Page 178 of Challenge Me

“No change.”

“Mm.” He swiped it, then walked over to the register. He stuffed it inside, pausing for only a second to read what was written on it.

“Did you enjoy the game?” I asked Tommy.

“Sure did. I’ll have to take my boys one of these days.”

“I’ll get you tickets.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“It’s nothing, really. If I’d known you were interested, I would’ve offered sooner.”

He dipped his head. “Thank you.”

I returned my attention to Remi, who was fussing with bottles that didn’t need it. “People are starting to ask about you.”

“They’ll forget about me soon enough,” he said without turning.

“I don’t know. They’re pretty invested in our relationship.”

Finally, he whirled around. The shock on his face was better than his mock-nonchalance. “They should get un-invested, considering we’re not in a relationship.” When I didn’t respond, his lips turned down. “You haven’t announced it yet? It’s been almost two weeks.”

“You don’t pay attention to what’s going on?”

“You know I don’t use social media if I can help it.”

I hummed. “Looks like what I make public is up to me, huh?”

“God damnit, Amir. I told you I want out. Can’t you respect that?”

Without giving me a chance to respond, he made his rounds to check in with the tables.

“You’re not good at this,” Tommy said without looking away from his book.

“That much is obvious. They say to never give up on what you want, though.”

“Sure, if you’re into harassment.”

“I can see why he complained about you all the time.”

“He complains, but he likes me because I’m real. That’s what Remi values most: authenticity.”

“I’m authentic.”

“But you asked him not to be. You still are.”

I frowned down at my whiskey. “I’m not still asking for that.”

“Of course you are. What else is there when you started your relationship the way you did?”

“He told you?”

“He talks a lot when he’s working.”

With a sigh, I drained my drink, then stood. There was no reason to hang around, and it wasn’t my purpose for coming.

“Until next time, I guess.” After dropping an envelope on the counter, I walked out of the bar.