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“Yeah, he’s coming,” I reply casually. “He wanted to come to both nights, but he’s playing a game on Friday night.”
A scornful puff of air escapes Savage’s nose. “Have you never googled him, for fuck’s sake? Look at the Reddit boards about him, Laila! I wouldn’t call him ‘boyfriend material.’”
I’m flabbergasted. What an unexpected burst of passion from Mr. I Don’t Give a Fuck! “Of course, I’ve googled him,” I retort. “And it ain’t pretty. But guess who else I’ve googled? You. And that shit ain’t any prettier, Mr. Dick Pic. So, I’d advise you not to throw stones from your glass house.”
“The difference is I don’t pretend to be boyfriend material.”
“People change and grow. They learn from their mistakes. Malik swears he’s learned from his mistakes, and I believe him.”
The first part of my statement is true. Malik has, indeed, sworn up and down he’s a changed man who’s now looking for a committed relationship. The second part, however—that I’m stupid enough to actually believe what Malik told me—is a bald-face lie. In fact, it’s my firm belief Malik only said he’s looking for a committed relationship because I told him that’s what I’d need to sleep with him. I actually only said that to Malik to torture him. I’ve certainly had sex outside of a committed relationship in my life. But I won’t do that with Malik Wallace. Hell no. There’s no way I’m going to be nothing but another notch on that bad boy’s belt.
Shaking his head, Savage takes a long slug from the bottle before saying, “Chris Rock once famously said men are only as faithful as their options. Looks like you’re going to be putting that theory to the test with your ‘boyfriend,’ especially in a long distance relationship. Open your eyes, Fitzy. Basketball isn’t that guy’s only game.”
Fitzy? I’ve never heard that before. It sounds to me like the name of a very tiny dog in a very fluffy tutu. I’m not sure I like it. But I decide, rather than mention this new, surprising nickname he’s concocted for me, to call him something I’ve never called him, in return. “I find it perplexing you’ve gone to the trouble of googling Malik and his track record with women, Adrian. What a strange thing for you to be wasting your time doing.”
Savage scowls when I call him Adrian, and then says, “I didn’t google him, Fitzy. Kendrick did and then wouldn’t shut the fuck up about what he’d found.”
I feel my shoulders droop with disappointment. But why? I should have known. Savage had the chance to hit on me at Reed’s party, every bit as much as Malik did. And Savage chose to hit on everyone else but me, and then leave early with whoever he’d settled on, while I was performing onstage. “Not that it’s any of your business,” I say, “but Malik and I have had some detailed conversations about his past behavior and I’ve told him I won’t put up with that kind of shit.” True. “He’s assured me he’s a new man.” Also, true. “I believe in second chances.” Again, true, although I’m not sure Malik Wallace is deserving of one. “So, I’ve decided to believe what Malik has told me, unless and until he proves me wrong.” Lies, lies, lies. I’m stupid when it comes to men, but I’m not a damned fool.
Savage rolls his eyes, looking remarkably, exquisitely pissed off. “A leopard doesn’t change his spots, Laila. Don’t be stupid.”
“You think maybe you’re projecting, Adrian? I’ve googled you, remember? And it looks to me like you’re the one who’s only as faithful as your options.”
“That’s false. I’m one hundred percent faithful, if I’ve made a commitment.” He winks. “Which is why I rarely make one.”
I scoff. “You want a medal for that?”
“No. I’m just defending myself. I’m a man of my word, if I’ve given it.”
“So, obviously, you don’t give your word regarding punctuality, huh?”
Savage’s face ignites. “I knew it!” he shouts gleefully. “I knew you’ve been secretly losing your mind whenever I’m late and biting your tongue about it until it bleeds.”
He’s right. He’s driven me bonkers these past two weeks with his perpetual lateness. Since that first time in Philadelphia, Savage was late for two additional soundchecks, as well as one early-morning departure on the buses. But all three times, I kept my mouth shut and my face neutral, even though I was annoyed as hell to witness him behaving so unprofessionally. I bat my eyelashes at him. “You’ve been late for something since Philly? I hadn’t noticed.”
Savage’s nostrils flare as he hands the bottle back to me. But he says nothing.
For a long moment, we sit in silence, both of us biting back smiles. Until finally, Savage sighs and says, “Seriously, Fitzy. Dump the basketball player. If your kink is trying to be the one woman a cheater doesn’t cheat on, then I’ve got news for you, baby. You need to find a new kink.”
