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“I’m not upset. I’m fine.”
“You’re not fine. You got drunk and texted your ex, who saved you because that’s what Will always does. You fuck up. He comes running.”
“Will doesn’t always come running,” I argue back, hurt by her assumption. “And I didn’t fuck up. Nothing happened with him, nor anyone else that night. I love Austin and won’t cheat on him just because an ex is back in town. Give me some credit, will you?”
“Will is more than an ex. He’s the love of your life.”
“Correction, Ava, was,” I snap, curling my lip and baring my teeth. “And why are you Team Will all of a sudden? You were the one going on about how perfect Austin is. Now you’re trying to convince me I’m still in love with Will?”
“You know what? This is so you, Amelia. Always in denial. At least I live my life being honest with myself.”
“Oh yeah, easy when Daddy is helping you create your dream life.”
“You’re such a bitch!”
The phone call ends abruptly. I throw my phone across the bed, crossing my arms in annoyance. How dare she say all those things? I wasn’t some pity case in which Will needed to save me. He chose to hunt me down. I did not ask him to rescue me.
For the rest of the day, I turn my phone off, not wanting to deal with anyone. I cleaned the entire apartment, even the bathtub, which hasn’t been used since I moved in. When everything is sparkling clean, I go for a walk along the bay until I find myself at Liesel’s condo.
“Hey, girl! Come in.”
Liesel wraps her arms around me, a hug I so desperately need. She grabs my hand and leads me into the kitchen.
She smiles while pouring two cups of coffee. “Fresh brew.”
After she places them on the table, I welcome the steaming cup and wrap my hands around it. My lips move toward the steam on their own accord, a habit I’ve formed when drinking any hot beverage.
“How have you been?” I ask, eager to be distracted from my own thoughts.
“I love my new job. My boss is hot. I mean, he wears this suit, and it’s hard for me to concentrate,” she mentions, biting her lip. “Oh, and these glasses he wears. Did you know that glasses porn is even a thing?”
I nod my head with a knowing grin.
“So, I’ll probably have to quit.”
“Why? If you love your job, don’t let one man stop you from achieving a career.”
“I don’t think you understand how sexy. I can’t even talk around him, and you know me…I’m a born talker.”
“That is true, no denying that.”
“Then I end up saying dumb things. It’s a real bind to be in.”
“I mean, sure, plus the fact that you have an actual boyfriend.”
She scratches the base of her neck, then tugs on the gold chain and pendant. “Yeah, about that. It’s not working out.”
“You just moved in with him, Liesel. You’re still transitioning. You said you loved him?” I remind her.
“I also said I loved my boyfriend before that. What is love, anyway? I’ll probably need to find somewhere to live soon. Between moving, and a career change—this is not how I envisioned spending the summer.”
“Look, take your time and don’t make any rash decisions,” I tell her, knowing too well she is one to move quickly in life, never pondering nor waiting around for some miracle. “I have a spare room, and you know you’re always welcome.”
“I don’t think Austin will be pleased if I move in.” Liesel chuckles, her entire face brightening.
“Luckily, he rarely spends time at my place. His schedule is so full. He is back-and-forth between campus and the hospital.”
“So, how is the engagement going? Do you feel any different?”
