Page 38 of Breaking the Ice

“Caleb?” Emma asks sleepily.

“Hmm?”

“Do you already know what you want to do about Jessica?”

“Yes, I called her and asked her to come here tomorrow afternoon.” Immediately, she tenses up. She doesn't like the idea of my ex coming to my place, and I understand that. But there's no way I'm going to her, dealing with her mother. She never had a kind word for me, even before we broke up. She'd interfere, and her snake tongue is the last thing I need. I absolutely need to meet Jess somewhere where she can speak openly. “It's the only way,” I explain. “I have to reason with her, and I can only do that in a one-on-one conversation.”

“And what if she won't listen? Then you'll choose her over me.”

“No. Never.”

“You'll have to, because otherwise she'll ruin your career. And that can't happen.”

“I'll find a way, I promise.” Emma lifts her head and looks at me sadly. Her gaze shifts between my eyes. “I don't want to lose you, Caleb.” Her words cut through my chest, deeper than any ‘I love you’ I've ever heard.

“You won't. I won't allow it,” I reply, lifting her chin with my index finger and kissing her.

It will be one of the shortest nights of my life. I lie awake for ages, looking at Emma and contemplating what exactly I should say to Jess.

The mood the next morning is melancholic. Emma and I hardly talk, but we hold and kiss each other all the more passionately. When I drop her off at the ice rink, I have this disgusting feeling like I might have to say goodbye to her forever. It's hard for me to let her go, I pull her back to me by the motorcycle over and over, kissing her. Eventually, she has to go because Toby is waiting for his massage. I watch her until she disappears into the building. Then I start my engine and ride off. I have a few things to take care of before Jess arrives.

One minute before four, the doorbell rings at my apartment. My stomach is a fiery lump as I open the door for my ex-girlfriend and invite her in. This has to work out! Jessica is dressed up, wearing her little black dress, and the air is tainted with an overpowering perfume.

“Can I offer you something to drink?” I ask, leading her to the poker table where I offer her a chair.

“Has this table always been here in the middle of the room?” she asks, surprised, and takes a seat.

“Yes,” I lie, redirecting her attention back to my original question. “Water, coffee? What would you like?”

Jess runs her tongue over her lips and grins. Me. Why do I bother asking? I drop the drink question, take a chair, and sit diagonally across from her at the table.

“So, Caleb, you said you wanted to talk?” I hate the smug smile she wears when she says these words. “I assume you've reconsidered my demand. Spit it out, how have you decided?”

“You mean, you want to know who you get to torment. Me, by hurting yourself and claiming I did it, or Emma, by doing... what? Asking your daddy to fire her? That alone won't be enough. Because you know what, Emma not only excels at her job, but she's also the team's favorite.”

I cross my legs and fold my fingertips together. “You have nothing against her.”

“Caleb...” Jess smirks. “... Do you really think I'm that naive? Of course, I have something against your slit-eyed girl.” Don't call her that, you piece of garbage! screams the voice in my head. Still, I force myself to stay calm and not let my anger show.

“And what would that be?”

“You'll find out soon enough. Now, tell me your decision.”

“You know, I just can't wrap my head around why you're doing this. I mean, all doors are open to you in life. Why waste your time with Emma and me?”

“Because you betrayed me, and that bitch took you away from me. She's taken possession of what's rightfully mine.”

“And that's reason enough for you to destroy our lives?”

“Absolutely. You should've thought about whether you wanted to cross me before.”

It's clear, she won't be reasoned with, I realize. Tense, I run my hand flatly over my mouth. One last attempt.

“Alright, how much do you want?”

“Money?” She raises an amused eyebrow. “Caleb, my family is swimming in money. Do you seriously think I need your dough? Don't make a fool of yourself.”

I grit my teeth. “Alright, then tell me what you want. Tell me what I can do to make you leave us alone,” I press, put my legs together, and lean forward on my elbows.

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