Griffin:What do you mean?
Well, too late to backtrack that.
Ellie:My parents are on a cruise, and Abby is visiting her family in Arkansas
Ellie:So it’s just me.
I couldn’t sound more pathetic if I tried. Seriously, this pity party is more over the top than any birthday extravaganza I could have planned.
Griffin:What about your boyfriend? Beckham or whatever?
That makes me snort. How did I never notice what a snooty, country club name he has?
This isn’t really something I want to get into, so I try to reply as vaguely as possible.
Ellie:We broke up.
Ellie:No big deal, it just ran its course.
I have got to stop double texting.
Griffin:What the hell did he do?
Why would he automatically assume it was Bennett’s fault? (He’s not wrong though.)
Ellie:Who said it was his fault?
Griffin:No guy in his right mind would let you go. He must have fucked up. I’m kind of an expert in this area, darlin’.
This stops me in my tracks. Surely he doesn’t still think that highly of me. Most of our history is made up of me being mean, yelling, and holding grudges.
Griffin:Am I wrong?
Might as well tell the truth.
Ellie:No, you’re not. He was just…bad at communicating.
Not technically a lie, but not the whole truth either.
Griffin:Is he the reason you spent yourbirthday alone?
I might as well have stuck a fork in a socket with the way I physically jolt. How on earth does he know I spent my birthday alone?
Ellie:How do you know I spent my birthday alone?
Griffin:I saw your post on Instagram and figured.
Griffin:Again, am I wrong?
No, he’s not wrong.
Griffin:Wait, is that why you looked so sad in the parking lot?
Griffin:Did that fucker ruin your birthday?
I’m torn between feeling touched that he noticed and seemingly cares, and feeling humiliated that he, of all people, saw me at my worst moment.
Ellie:It’s a long story.
