Page 15 of Reeling in Love

I take a bite of the doughnut and sip the hot chocolate. “Y’know what. It tastes better when it’s free,” I say, pulling back my hand as Gabs tries to snatch the doughnut from me. “This is for me, Mr. Adult. You get yourself another one.”

I take pity on him after some time and give him a bite. It’s too big for me to eat alone in any case.

“How did Paula take the breakup? From what I heard while I was leaving, she wasn’t too thrilled about it.”

“Yeah, she was upset, but it’s understandable, right? I mean, the way she heard it, anyone would be.”

“Ooh, someone’s defending the girl he dumped. So, did you give her some random reason or the truth?”

“Are you crazy? As if I’d tell her the truth! I told her something, but she was too busy getting angry to pay heed to anything I said. She even broke the lamp.”

“Aw. The lamp was nice. Well, good for you, she didn’t break your head with it.”

We’re quiet for some time and then, being a good friend, I ask him the inevitable question.

“What do you think you should’ve done differently in this relationship?”

“Never met her or asked her out?”

“C’mon now. I’m serious. Analyzing failed relationships can help us be better in the future.”

“Yeah, like you.”

“Just shut up and answer. Why do you think you can never be in a relationship long enough?”

“Well, Paula had a theory,” he says, looking straight at me.

“Paula? Really! I’d love to know.”

He stares for a few moments, then shakes his head. “Never mind.”

“Do tell. Is it because you’re scared? Or you’re pathetic in bed? Or do you have a tiny instrument?”

“Hey. Hey! I’m not scared of anything. And I’m great in bed. And my instrument, as you put it, is magnificent.”

“He says, she says!”

He snatches the remaining doughnut and stuffs it inside his mouth.

“How dare you!” I shriek, feigning anger, though honestly I’m full and can’t eat anymore.

“That should serve you right,” he says when he’s chewed enough to speak. “Enough about me. I like to be alone, that’s the reason I’m alone. What about you? What have you analyzed for yourself? Always breaking up as soon as the other one gets serious. What’s that all about? Are you in love with anyone else in secret?”

“Hah! You know everyone I know. What secret love interest could be there in my life? The only constant man in my life is you, and you obviously aren’t my love interest. I think I don’t believe in love and happily ever afters. It’s all fake.”

“What about Eva and Ryan or Lily and Alex? That’s not fake!”

“True. But that’s rare. Look at my parents. That’s a story of anti-romance if there ever was one. Maybe they were an exception. But what about yours. We always thought they were happy, but are they? No Gabs, I’m better off alone. I think I should’ve broken up with Rick sooner, though. I deprived myself of good sex all this while.”

“Why? He wasn’t good?”

“He was okay. Or maybe it’s me. I don’t know. Maybe I’m not sexy enough.”

“You’re super sexy, Nora. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. It must’ve been Rick’s fault.”

I shrug.

“Well, let me help you with the sex situation and ensure you enjoy some good times.”

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