Page 9 of Reeling in Love

“Don’t say that. Paula’s bubbly, enthusiastic, and has an as insatiable sex drive as you. So, it might just work out. Who knows? Maybe give it some more time.”

He lets out a sigh. “No. I can’t do it anymore. I’ll try to let her down easy, y’know with an ‘It’s not you, it’s me.’ That kinda thing.”

“That’s so lame. Everyone knows it’s false and insincere.”

“What about, ‘You deserve a better man than me?’”

“I say, why not the truth?”

“That I hate the animalness she so loves? That she’s not naturally so bubbly and enthusiastic, but all that energy is from Adderall? That lately, even the thought of meeting her stresses me out? You think I can tell her all that?” He pauses for a bit. “Anyway, I have to break up with her tonight, one way or another.”

Before I can respond, I sense movement behind us. My eyes widen as I see Paula standing right there, the lamp in her hand raised over her head, ready to bring it down at any moment, her eyes red and full of rage.

“Paula!” I almost yell, but the sound that comes out is more like a croak. “When did you get here?”

“In time to hear you both conspiring behind my back.”

I jump up from the couch and turn around to face her. “It’s not that. We were only kidding around.”

“I think you should leave, Nora,” she says, her eyes not leaving Gabs.

I feel sorry for Gabs, but I don’t want to face the fury that is Paula right now. Am I a coward? Maybe. But I’m sure Gabs can handle her, right?

“Sure,” I say, picking up my purse and making a beeline to the door. I see Gabs giving me a death stare. “All the best,” I mouth to him and he rolls his eyes. I snap my jaws, curl my hands into claws again, and do a little pounce, followed by a thumbs up. Despite his situation, he smiles a little.

The smile seems to anger Paula even more because as I walk toward the elevator, I hear her screaming. “What’re you smiling at, you dork? You jerk. You…”

Thankfully, the doors open, and I don’t have to hear her barking out insults at my friend anymore. But now, I have to go home and face the challenges of my own relationship. Rick.

Chapter 4

Gabriel: #OppositesAttract

Paula’s in a fit of rage. Can’t blame her. I’d be too if I were in her shoes. She’s still clutching that lamp, and I’m honestly a little scared about what she might do with it. I slowly stand up while she’s throwing expletives my way. I raise my hands, inching toward her, hoping to grab the lamp.

“You’re breaking up with me tonight? How dare you?”

“If I say yes, will you put the lamp down?”

“I thought we were happy. I had so many plans for us after you got back from Paris. And you’re just throwing it all away? Like its nothing? Like I’m nothing. Do you know how rare it is to find soulmates, to find people who really love you?”

“Look, Paula,” I say, trying to keep my voice as soft and tender as possible, given the circumstances, “I’m sorry. It’s not you, it’s me.”

That only serves to set her off even more. The hand holding the lamp, which had so far gone into a statue mode, suddenly comes alive and swings at me. Luckily, I jump aside barely in time to avoid the blow.

“You got some nerves, Gabriel, saying that. At least be honest. That’s the least you can do after I hear about your breaking up with me while you crib about us with a third person. It’s so messed up.”

Now, I’m torn. How much of the conversation did she hear? Does she really want me to be honest or is this one of those times when I’m supposed to lie, pretending it’s the truth? Can I call Nora and ask?

“Um, I’m sorry, Paula. And you’re right. That’s not how you, or anyone, should hear about their breakup. But it’s true. I have to break up with you tonight. I mean…now. But you’re an exceptional woman and I think you can do so much better than me.”

“Of course I can, you dolt. You, with your gigantic head and tiny dick.”

“Hey hey. C’mon on now, girl. Tiny? You know that’s not true. That’s not what you said last week, before I went to Paris. Quite the opposite, if memory serves me right.”

“Yeah, whatever. Don’t try to be cocky. You don’t deserve me and you’ll never have a girlfriend. Ask me why?”

I give her a vacant stare, not sure if she wants an answer or if it’s one of those rhetorical questions.

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