Page 91 of Fake It For Love (Faux Love)
“True and we probably used that to our advantage,” he said. “I’ve got a seven-year-old boy. I am dreading his high school years because I remember what we were like. I just want to stand up and be a man. I want to apologize for the shit I did back then. It wasn’t personal, for whatever it’s worth. I was a prick to everyone.”
We all laughed.
“It’s cool,” I said. “I’ve learned to get over it.”
The other guys all offered up their own versions of an apology. It was nice to hear, but I had seriously put all of that behind me a long time ago.
“Thanks,” I said. “But you never finished explaining how you all contributed to my success.”
“Oh, well, because of our bullying back then, you are this big successful guy,” he said.
“That’s what you think happened?” I said.
“Yeah,” Tony agreed. “We toughened you up. We helped you become strong enough to be the guy you are now.”
“I am who I am because of me,” I said, keeping my anger in check.
“Nah, you needed us,” Tony insisted.
“Fine. Thank you for your help,” I said sarcastically.
The bus came to a stop and we piled out. It provided the perfect interruption to the awkward conversation. I didn’t want to argue with him. He was allowed to think whatever he wanted. There was no reason to spoil the party over the past.
My eyes were on the future—with Claire.
We headed into the bar. A section had already been blocked off for the party. That was when the liquor really started flowing. I felt the buzz coming on and I pumped the brakes on the drinking, pacing myself.
I did not want to get sloppy drunk tonight. That could lead me into trouble.
One of the guys I had never met before dragged me out to the dance floor, and I followed, confused.
“Listen, man, I’m flattered, but I’m not much of a dancer,” I said.
He laughed and shook his head. “No, it’s this chick. She’s been bugging me for the last hour to get your ass out here!”
I looked in the direction he was pointing. A sultry blonde sauntered my way.
The guy clapped me on the shoulder and headed back toward the table. “Good luck, dude!”
“Hi,” the blonde said as her arms went around my neck.
“Hello, Ms. Grabby Hands,” I said and very gently pushed her away. I felt like a magnet and she was a piece of metal drawn to me.
“I’ve been watching you all night,” she said with her hips doing a little shimmy. She rubbed her body against mine.
“Nope, none of that,” I said and took two steps back from her.
She advanced toward me. “Didn’t you see me?”
“Sorry, I guess I didn’t.”
“I think you’re hot,” she said with a pouty smile.
“That’s nice,” I said, still backing away.
“Are you shy?” she teased. “I always like shy guys. They’re never all that shy once you get them in the bedroom.”
My back collided with a railing, and she pinned me against it. “I’m engaged,” I said.
