Splitting Our Odds Into Evens

Remember Me

"You're a great dancer, Kol," Kallidika whispered.

Kol gently took Kallidika by the hand and spun her around, pulling her towards him. As he held her close, she couldn't help but burst into laughter, feeling the warmth of his embrace. "So, I've been told," he grinned. "I can say the same for you."

"I've had years worth of experience," she said. "Say Bonnie and I are in a dance contest. Who are you betting your money on?"

Kol knew Bonnie wasn't as good as a dancer as Kallidika, but when it came down to it, he'd bet his money on Bonnie any day. But, of course, he had to lie. "You."

Kallidika hummed at that. "That's no surprise. I'm just better than Bonnie. Better dancer. Better date. Better looking..."

She thought she could sneak in those little insults, but Kol heard them clearly. Better dancer? Maybe. Better date? He wouldn't say so. Now, better looking? Both of his hands were on deck for Bonnie! "You're both amazing people," he said. "Bonnie's better, though," he coughed.

"Hm?"

"Nothing," he said. "There is no need for shade to be thrown."

"I mean, I love Bonnie. She's amazing and all, but I'm amazing-er."

Kol couldn't help but roll his eyes. He was annoyed by Kallidika's trash-talking of Bonnie, considering that Bonnie had always been kind to her. And her doing so made him disgusted to even have her in his arms.

The previously lively and upbeat melody had gradually shifted into a smoother and more laid-back tempo, permeating the atmosphere with an intimate and romantic vibe. The notes flowed effortlessly, creating a sense of tranquility and ease that circled the surroundings.

As Kol watched Bonnie rest her head on Joshua's chest, he wished it was him with her instead. A surge of anger he hadn't felt in a while weighed heavily on his chest. Bonnie wasn't just a crush; she was the love of his life.

Kallidika stopped dancing and turned around to look at where Kol's eyes were. "Are you dancing with her, or are you dancing with me?" Her eyes blazed in fury.

Kol let go of her. "Uh, I-"

Kallidika raised her hand high enough to shut him up. "Save it," she said.

Bonnie smiled, watching as Kallidika stormed away from a distance. But then it hit her. This isn't me. I'm not heartless. I care about Kallidika; she's my client. So why am I finding amusement in watching her be hurt? Her smile faded into a frown.

She felt Joshua's touch release off her body. Unbeknownst to her, Joshua had been observing her.

His lips twitched. "So this is what you've been doing all night, using me to make your ex jealous?"

"No, I wasn't using you-" Bonnie realized that she was becoming someone she didn't like, and she acknowledged that being dishonest with him wouldn't improve her self-image. "Yeah. I was using you to make Kol jealous."

Joshua tried to walk away, but Bonnie grabbed his wrist, despite his impatience and foot-tapping. "Joshua, wait, let me explain."

"Bonnie, there's nothing that needs explaining. I'm disappointed that you would do this to me," Joshua said.

Bonnie's face returned to its frowning expression. "I'm sorry."

Joshua was too confused to hear her apology. He started talking to himself out loud. "I'm not sure how I missed it, but you've been flirting and getting touchy all night. It's not like you to act that way," he said.