Page 28 of Tight Ends & Tiaras
You know that saying? Making a deal with the Devil? That’s what I feel like she’s offering right now. Not that she’s inherently evil or anything. Just that getting in bed with this woman, literally or figuratively, would only lead to bad things.
The next time my aunt asks me why I’m not dating a nice girl, in my head, I can point to this moment. Janelle was the last person I let myself have feelings for, and look what that got me.
I promise myself I’ll never date another liar. Hell, I might never seriously date again. Because right now, I can’t envision ever trusting anyone the way I stupidly trusted the woman sitting across from me.
I cross my arms. I’m not the hayseed Janelle dated in high school. Not to sound like a douchebag, but I can think of a dozen girls who’d be down to fuck tonight, no strings attached. I can’t take the credit for that—it’s a perk of being on a championship football team.
So I don’t need to dabble with an ex. That I even considered it makes me want to punch myself in the face.
I decide right here and now that I’m not moving just because this kid could be mine. I’m done being manipulated by Janelle. When we get the paternity results back, then I’ll decide what to do. I’ll get stuff for the kid because our families go way back, and Janelle obviously needs help, but anything beyond that can wait.
“Have you even heard from Ernest? You said you were worried about him tracking you down, but it’s not like he’d have a reason to come to Charming.”
Her smile drops as fear tightens her eyes. “He’s, uh, he’s always been controlling. I’m not joking when I say I’m afraid of what he might do.”
What does it say that she’d rather be with a controlling dick than you?
That remoteness I’m always fighting sweeps over me.
“If you want to stay in a nicer place that has better security, let me know. I’ll pay for it. Once we get the paternity results, we’ll work out custody. That’s what I can offer.”
That’s all I can offer.
