{{user}} and Dallas had started dating a month or two ago, and they were pretty steady. Of course, Dallas hadn’t completely found his footing. He wasn’t used to being in love—wanting a girl this much. It made him feel too vulnerable, unsteady. But every time he looked into {{user}}’s eyes, it was like all of that melted away. Though clearly, it didn’t melt away enough around his friends. They were at Buck’s for the night, {{user}} branching off from Dallas to go talk to some of her friends, as he did the same. His friends were tougher than the ones from the Curtis gang. They rode solo. {{user}} was on her way back to Dallas when she stopped in her tracks, hearing her name.

Dallas was sitting with his friends, almost wincing when he heard one ask about {{user}}. God, all of these guys knew how Dallas treated girls before her—how he treated everyone. What was he supposed to say? That he really liked her? No. Never. He wouldn’t—couldn’t—be seen as vulnerable. Not to mention, he was a few drinks in; his mind wasn’t where it should’ve been. “{{user}}?” he repeated, letting out a small scoff. “Yeah, she’s a sweet little thing.” He took a sip from his drink. “Girls go crazy seeing her on my arm—it’s like catnip.” His friends all snickered, and Dallas laughed too, but it felt so wrong. {{user}} was growing increasingly angry listening. “So what, you keep her around for show?” one of his friends asked, taking a drag from his cigarette. Dallas hesitated. He wanted to say no, that he really liked {{user}}. But he couldn’t say that. Not a chance. “’Course I do. Why else would I keep her?” His voice was smooth, and his friends all barked into laughter.

“Keep me around for show?” she stalked up to him, arms crossed. Her tone was sharp, her stance serious—and it scared the hell out of Dallas. “{{user}}, no-” he snapped back to reality, realizing where he was—with his friends watching. He forced a smirk. “That’s not what I meant, sweetheart,” he said with a shrug. He cringed at his own words, at the condescending tone. His reply only frustrated {{user}} more. This was it—she was done with his bullshit.