Because (Seven Year Itch #4)(48)

“What’s that supposed to mean? What did I do now?”

“It doesn’t matter.” I don’t know what’s going on, but as fast as she’s bitching she turns around and calms herself. “What did you want to show me?”

I sit the bag of décor on the kitchen table and start pulling out things. Of course, I’ve picked up straws with tits, pecker ice cube trays, and even a pin the tail on the pecker game. “So, did I do good?”

“You need dick straws. What about favors? Is there a female helping you with this stuff?”

“I volunteered. Cara’s sister got stuck in New York. She won’t be in until the morning of the wedding. It’s up to me to get it organized.”

Shayla rolls her eyes. “And you’re here because you want my opinion?”

“Please. I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important to me.”

She sighs. “I guess since you asked nicely.” She puts her purse on her shoulder. “Come on. I need to be back in an hour for Ab.”

“Where are we going?” I ask.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this to you. The sex shop. Obviously!”

I don’t hesitate to follow her to my vehicle. She’s being weird, but at least we’re together. Even without words I feel overwhelmed with excitement being able to be close to her again.

We’re halfway down the road when I can’t stand the silence. “Did I mention how much I like your new hairstyle?”

“You like blondes. Of course you’d find it appealing.” She’s flippant when she says it. I sense hostility, but I don’t know where it’s coming from.

“Wow. Okay. I’m sorry I mentioned it.”

She turns to face me. “I’m here as a friend, Bran. I’m doing my best to make it happen. From now on my body, my hair, or anything else about me is off limits. Are we clear?”

I nod. “Yeah, okay. Sorry. I thought you’d want to know.”

“I don’t want compliments from you. Not ever.”

This hurts. I don’t get it. What gives her the right to act so rude when I’ve done absolutely nothing to provoke it? “Why? Can you at least tell me that? I think you’re beautiful. You’ve always been that way to me. It’s not a secret.”

“Yeah, me and so many others.”

I pull the car over because I’m really on my last nerve. “What is your problem with me?”

“Nothing. Just drive. I don’t feel like fighting.”

I take a few deep breaths and try to settle my suspicions. “Is this your doctor’s doing? Did she say something to piss you off? Let me guess, you told her we were going to a wedding together and she told you it was a terrible idea.”

“I haven’t seen my doctor in weeks. I haven’t needed to. I’ve been happy for once, Brandon.”

“Way to kick me when I’m down, Shay. You might not be miserable, but I am. I’m sick of sitting on the sidelines wondering when you’re going to let me back into your life. I miss you like crazy. All these changes you’ve made to yourself don’t make a difference to me. I wanted you the old way.”

“We’re never getting back together. I thought I made that clear a while back.”

“A man can dream.”

“Keep it in your pants, Bran. I’m not interested.”

“My dick or my opinions?”

“Both.”

“Huh. Well that’s a downer.”

She turns again, this time with intent filling her eyes. “You know what, Brandon, I’m sick of pretending. I want you to know I don’t give a damn who you date anymore. Fuck the whole town for all I care.”

“Where is this coming from? I haven’t seen anyone. I swear.”

“Unlock the door.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m getting out. I’ll walk home. I can’t help you. Go to the store yourself, or just go to the party with what you have. You’re famous for half-assing everything you do.”

I wait for her to actually get out before chasing after her. “Shayla, wait. Don’t be crazy. I’ll take you home.”

She finally stops walking away. When she turns she’s crying. “I don’t know why I bother. It doesn’t change anything.”

“I’m lost, babe. You need to talk to me.”

“All I wanted was to be the only woman in your life, aside from Aberdeen. Why was I never enough?”

I still have no idea where this conversation is coming from, but she obviously wants to hash this out, right in the middle of a busy highway. “Can we get back in the car at least? A tire could blow off a vehicle and kill us.”

She huffs and puffs back to the passenger seat. I join her and give it a few seconds before I open my mouth. “I don’t know what’s going on. Whatever you think I’ve done, you’re wrong. For over a month I’ve been sitting to the side, waiting for whatever this is to blow over. I’ve never lost hope that we’d eventually figure it out. I still love you, Shay. Damn it woman, why can’t you see that?”

“Because I’m blinded by the things you do behind my back. By how you’ve treated me in the past. By the things you say to me when no one else is around. You’re cruel and it’s taken a toll on me. I’ve gone through an identity crisis just to try to heal from the damage you’ve done to my soul.”