Page 30 of All's Fair in Love and Blackmail
“IsupposeI can support your schooling,” I say. “Far be it from me to tell you you shouldn’t angle for higher pay and a better position.”
“Thank you,” Stella says primly, and I laugh. My smile fades, though, when I glance at the clock.
“Hey, Stell, I have to go. I need to make another call and then get back to work.”
“That’s fine,” she says. “But let’s catch up soon, please.”
“We will,” I promise. I don’t even know where I would start, though, and I’m not ready to get into it. Stella is currently wearingveryrose-colored glasses when it comes to all things love and relationships. She’s riding that newlywed high, and I’m not sure she’d be able to look at my situation with Felix in a realistic light.
What situation?I remind myself firmly when I realize where my brain has gone.There is no situation. It’s just…an arrangement.
“I’ll talk to you later,” I tell Stella, and we hang up. Then I call Felix.
“Aw, Sunshine,” he says, and I can hear the smile in his voice. “You’re calling me all on your own. Admit it—you missed me.”
“I did not miss you,” I say as I throw away my plastic baggie and then return to my chair. I sigh. “As much as it pains me to admit I was wrong…I do need you after all.”
“Come again?” Felix says.
I have a sneaking suspicion he heard me just fine the first time, but I humor him anyway. “I need you,” I repeat loudly.
From the other end of the line I hear a loud, exaggerated gasp. “India,please,” he says, sounding scandalized. “It’s way too soon for that kind of talk. Save it for later.”
“Be quiet,” I say as my lips try to curl into a smile. “I need your SUV. Betsy is ready to come home. Can we swing by later when we visit the bookstore?”
“Hmm,” he says. “Maybe. What’s in it for me?” His words are playful now. “Are you going to take me for a romantic motorcycle ride?”
“I’ll pay you one compliment of your choice,” I say. “Deal?”
“No deal. I want something edible out of this arrangement. Bring some cupcakes.”
“Excuse me,” I say. “According to our original deal, you’re supposed to be the one providing snacks—which I have yet to see any of, by the way.” I pause. “Cyrus finished all the cupcakes anyway.”
Under his breath he calls Cyrus a name that does not bear repeating. “Fine,” he says then. “I will bring food. In return for using me for my car, you can answer one question of my choice, completely honestly, and I’ll call it even. I’ll pick you up at seven.”
Then, without giving me a chance to respond or protest, he hangs up. Three seconds later, my phone buzzes with a new message.
Felix
How does it feel to have someone hang up without warning?
Me
Lovely. A breath of fresh air.
Felix
Don’t lie to me. You’re heartbroken.
Me
You wish, Felicia. I’ll see you tonight. I reserve the right to tell you to pick a different question if I don’t like the one you ask.
Felix
Fine. Just promise me one thing…
Me
