Free Hour by Hour (Games & Diversions #2) by Natalie E. Wrye

the small piece of paper. I look over it briefly, nodding my head at its content.
    I already know what it says, but I scan its text anyway. I sign where the “X” is before sliding it to the table’s center.
    A buzz in my lap makes me drop the pen in my hand. I grasp for the pen first. I reach in my lap second… and regret it the instant I do.
    It’s my phone… and it’s Lukas.
    His contact entry flashes across my screen amidst a black background.
    Elena Lexington decides to ignore it; unfortunately, Hogue Late Harvest White Riesling decides otherwise.
     
    The Asshole:
    Drunk text.
     
    I look over to the other side of the table. Now that the evening is almost wrapped, I find that I’m not the only one engrossed in her phone.
    I reply quicker than I probably should.
     
    Fire-breathing Dragon:
    What is this—a warning?
     
    The Asshole:
    It is. Just so I won’t be held accountable tomorrow for anything I say tonight.
     
    Floating ellipses start to appear underneath Lukas’s last text. I wait… A message pops up.
     
    The Asshole:
    LOL
     
    I stare at the screen—baffled. That’s it? I don’t get it…
     
    Fire-breathing Dragon:
    I’m sorry…? What’s so funny?
     
    The ellipses appear again… and stop. Another text.
     
    The Asshole:
    I just realized I never changed your name in my phone…
     
    I roll my eyes. I can only guess what that must mean. I type fast.
     
    Fire-breathing Dragon:
    That makes two of us. Why are you texting me on a Saturday night anyway?
    I thought this was your “out” night. You used to bite my head off when I interrupted these nights.
     
    The Asshole:
    It was my “out” night. And it still is.
     
    Fire-breathing Dragon:
    So where are you then?
     
    Nothing appears for several seconds. The ellipses don’t even have time to make it to the screen.
     
    The Asshole:
    On a date.
     
    I read the text, and my heart stops. Literally . I think I hear a thump in my chest from where it dropped.
    It doesn’t even pitter-patter or stutter-stop like a failing engine. Nothing . Just emptiness where there was just motion.
    I can’t explain why this happens. I just know that it does.
    I double slap a quiet hand on my chest as if to re-start it.
    I force my fingers to move on the keypad.
     
    Fire-breathing Dragon:
    Good for you.
     
    His response is quick.
     
    The Asshole:
    No. NOT good for me. Not good for me at all.
     
    The ellipses start up and keep going. They disappear.
     
    The Asshole:
    I’ve got a lot going on. I thought getting out of the house would help.
    Well, it hasn’t.
     
    I hold my breath, feeling a tumble of nausea in my gut. He’s going to tell me about his date?
    I don’t want to know… and yet, I do . So badly. I can’t stop myself from asking.
     
    Fire-breathing Dragon:
    Why? Is there a problem with your date?
     
    The Asshole:
    Yeah.
    She isn’t you…
     
    An ignition turns. I feel the rumblings of a kick-start.
     
    Fire-breathing Dragon:
    You must like arguing with your dates then.
     
    The Asshole:
    You and I would not be arguing.
     
    Fire-breathing Dragon:
    Why not? That’s all we ever do.
     
    The Asshole:
    Not when we’re fucking.
     
    Vroom.
    My keypad moves like lightning.
     
    Fire-breathing Dragon:
    We wouldn’t be fucking on a date.
     
    The Asshole:
    Why not?
     
    Fire-breathing Dragon:
    What kind of venue would allow public screwing?
     
    The Asshole:
    You say that like it matters to me. I’m in a restaurant right now. That wouldn’t stop me.
    I’d lay you on this table. Lift your dress up. Have my way with you.
     
    Wheels are turning. Wheels are definitely turning.
     
    Fire-breathing Dragon:
    Pretty sure the manager would ask us to leave at that point.
     
    The Asshole:
    Let him.
    He can enjoy a nice show while he’s at it. Or if you’re not into that, I can rent the whole place out.
    Make sure everyone disappears as soon as the food is served.
    No managers. No waiters or chefs. Just me and you.
     
    Fire-breathing Dragon:
    And