“Excuse me?” she asks, stumbling over her words.
“Did you picture it was you I was touching while you lay there, listening as I fucked her? Were you wet at the thought of what it would be like if I were to touch you?”
“Actually, I put in earbuds and turned on my music, so I didn’t have to listen to you.”
Her face flushes, forcing a thick swallow. She’s lying, but I give her an A for effort.
“Try again.”
“What?”
“If you think I’m actually going to believe that, you’ll need to try again.”
She doesn’t say anything. Judging by the look of desire in her eyes, it’s clear I’ve won this round.
“What about after the day when you watched me in the shower? Did you lie in your bed that night and rub your pussy, thinking about how I made myself cum watching you?”
“You’re disgusting.”
Moaning, I whisper, “Yes, I’m very dirty. Answer me.”
“Leave me alone, Brix. I’m not doing this with you.”
“Tell me I’m right, and I will.”
“I said I’m not doing this with you. Now, GO!”Pushing me back, she shoulders past me and stomps toward the entryway, snatching her purse from where it sits on the bench seat.
“What do I owe you?”
She reaches into her wallet and yanks out a handful of cash, clenching it into a fist.
“Owe me for what?”
“Don’t play stupid with me, Brix. I’m done playing these games. What do I owe you for the car? I want to pay you back and be done.”
Clenching my jaw, I shake my head, stalking toward the fridge. Jerking the door open, I reach for a bottle of water. Unscrewing the top, I force myself to take a drink before I even try to rationalize with her.
“Brix, I’m serious.” Her tone is growing angrier.
“I’m not takin’ your fuckin’ money. You thanked me for it. Why you bringin’ this shit up again?”
“If I have to live with you for the rest of the summer, I don’t want it to be with this hanging over my head.”
“Who’s hangin’ this shit over your head, Ivy?”
“It’s just, I mean, if I’m going to live here and we have to be around each other, I want to not feel guilty about it. I’m not looking for some handout. The shit you said about my mom. I don’t know who you think we are, but I’m not looking to take either your or your dad’s money.”
Is that what she thinks? That she’s here looking for some handout? It’s never even crossed my mind.
Yeah, she came home to stay with her mom for the summer. I also happen to know she’s been busting her ass back at school. Before I knew who Ivyana, the daughter of Charlene, was, I knew all about her accomplishments. My dad hasn’t always been proud of the path I’ve chosen, but he was proud of hers. He says a musician’s life is unpredictable, and I’m throwing away my life on something that may never work out.
It’s how I know this isn’t about the money for her. She could easily take a handout from her mom, live a comfortable life while she focuses on school next year.
Except she’s not. She’s putting in the work, and if anything, it makes me respect her even more.
“I’m not hangin’ nothin’ over your head. I don’t do shit I don’t wanna do, Ivy. You hear me? I did it because I wanted to help you. You already said thank you. Can we move the fuck on now?”
She stares at me for a moment, evidently not expecting the anger I threw back. I can’t be pissed at her for it, though. I haven’t exactly been kind to her over the years, of course, she’s gonna think the worst of me.