Page 186 of Glitched Play

"What about Dara?"

"She found me an apartment."

Silence.

“She said, ‘I almost asked him,’" I continue, my voice shaking. "’But Witt is so precise. I assumed maybe it was too soon for the two of you to live together.’"

I laugh bitterly.

"I said, 'Fine. I'll take whichever one you think is best.'" I reach for a tissue. "I even asked if I could move in tonight."

He stares at me, motionless.

"I looked into your office. It was empty. I thought you timed it perfectly so you wouldn’t have to see me." I shake my head. "You couldn't even have the conversation yourself."

He’s shaking his head, as he reaches for me and I shirk away.

"Just three weeks ago we were..." The memory catches in my throat. "I wasn't even worth a conversation?"

For the first time since I've known him, Witt O'Ryan looks completely lost.

Then he says one quiet word.

"Dara."

Not in anger.

In realization.

Like his mind has finally found the missing piece of a puzzle neither of us knew we were solving.

thirty-seven

. . .

Witt

Encrypted Voicemail Glitch

Has anyone ever told you it wasn't your fault...

but you still couldn't believe them?

You know they're trying to help, but all you can see is the pain everyone else is carrying.

"Maci."

She won't look at me. The tote slips from her fingers, landing against the side of the bed with a dull thud.

She wraps her arms around her waist like she's trying to hold together pieces I never intended to break.

I cross the room in three strides.

She takes one step backward.

That hurts more than I expect.

"Don't." Her voice is barely above a whisper. "Witt... don't."