Page 53 of The Breakup Artists

Mother effer. “Who are you, the memory police?”

He doesn’t laugh. “Something I should know?”

But I can’t tell him because what would I even say? That I’m having doubts about the school we’ve worked tirelessly to get in to for years and then celebrated for a month when we did, because it suddenly feels too far away? The school I chose and championed?

“Tiny?”

“Nope. Nothing to know. I’ve just been stressing a little more than I should over getting ready to move.”

For a moment he looks like he wants to argue, but then he decides against it and looks down at his phone, where he has a text waiting from Ella.

Ella

I owe you. That was super helpful

August

No owing necessary.

Ella

No really. I’ve been spinning my wheels over here. #bourbonbitesback

“Or maybe get rid of your boyfriend who pressures you to drink when you’re not in the mood?” I comment, happy to change the topic.

Ella

Swinging by my fav crêpe place when I finish up here. Buy you one as thanks?

August’s head whips up and we share a look. I raise my fist in the air. She’s asking him to hang out alone—major step forward, and one we desperately need in order to keep this case moving.

August

You’re on.

As I watch August, my phone buzzes with a text from Bentley. I glance at it below the table and out of his line of sight.

Bentley

Whatcha thinkin?

Me

Beach later? Not sure what time, but I’ll keep you posted.

Bentley

Yeeeees!

When I look up, August is watching me. “Something interesting?”

For a split second, it annoys me. He shares his personal business with Ella; why shouldn’t I share something with Bentley that doesn’t involve him?

“Not really.”

“’Cause you’ve been low-key obsessed with your phone lately,” he says and sips his coffee. “You looked at it every five minutes while we were at the carnival.”

A nervous tingle forms in my chest, and I attempt to shrug it away. “I guess we both have our secrets.” The instant the words leave my mouth, I regret them. Bentley isn’t a secret. Des isn’t a secret. The Wall is supposed to come down, not be reinforced. But he only raises an eyebrow, not asking me to elaborate.