“Yeah.” He drags his hand over his face. “I’m sorry if I lost it there. I just…I don’t like it when I see people get picked on, and I felt like that was what was happening. Those dicks ganged up on you, and I don’t fucking appreciate it.”

Well, this is new.

Not sure I’ve ever had anyone stand up for me like this before. I’m not sure I know how to handle myself.

“It’s fine⁠—”

“It’s not fine,” Wilder says as he turns toward me. “You should never settle for that type of behavior from anyone.”

“I mean, they were just upset about the sex cabin. At least that’s all they were upset about.”

Wilder’s eyes widen. “Are you really sticking up for their behavior right now? Please tell me that’s not the case, Scottie.”

I pause before answering, because am I? Am I sticking up for their behavior?

“Is that what you used to do for your ex?” he asks.

Uh, pardon me? Why did he go there?

“No,” I say, feeling offended.

“Are you sure?” he asks, pressing.

“Yes,” I say. “And it’s rude that you’re even asking.”

“I’m sorry,” he says, “But, Scottie, this is the kind of behavior that should not be tolerated, and you’re letting it slide.”

“I’m not letting it slide.” I sit up now. “If anything, your behavior was out of line.”

“What?” he asks, eyes widening. “You’re kidding me, right?”

“No, I’m not.”

“You’re saying that I was out of line because I was standing up for you back there? Tell me how that makes sense.”

“You made a bigger deal out of everything than you should have.”

“Me?” he asks, pointing to his chest again. “You’re saying I’m the one who made a big deal out of that conversation? Scottie, they were bitching about a fucking sex cabin. They were calling us out on being fake⁠—”

“We are being fake!” I shout. “Everything about this is fake, Wilder. We could have just shrugged it off, but you didn’t. You kept pushing.”

“I was pushing to protect you.”

“No, you were protecting something else…maybe your pride.”

“You think this has to do with pride?” He shakes his head. “There is one thing I can guarantee you, babe. My pride will never be a thing you need to worry about getting in the way. Never. I’m not a prideful man. I don’t walk around, puffing my chest, needing to be the top dog.”

“Well, you did tonight.”

“You’re wrong,” he says matter-of-factly.

“Excuse me?”

“I said, you’re wrong. I’m not that man.”

“Well, you sure acted like it tonight.”

“I don’t understand why you’re mad at me. I stuck up for you⁠—”