Free Until Forever by E. L. Todd Page A

she adjusted her bra.
    “You’re going to get caught. I know it.”
    “Unless one of the guys comes into the strip club, we’re good.”
    “Ryan might. His bachelor party is happening soon.”
    “I can’t see him doing that,” she dismissed.
    “Shows how much you know.” I pulled on basketball shorts and a t-shirt.
    “You haven’t told anyone about us, right?”
    “No. My business is my own.”
    “Good.”
    “You embarrassed of me?” I teased.
    “No. But I don’t want to deal with my sister yelling at me.”
    “I don’t see why she would.” I checked my phone then headed to the door, ready to walk her out.
    “She likes to get mad at me for stuff she’s equally guilty of.” She rolled her eyes. “I know my sister has slept around a lot. So when I do the same thing, I’m in need of help or guidance. Whatever.”
    “She just cares about you. Believe me, I wouldn’t want my sister sleeping with an asshole like me either.”
    “You’re not an asshole,” she said immediately.
    “I sleep with you and use you over and over. I don’t even take you home. I even told you to your face that I didn’t give a shit about you. Yes, that makes me an asshole.”
    “You gave me a job and you’re trying to get me out of the strip club. You’ve been honest with me from the very beginning about what you want and need. And if I asked you to walk me home, you would.” She stared at me triumphantly.
    I didn’t have rebuttal against that. I opened the door. “Good night.”
    “Night.” She pulled her jacket on then headed out.
    When she was gone, I shut the door then lay on my couch, watching a late night talk show. Cassandra and I used to watch these together, but now I didn’t think of her. I was a terminal bachelor. And I was okay with that. No relationships meant no heartbreak. I could get on board with that.
    My phone rang and I sighed in annoyance. I was going to order a pizza and eat it on the couch like I did most nights. When I saw Cassandra’s name, I immediately feared for the worst. If that guy was bothering her again, I’d kill him this time. Actually kill him. It didn’t matter if it was Cassandra. Any guy harassing a girl like that should be murdered.
    I took the call. “Is he at your apartment again?”
    Her voice came out quiet. “No.”
    Then why was she calling me…? “Are you okay?”
    “No”
              “Um…then what the hell do you want?”
    “Have dinner with me tonight.”
    What the fuck? Dinner? “I already ate.”
    “It’s six. No you didn’t.”
    It irritated me that she still remembered my habits. It’d been almost three months since we broken up. I’d forgotten her. She’d be smart to forget me. “I have no interest in spending time with you. I can barely tolerate you as it is. Don’t call me unless you need something.” My voice was cold like steel.
    “Mike, please.”
    “Why?” I snapped. “I don’t owe you shit.”
    “Just please meet me. I can come to your apartment if you prefer.”
    “No. I don’t want you anywhere near my home.” This was my safe haven. There was nothing here that reminded me of her. Nothing elicited unwanted thoughts of the girls who choked the life out of me.
    “Then can we meet somewhere?” Her voice retained her depression.
    “I really don’t want to see you. I can’t stress that enough.” I knew I was being a total jerk but I didn’t care.
    “Mike, I asked you nicely.”
    “So?” I barked.
    “I’ll be at Shelly’s in half an hour. I hope to see you there.”
    “I’m not going to show up.”
    “I guess I’ll wait and hope.” She hung up.
    I heard the line go dead then I lowered it from my ear. I was irritated that she expected me to show. Fuck no, I wasn’t going to do it. I had nothing to say to her, and I didn’t have the patience to listen to her voice.
    I sat on the couch and watched TV. Unconsciously, I kept eyeing the clock, knowing she was sitting in a restaurant alone, waiting