Page 122 of The Fast Lane
He peered at me over the glass of the Bloody Mary he was nursing. “So, you and Theo?”
“Yup. Me and Theo.” My eyes found the man in question. Like he somehow knew, he turned his head and locked eyes with me, his slow smile warming me.
“I always figured he had feelings for you.” He snorted. “I know you had feelings for him.”
I turned to face him. “Excuse me?”
“It was always ‘Theo this’ and ‘Theo that.’ The guy could do no wrong.” His words slurred, and I wondered how many Bloody Marys he’d had.
“I was never unfaithful to you, if that’s what you’re getting at.”
He tossed back half his drink. “Don’t matter now anyway, does it?”
“Actually, I do think it matters. I am not that kind of person, and I don’t like you insinuating I am.”
He shrugged. “I guess I am.”
I froze. “Excuse me?”
“You wouldn’t move to Dallas.” He shrugged. “I was lonely.”
“You were lonely?”
“Yeah. So, I saw other women.”
“You saw other women?”
“Are you going to repeat everything I say?” He ran his fingers through his hair, his voice agitated.
“When you broke up with me, you said it was all my fault. That I—I wasn’t emotionally mature enough for you.” Tears welled up and I blinked to hold them back. He was not getting the pleasure of making me cry.
For a split second, guilt slid across his face and disappeared just as quickly.
“I’ve spent over a year picking myself apart, wondering how I could be a better person because of the things you said. Worried I was too selfish for someone to love me, and all this time, it was you spouting stuff, so you didn’t have to feel bad.” I slammed my hand down on the table hard enough to make the silverware rattle. “You ass.”
Half the room’s occupants were now looking at us with interest. I’d promised not to cause any problems. I really, really, really wanted to keep that promise. Keep it together, Ramos.
“Quiet down,” Alec said.
I leaned in and stage-whispered, “You are an ass. Better?”
“Is everything okay?” Theo rested a hand on my shoulder.
“Theo, my man, how’s it going?” Alec lifted his glass in an insincere toast.
“Ali, you okay?” he asked, ignoring Alec.
“I think I might need to leave early.” I glared at Alec. “For reasons.”
The smirkiest of smirks slid onto Alec’s face. “Speaking of leaving, when’s the big move?”
I blinked at the sudden change in topic. “Move? Who’s moving?”
“Talk to your man here.” Alec gestured toward Theo.
Theo’s jaw ticked. “He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”
“Oh, did I hear wrong? I thought you were telling Cal and Abe about a job you’re interviewing for in Chicago.” He took a swig of his drink only to find it was empty.