Page 48 of The Way I Hate Him
In silence, we walk the rest of the way to By the Slice, and when we enter, I take in a big whiff of the gooey, crusty, delicious pizza smell. So good. Easily the best pizza I’ve ever had.
“What do you want?” Aubree asks.
“I can get it,” I say, but she shakes her head.
“Tell me what you want, and you go grab us a table outside.”
“Okay,” I say. “Uh, two slices of the pepperoni and pineapple with honey on the side. And a Sprite.”
“Sure. Meet you outside.”
I work my way through the restaurant, waving to a few people, and then reach the deck that overlooks the ocean. A table is open near the corner, so I head over there, only to stop in my tracks when I see Abel and Hayes talking at a table with empty plates in front of them.
Uh . . . yeah, we won’t be sitting outside.
I go to turn just as Abel spots me. “Hattie, hey.”
Dammit.
Why does Abel have to be so friendly?
“Oh, Abel, hey.” I glance at Hayes, and because I’m immensely awkward, I continue, “And, Hayes, wow, it’s you, the man my brother hates. Didn’t see you there for a second since your soul is so black, you fit in with the chairs.” A single brow of his raises. “Anyhoo, you’re back in town. That’s unfortunate for everyone.” His face falls flat. “You know, I knew I smelled something weird when I came into town. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but now that I know you’re here, it must have been your overpowering aftershave.”
His lips thin. “I don’t use aftershave. It must be your breath you’re smelling.” He leans back in his chair. “Might want to get that checked.”
Hands on my hips, I say, “I’ll have you know, I just went to the dentist, and I have the cleanest mouth he’s ever seen.”
“Then you’re not hanging out with the right people. Someone needs to dirty that mouth up for you.”
“Not all of us can be sluts like you.”
“Especially when your boyfriend can’t find your clit.”
“Hey,” I snap at him and point my finger. “Sometimes men don’t understand a woman’s anatomy.”
“Not that hard to google.”
“Something I’m sure you’ve done plenty of.” I pretend to type on a computer. “Dear Google, please tell me where the clit is so I can be a horny madman while singing my low-key, swill-like songs and pick up ladies with my stupid tongue ring.”
“Trust me, you wouldn’t think it’s stupid if you had a chance to sit on it.”
“Ew.” I shiver. “I’d rather stick a fork in my ear.”
Abel glances back and forth between us, his body language hesitant but his eyes interested. “Is this what it’s like working together?” I snap my head at Hayes, fury erupting through my veins, and he gives Abel a death stare.
I step in closer and whisper, “What the actual fuck, Hayes? I thought we weren’t telling anyone.”
“Abel’s my best friend who I trust. I didn’t think he was going to open his damn mouth.”
“It’s just us,” Abel says. “I wouldn’t have said anything if anyone else was here.”
“Well, you better not say anything to my brother. I can’t afford to be associated with Hayes. I don’t know how you do it.”
“Lots of Valium,” Hayes says while downing the rest of his water.
“Did you grab us a table?” Aubree asks, causing every hair on my body to stand to attention. “Oh, hey, Abel . . .” Her voice dies off, and I’m assuming that’s the moment she sees Hayes.
“Hey to you too, Aubree.” Hayes lifts his hand in greeting. “Good to see you.”
