Free Picking Up the Pieces by Elizabeth Hayley

girls.
                  “I’m not the only one who fucks people over for fun, you selfish prick. You knew where we stood from day one. I lied to Adam; you’re right about that. So I deserve every hateful word he would ever hurl at me. Not that he ever would, because unlike you, he’s not a spoiled child. But, you? You were complicit every second. I never lied to you. And you were a willing accomplice in Operation Fuck Over Adam. So don’t you dare sit there and act like you're better than me, you piece of shit, because you aren’t.”
    I’m not sure how the tension in our postures, the clear agitation on our faces, or the venom in our voices could be in any way inviting to a stranger, but evidently it was because I suddenly felt a soft tap on my shoulder. I whirled around and saw a cute redhead standing behind me.
    “Excuse me,” the interloper purred. “Could you get the bartender’s attention for me?”
    “Sure thing, doll.” I let one corner of my lip lift in a half smile. The girl no doubt thought that the smile was my way of flirting, and in a way, she was right. But it was mostly because I knew how badly it would hurt Lily to hear me call someone else doll. It may even kill her. And right then, that was what I needed. I needed her to hurt like I did. If I had been in my right mind, I may have noticed how acidic my tongue tasted as the word left my mouth. Even my body knew that term would only ever apply to one person. But I had left my right mind behind three insults ago and it wasn’t coming back anytime soon.
    The bartender took the woman’s order and then walked away. I kept my eyes on her seductively, luring her in for the kill.
    “You look really familiar. Have we met before?” she asked as she held the straw to her mouth.
    I loved these coy games women played. No doubt someone she was with had recognized me, and she had jumped at the chance to don her best fuck-me expression and hustle right on over here. And her timing couldn’t have been more impeccable. I’d have to fuck her extra well for that. “I don’t think so. But I’m glad we’re meeting now, doll. I’m Max.” As I held out my hand to her, I heard the stool on the other side of me push back. I knew the second “doll” would get her.
    “I’m certainly glad to see you haven’t changed, Max. Now I don’t have to feel guilty for wishing that your sorry ass gets hit by a fucking train on the way home. And hopefully that bitch is with you when it happens.” Lily grabbed her purse and started toward the exit.
    But the redhead wasn’t willing to let Lily’s comment slide . “Guess some girls can’t handle it when something better comes along and takes a man’s attention.”
    The anger immediately left me and was replaced by amusement as I watched Lily stop dead in her tracks and turn back toward us with menacing slowness. My eyes darted between the two women. Oh, this is going to be good.
    I sat back a little so that I wasn’t in the direct line of fire.
    “Better? Really? Because desperate women who approach men instead of being approached are always the better option.” Lily was trying to remain cool, but I could see the tightness in her shoulders. She was ready to pounce on this chick.
    "I’m clearly not so desperate that I’d waste time flirting with a guy who obviously isn't interested.” Apparently, the sexy stranger was ready to do some pouncing of her own.
    “You have two seconds to get the hell out of here before I deflate those monstrosities on your chest and you're out five grand.”
    I hadn’t had many opportunities to see sober Lily threat ening physical harm to another female. It was fucking hot .
    “Please, you ugly bitch. Stop embarrassing yourself. It’s painfully obvious that you’re the one everyone wishes would leave.” The woman was obviously impressed with herself as a cruel smile lit up her face.
    Even I was almost offended by her remark. She was extremely attractive, but had