake boyfriend don’t work out.”
Dean turns to me and winks. “Aren’t those the best kind?”
“What do you mean?” I growl threateningly under my breath. “Dean! You tell me what you mean right now!”
Even in the dark, I can see panic flash across Dean’s face. Now he’s back peddling. Big time. “Oh, I…nothing…”
“You! Dean! You knew he wasn’t gay? How did you know?! Did you know who he was?”
“No! Jesus, no, I didn’t. I swear.” Dean tries to put up a hand like he’s giving me the stop getting pissed off and let me talk signal. “I just…I wasn’t completely sure but I kind of sensed it. I figured he was with the guy who went to the bar, and that they were friends, but it’s like when you and I go out. We’re friends. You’re straight. I’m not. But we still go together.”
“So, you…you purposely chose someone who wasn’t gay and then just bluntly said he was so I’d…what? Go along with it?”
“You were already in. I was just trying to be doubly safe. I thought maybe if he agreed, something would happen. You needed something to shake you up. You’re not even willing to take a chance on anyone or anything, Pearl. Not living your life and not experiencing things because of those assholes who cheated on you and acted like shitheads, it just lets them win. I hate seeing you do that. It’s been two years. I thought maybe you were ready to move on, but you just needed a shove in that very obvious direction.”