Page 128 of Billion Dollar Mistake

I call him. It goes straight to the voicemail.

My phone buzzes with a text message.

Jeremy: I’m stuck in a meeting. I’ll call you when I’m done.

Nova: Will you be coming for dinner?

Jeremy: Sorry, something came up at work. Can we reschedule?

My heart drops. I understand he has to work, but meeting my closest friends was important to me. I can’t help but be angry. I was disappointed in him coming late to my parents but now cancelling with my roommates has snapped something in me.

Our lifestyles are just too different. I should go back to only focusing on work and my dad.

Nova: No.

My phone rings in my hand. Jeremy's name flashes on the screen. I inhale a deep breath and answer, “Yes.”

“I’m really sorry. I’m down a few workers.”

I glance down at my bare feet. Usually, I’d just accept it, but I can’t this time. He broke something in me.

“Meeting my parents was important to me but you were late that night. And tonight, you cancel.”

“I’m really sorry I messed up again.”

“You’re not prioritizing our relationship. I need someone to be there when it matters.”

“I am. I’m coming over now,” he says in panic.

I sigh, not wanting to argue right now. “Don’t. I think it’s best for both of us to take a step back.”

I pinch my lips tight to stop them from trembling, but it doesn’t stop the tears that fill my eyes. I want him to myself. His last relationship ended due to his workaholic tendencies. I had a hard time grasping how bad it must have gotten. I thought I wasn’t as high maintenance. I thought I didn’t need all his time, but I guess I was wrong.

I hang up, and before I can take back the words, I turn my phone off and swat my tears away and walk back to rejoin the girls.

“Let's eat,” I announce. Even though I’m not at all hungry now. My heart is in my throat from asking him for space.

“What about Jeremy?” Summer asks.

“He’s stuck at work.”

“Oh damn. So I won’t get to meet him?” Summer asks.

“Unfortunately, not. I asked for some space.”

“You what?” Summer gasps.

“He’s always working. Last night he was late meeting my parents and now not showing up toni—” My voice cracks.

“Here.” Chelsea hands me a glass of wine.

“Thanks.” I sniff, taking the glass.

Summer puts her hand over my shoulder, guiding me to the sofa. A mix of emotions pulses through me, each one a sharp stab of pain. I’m torn between the memories Jeremy and I shared, and the painful need to let go. The weight of it all suffocates me, as I struggle to make sense of the shattered pieces of my heart.

Chapter 31

Nova

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