Lita’s deadpanned replied drew a snort of amusement out of Demi, a shocking sound really when one looked at the situation as a whole. If it had been any other woman, there wasn’t even a glimmer of doubt in Demi’s mind that she would snarled something cruel back in reply, something meant to cut deep. But it’s not just some random woman Rodeo’s chosen to take up with, it’s Lita. Of the people she’s met since being released from La Quinta, Lita was one of the few she considered a true friend - a bright spot in an otherwise challenging existence in a place she - along with everyone else - knew she just didn’t belong in. “And god knows he doesn’t come with an instruction manual.” The words come out a little more hollow than she intended, but she was trying and that said a whole goddamn lot about just how much she valued her friendship with Lita.
Despite all the tension and awkwardness building up within the small space, Demi was relieved she could put Lita’s mind at ease that at least they weren’t tied up with Rodeo at the same time. That was a hurdle she was almost certain neither would be able to get over to maintain their friendship - and Demi wanted to keep this friendship. The realization of their obvious shared taste in men had no doubt left them both reeling, struggling with a mix of emotions that had to be eerily similar. Yet, it was comfort -- at least to Demi - that she could face this news and instead of seeking to cut Lita down and allowing her jealousy to rule her decision making, she was more concerned with keeping this friendship.
“Might not be as surprising as you think,” Demi began, the faint signs of a smile turning up her mouth. “Women who’re shit at relationships might just be his type.” Hadn’t Demi ran to Lita for advice when everything started with Isaac? And for the express reason that she didn’t have a fucking clue when it came to navigating a healthy relationship.
From her spot on the bathroom counter, Demi held Lita in a steady gaze as the other woman easily brushed off any concern of competition from the idiots or bimbos Rodeo might have chosen to keep his bed warm for a night. “Considering I know the women out there, no, not a single one of them could hold a candle to whatever it is you had with him,” her expression shifted then, a genuine smile appearing for the first time. “I’m glad it’s you and not one of them…” Demi trailed off then, trying to find the right words to express herself. “You’re, well, a fucking badass bitch. You’re strong. Independent. You don’t take shit from anyone, not even him. I hate knowing we share this connection now, but if I have to share it with someone I am glad it’s you.” There’s another pause as Demi jumped down from her spot on the counter and moved in close to Lita. “And I wish I didn’t have to share you, too.”
While her recent track record might beg to differ, Demi was in fact not a woman who managed friendships with other women well. So when she found them, she liked to hold onto them with a death grip. So while Lita might have felt silly saying what she had, the words resonated with Demi in a way that made complete sense. She didn’t like that their friendship was marred with this now, but she was determined not to let it derail what they had.
“Only if I’m dead,” she answered, the smallest hint of amusement in her tone. She could see the joke for what it was, an attempt to cut through the tension between them. “Because that’s the only way I’m tossing him aside.” Demi added before her expression went somber again. “We aren’t going to let this drive a wedge between us, right?” As much as she hated being vulnerable like this, showing her concern. She needed Lita to confirm that their friendship wasn’t over because of this new revelation.