“Don’t be that way.” He caught up to me and started walking beside me. “I’m just messing with you. Although, I didn’t believe it at first. You’re not really one to break the rules.”
“Don’t you have some girl with low self esteem to take advantage of?”
He laughed. “You’re kind of putting yourself down with that comment.”
“I’m not the girl you thought you knew.” I felt different around Austin than I used to. He used to be able to talk me into doing anything with him. But now there were no butterflies. I finally saw him for what he was. Being with James had changed me for the better. He had made me more confident. I started walking faster. I just wanted Austin to leave me alone. This week had been bad enough. I didn’t need to hear whatever he had to say.
“I know. The girl I dated never would thrown water in my face at a bar. A guy has to respect that kind of move.”
“We never dated, Austin.”
“Actually, we did. I just wasn’t quite as committed to it as you were.”
“Yeah, you don’t have to tell me. I already knew that.” Why are you even talking to me right now? Go away.
“The girl I dated also wouldn’t have fucked her professor.”
I stopped and turned to him. “What is your problem? Why do you always find the need to put me down? Does it make you feel good about yourself or something? You don’t get to judge me anymore. We’re not together.”
“My opinion clearly still bothers you, though.”
I glared at him. “Yes, it bothers me. Because I don’t understand how someone could possibly be as immature and hateful as you. It bothers me that someone like you even exists.” I started walking away.
“That’s not why it bothers you. It bothers you because you still want me. You like what you can’t have.”
I laughed. “No, I love what I have.” And I did. I loved James with every ounce of my being. Maybe it was good that I had run into Austin. It just reminded me that there was a lot I wanted to leave behind at the University of New Castle.
“Really? Because I’m pretty sure you loved me. Every time we hung out you spread your legs. You were never able to resist me.”
“You’re such an asshole.”
“Come, on, babe. I’m having a party at my place tonight. You should come. Maybe we can pick up where we left off.” He put his hand on my shoulder.
“Don’t call me that.” I pushed his hand away.
“You used to like when I called you babe.”
“Yeah, that was before I met James. Why are you even talking to me? I’m pretty sure last time we talked, I made it very clear that I wanted nothing to do with you. So no, I’m not coming to your stupid party. Please just leave me alone.”
“You should be thanking me, you know.”
“Why on earth would I ever thank you?”
“For taking your v-card. For showing you how to fuck. Without me, you never would have landed your professor. Men don’t like sweet, innocent girls. And you were as sweet and innocent as they come.”
I stopped again. “You know what? You’re right. I do need to thank you.”
A smiled spread over his face.
“For being a stepping stone toward happiness.” I poked him in the middle of his chest. “Because of you, I ran into James in that coffee shop the morning before classes started.” I poked him again. “Because of you, I realized I was sick of dating immature assholes.” I poked him once more. “And because of you, I was able to fall head over heels for a guy who’s actually nice to me.”
He stared at me. “Nice to you? He just likes to sleep with students. The guy is a total creep.”
“He only slept with me. It makes sense that you’re one of the many idiots that believes any rumor you hear. He loves me. And I love him. Something which you’ll never experience because you’re the creep.”
He laughed. “I’ve missed this. We’ve always had such playful banter. If I remember correctly, our fights always transitioned into super hot makeup sex.”
“You’re disgusting. I don’t know what I ever saw in you. And you know what? You’re awful in bed. And your penis is tiny.” God that felt good to say.
He frowned for a second but then laughed. “That’s not what the other girls that I was fucking while we were together said.”
I started walking away again.
“Hey, the party is the other way. Where are you going?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” This time he didn’t follow me. I couldn’t wait to move to New York.
***
“Are you okay?” Melissa said as soon as I came into the room.
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
“Penny, you don’t look fine. You actually look really upset. What did James do this time?”
“What? Nothing. James has been fantastic. I ran into Austin on the way here.” I kicked off my shoes and jumped onto my bed.
“Oh. Awkward.”
“Yeah. I kind of just stopped thinking about him after that night at the bar. It was almost like he didn’t exist. I liked it better that way.”
Melissa laughed. “So what did he do tonight?”
“He was joking around about me sleeping with my professor. I don’t know. He was being Austin. He was trying to get me to sleep with him again.”
“That does sound like Austin. His name is basically synonymous with asshole.”
“Yeah.” I sighed. “It was kind of fun telling him off. I told him he had a tiny penis.” I smiled to myself.
“Go you. Attacking the only thing he has to offer.”
“Well it’s the truth.”
Melissa laughed. “So, you’re okay?”
“Yeah. I’m good. It’s just been a really bad week.” I propped one of my pillows against the wall and leaned back on it. “I’m just so sick of all the rumors spreading around.” I didn’t want to talk to her about that right now. I wanted to help her get ready for the formal. “That dress looks amazing on you, Melissa.”
“Are you sure it’s not too revealing?” she asked and looked at her reflection in the mirror. She turned to the side to examine the deep V in the back.
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard you ask that question before.”
Melissa sighed. “I know. Why am I so nervous about tonight? It’s silly. I’m kind of used to going to these things with you though.”
“You’ll be fine. You went to that luau thing by yourself and had a blast.”
Melissa sat down on the edge of my bed. “I know. But it’s not as fun without you there. Oh, I forgot to ask! What is James’ brother like?”
“He’s… a handful.”