Page 51 of Ruin

He looks angry.

And, for a second, a feeling of guilt dips in my stomach. Like I’ve done something wrong.

But I haven’t done anything wrong.

I just had a sensible conversation with a guy who, yes, I’ve slept with, but he’s also my friend. And I need a friend right now.

Zeus was the one who screwed someone else and then screwed me over.

He was the one who was just getting his flirt on with our waitress.

So, screw him.

And, with that thought in mind, I tip my chin up and walk back over to our table.

When I sat back down at our table, the atmosphere was a little strained between me and Zeus. But then the food arrived, and things got a little easier.

I hope, going forward, things will be easier and not be as strained because we’re going to have to be around each other, for Gigi’s sake.

Zeus pulls the car up outside our house.

We get out. He helps Gigi from the car and then walks us up to our house.

I unlock the door and open it. “Thanks for today,” I say to Zeus. “We had a nice time, didn’t we, Gigi?”

“Yep. And fank you for Princess Twilight Sparkle.” She hugs the toy to her chest.

“You are more than welcome.” He smiles at her.

“Gigi, you go on inside. I’ll be there in a minute. I just need to talk to Zeus.”

“Can I watch TV?”

“Yes.”

“Bye, Zweus.” She waves at him.

He waves back. “Bye, Gigi.” His voice sounds wistful.

I pull the door to a close once Gigi’s inside. I hear the thud of her boots being abandoned in the hallway.

When I hear the TV come on in the living room, I start to speak, “I think today went well with you and Gigi.” Me and you, not so much. “Gigi seems to really like you.”

“I really like her.” A smile touches his lips. “Not to be pushy, but when can I see her again?”

“She’s at pre-K during the day tomorrow. But you can come for dinner tomorrow evening, if that works for you?”

“Yeah. That’d be great. What time should I come?”

“Four, if that isn’t too early. Then, you can spend some time with her before dinner, which is at five thirty. She’s usually bathed and in bed by six thirty, seven at the latest. If she doesn’t get a full night’s sleep, she’s cranky. Gigi is not a morning person.”

“Like you,” he says.

His words poke at the sensitive part of me that remembers why he knows. All the mornings I woke up, wrapped in his arms.

And all the mornings since that I’ve woken up, alone and without him.

“So, four’s okay?” I say.