Page 11 of The KING Review

Me:

You don’t even grab them on the way home if, for example, you’ve got a hunch?

Don’t:

nope. I don’t want to be disappointed and turn them into a consolation prize

funny you’re bringing this up

I’m eating them right now, actually

My brow quirks. She’s baiting me, I know it, but I still can’t help asking.

Me:

What little victory are you celebrating?

I wipe my hands on my thighs, placing my phone on the coffee table for a moment as I tell myself it’s because it’s her first day at Talan, because of her orientation, or literally anything other than what I think it is.

What I hope it is.

My phone buzzes loudly on the coffee table, the vibrations reverberating through the dark, oiled walnut surface. I pick it up with trepidation.

Don’t:

you messaged me back

My chest constricts almost painfully. I swallow hard to quell the ache, but my hands shake as I type my response.

Me:

You said you don’t keep them stocked.

And you’re already home, right?

Another double message. This impossible woman is making me stupid.

Don’t:

I am

Me:

You said you don’t get them unless you’ve already had the small victory, because you want to make sure. No consolation prizes, right?

Don’t:

right

Me:

So, why did you have them? If you messaged me when you were already home?

It’s a stupid thing to ask. I know, at this point, that she’s fucking with me, and I’m letting her. I’m playing right into her hands, but I can’t help it. She’s got me exactly where she wants me.

Don’t:

guess you could say I had a hunch