Page 21 of Her Filthy Grump
Even before I knew of her betrayal, she wasn’t the nicest person. She was obsessed with her appearance and having the best.
What did I see in her? She was easy. I hate to admit I was shallow, but it’s the truth.
She was easy on the eyes. She didn’t require in-depth conversations. And she put out. Well, at least in the beginning. The last several months of our relationship, neither of us was interested in a physical relationship. Truth be told, I’m pretty sure she was seeing someone else by then.
Classy. Kameron. Classy.
“Was it an ugly breakup? Did she cheat on you?” Her eyes are distressed as if she’s experiencing an imaginary breakup on my behalf.
Lord, she’s something else. Are there people this open and willing to experience emotions? Her feelings are leaking all over her and threatening to get on me.
I straighten my shoulders and lean back to put distance between us. “No. She didn’t cheat on me, and yes, it was ugly, but I don’t want to discuss it.”
“Oh….” She drops her hand to her lap and rubs it on her skirt’s fabric while a flash of hurt skates through her eyes.
Way to go, jackass. Now, you’ve hurt her feelings. Again.
“Listen, Layla. I’m not trying to be a dick. Even though I know I’m across like one. A woman violated my trust and used me, so I’m taking a breather from relationships and trying out new scenery. It’s nothing more than that.”
“Okay. That’s understandable.”
She has no idea what a bitch my ex was, but I’m not in the mood to toss my dirty laundry up in the middle of the bar top and stare at it with everyone. “Anyway, my cousin had a place, so I’m here for the fall while he travels around Europe.”
She worries her bottom lip and twists in her seat to face me. “Where will you go when he comes back?”
I lift the beer. “I don’t know. I haven’t thought that far ahead. Meadow Bay’s nice, but it’s not the place for me.”
“It’s a family-friendly place.” She wrinkles her brow as if she’s trying to figure me out. Hell, if I’m not careful, she will. It’s not like I expected to tell her all my secrets when I walked into the bar.
I guzzle the rest of my drink and set the empty mug down with a clank.
“You didn’t mention your parents. Are you close to them?”
The muscles in my neck and back tighten. “I’m close to my dad. My mother’s dead.”
Her eyes widen. “What? I’m –”
“She’s dead to me. She walked out on us when I was twelve and never came back. I’ve got no use for her.”
“Kameron, that sucks.” She places her hand on my arm again, and goosebumps pop out on my flesh. “How’s your dad?”
Damn her.A tiny piece of my armor cracks and falls away. But damn it. I don’t want it to.
She knows all the right words to say. She’s validating my feelings, expressing her empathy, and asking about my dad. She’s evil. “He’s good. Better off without her.”
Chapter Thirteen
Layla
By the time I’ve shared my favorite things about growing up in Meadow Bay, I feel like an over-the-top tour guide trying to sell a time-share. I need a shower and a spatula to scrape off the thickness of my sliminess.
What am I doing? Kameron made it clear he isn’t sticking around. This is stupid. But I can’t stop my mouth from moving. I love Meadow Bay, and Kameron’s like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle I want to tear apart and put back together.
“Are you sure you didn’t get a social work degree with a minor in sales?” Kameron smirks and lifts his drink to his lips.
My face heats, and I want to slink off the chair, sneak off to the bathroom and crawl out the window. “I’m sorry. I got carried away.” I scan to the left and right searching for Harbor. Where in the hell did she go? I’m screwing this up.
“It’s fine.” He rubs my shoulder. “You’re a sweet girl.”