I didn't say anything at first, just followed Jamie for blocks, trying to figure out what the hell she was doing. I barely even noticed that she'd stopped in front of me until I ran right into her.
"Why don't you tell me how stupid you think I am so we can just get all of this over with…?" she asked, and I could almost hear the frustration in her voice.
"Why?" I asked back, instead of answering, and it was probably a million questions all rolled into one. Pretty sure I wasn't even expecting an answer, so I was pretty surprised when she turned to face me full-on, pushed her hair out of her face and just stared me down.
"How come none of you believe that Vince could really be interested in me?" she asked, her voice rising slightly with each word. "Do you really think I'm that hideous?"
"It's not like that," I said, crossing my arms over my chest as I tried to explain. "It's not you, it's him! He's just…."
"Wasn't Dom the exact same way, before he went to prison?" she asked, staring me down. All I could do was shrug, because shit, she wasn't wrong….
"How many times am I gonna have to prove myself to you guys?" she continued, shaking her head as she looked away. "I mean, I know I didn't grow up here, I'm the outsider, but shit! You act like I'm a little kid!"
"It's not like that!" I said again, even though I knew how lame it sounded. "It's just…. Vince? Really?"
"Shit, yes, really!" she practically shouted at me before turning and walking down the street again. All I could do was stare for a few minutes before jogging after her.
"Hey, Jamie!" I called out, hoping she'd stop but not really convinced it would happen. Somehow, though, the girl always did manage to surprise me…. "Lemme explain…" I said when she stopped in front of me again, and maybe for the first time in my life, I actually stood there and thought about what I was going to say before it came out of my mouth.
"I guess it's just…. V's different…" I started, trying to explain. "I mean, yeah, he's a good guy and all, but ever since Jenny he hasn't been the same…. I just don't want him to be an ass to you, and then have it be all awkward and shit…."
"Oh, but it's perfectly fine for it to be all awkward and shit because of you being an ass?" she scoffed, shaking her head. "That really makes a lot of sense, Letty…."
"Hope you aren't expecting him to call tomorrow, that's all I'm saying…" I bit out, getting frustrated, starting to lose my temper.
"Oh yeah?" Jamie asked, actually laughing at me, which only got me going more. "Well, just so you know, last night wasn't the first one I've spent in that basement, so there goes that theory…."
"Christ, why'd I even bother…?" I asked, more to myself than to her, clenching my fists.
"How many times am I gonna have to prove myself to you?" she asked, just about shouting. "You don't have to protect me, alright?"
"If you're so fucking happy with V, how come you're sneaking outta the basement?" I asked, feeling myself getting closer and closer to losing it.
"Because every time I talk about what I want you all call me a slut!" she retorted, taking off down the street again. This time, I just stood there and watched her go. And for some reason, I couldn't help wondering if maybe she was right, if it was me being the ass.