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“You must love me then.” I said sardonically as he unfortunately poured me a drink.
“You’ve cost me a lot of money, but that’s ok. I have more to spend than you know.” He pushed the drink in my direction, “Taste it, and tell me what you think.”
It was my first true move, akin to the beginning slide of a single chess piece; but I fucking hated tequila, ever since that New Year’s Eve party when I got completely sick with Gemma. My throat cramped up with the anticipation of its taste.
Gemma watched, knowing damn well I could barely say the word tequila, let alone drink it, but she didn’t even try to stop me, and in fact, said nothing, like she was secretly punishing me.
I lifted the shot to my mouth, pulling it to the back of my throat, attempting to ignore the fire building in my chest as Alex slowly swallowed his drink, actually enjoying it.
“Do you like it?” he asked.
“I could drink it all day.” I lied, knowing I had to take back control of our conversation, physically feeling my watch tick along my wrist.
Tick.
Tok.
“Good. You’re the first to try it.” He poured me another. “Consider it a gift… for all that you’ve done so far.”
I laughed at him, “You must be drunk already. I can’t think of anything you should be thanking me for…”
“Don’t act so sure. Despite what I think about you, you’re important to Gemma… That single saving grace has allowed you the opportunity to look after her, and in a way, it feels like you’ve kept her safe till I could find her. So, thank you,” he raised his glass. “But your job is done now. I’ll take it from here.”
Take it from here?I leaned against the armrest, my thumb settled under my chin to keep it from shaking. I hated his unwavering need to grin, and how he assumed that both him and Gemma were grateful for me, grateful as if I could now rest easy. My job wasn’t just out of love, it was out of pain and discomfort, it was out of sacrifice. I’d never let it go to waste, not on someone like him.
“What exactly are you taking over?”
“That’d be up to Gemma, of course. I’m not replacing you. Aren’t you her best friend?”
“Since first grade.”
“Good. She can have as many as she’d like, me included… but I want more than what you two share. And I’m not shy about my intentions.” We both shot our drinks back.
Gemma’s lips formed into a perfect O-shape, pursed only to be opened for a sharp breath. No clarification, no objection. Mila stared at me, but I sought more from Gemma, her nervousness enveloping me. This burned more than the tequila.
“I’m certain you have many intentions. But do you really consider yourself friends with Gemma?” I snipped.
“We’re friendly.”
“No offense, but you don’t seem friendly.”
“I’m not here to convince you, I’m here to settle business.”
“I don’t settle, and that offer doesn’t interest me. I’m focused on you right now, and since you’re so keen ontaking over,you wouldn’t mind the work it takes to earn Gemma.”
“You act like that’s up to you.”
“Thought you’d appreciate being put through hell?” I reminded, certainly not buying the act.
“Parker,” Gemma hushed, “I’m doing this as a favor to you. I don’t need you to pry.” She gave me a clear warning of her patience. I wanted to respect it, but I also wanted her to see a glimpse of what Alex was hiding.
“I’m going to ask him a few more questions,” I stated.
“Is this an interview or an interrogation?” Alex interjected, spearing my intentions.
“Aren’t you used to both?” I asked.
“That’s unfair,” Gemma said.
