I’m not sure if I’m going to gag or laugh because his story is so ridiculous. If there is one thing I’ve learned in the past few months with Malcolm, it’s that I was always way out of Ronald’s league. Honestly, I wouldn’t wish my ex on anyone because he’s a lazy misogynist who doesn’t care about any of the women he’s ever been with. There’s no way a Playboy bunny would give him the time of day, so clearly, Ronald’s also become a compulsive liar.
But then Ronald steps closer to me, eliminating the space I’d intentionally put between us. “She’s a real wildcat in the bedroom, but you wouldn’t know anything about that, would you, Leslie? With you, it was always in the dark, missionary, with the cover pulled over our heads.”
My blood boils and I clench my fist. I’ve never been a fighter, but the urge to hit him surges through my veins. Instead, I narrow my eyes at him and blurt the first thing that comes to mind.
“For your information I’m dating someone too, so I don’t give a shit what you’re doing with your Playboy bunny. Not only that, but my new guy is amazing, which is more than I can say for your scrawny ass.”
Ronald’s smirk falters and his nostrils flair. “Oh yeah? Who is it?”
“None of your business.”
He laughs, his smirk returning. “I knew it. You know, it’s sad that you feel like you need to make up a boyfriend to make me jealous. If it means that much to you, we can still hook up this weekend. Amber understands that not all women are as lucky as her, and she’s willing to share.” He moves uncomfortably close, his stinking halitosis hitting me full in the face. “Trust me, she won’t mind.”
“Eew! Get away from me!” I screech, darting away. But Ronald seizes my arm and jerks me in so that I end up plastered against him, looking right at the gooey patch of acne on his chin.
“You want it,” he breathes hotly, his eyes aflame with lust. “I know you do.”
That does it. I jerk myself away furiously and whirl on him.
“For your information, I’m seeing Malcolm Neuwirth,” I spit as Ronald’s eyebrows draw together in confusion. “You know, our CEO? Yeah, the rich, gorgeous billionaire who runs this place. That’s the man I’ve been dating.” Now I’m the one smirking. “And you know what? He approached me after seeing those nude photos you shared, so I guess I should thank you for making the introduction, so to say.”
Ronald stops and stares, his mouth agape. Then his jaw slams shut and there’s a fury in his eyes I’ve never seen before. I know I shouldn’t have told him about Malcolm, but I just couldn’t stand here and listen to his shit for one more second. I let Ronald treat me like I was less than his equal when we were together, turning a blind eye to what an asshat he really was because I’d convinced myself he was as good as I would ever get. I told myself that a chubby girl like me could never land a handsome man who treats me like I’m his everything, but Malcolm has spent the last three months proving that theory very wrong. Now, there’s no way I’m going to stand here and allow Ronald to push me back down into that hole of self-loathing again. I realize my true worth, and it was a long time coming
“Well, aren’t you just the little slut?” Ronald hisses. “Guess I wasn’t high enough up the food chain for you, huh? You needed a bigger fish in order to screw your way to the top. I always knew you’d never go anywhere in this industry with your lack of talent and poor work ethic. Guess you finally figured that out too, Leslie, so instead you’re going to fuck your way to success instead.”
The old me would have lost it. The old Leslie would have cried and yelled at him to take back his ugly accusations before retreating into a hole to sob myself to sleep. But now, I just smile and shake my head at poor, pathetic Ronald. I never needed him nor his approval, and I damn sure don’t need it now.
“What are you smiling about?” Ronald screeches, spittle flying from his lips. But I just laugh.
“I’m just trying to figure out what I ever saw in you, little man. It’s funny that you still think your opinion matters. No one cares about you Ronald.”
My ex goes purple with rage, his face mottled and ugly.
“You can’t talk to me like that!” he stammers, but I’m already walking away. This time, I don’t look back because I used to be insecure and foolish, but not anymore. Ronald is a dark mark from my past, and unless I have to talk to him about work, I have nothing more to say to the idiotic fool. Not now or ever again.