Page 133 of Jesse's Girl

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JESSE

Taking off: it’s what I do best. But I couldn’t stay there. Couldn’t keep it together another moment with Ada pushing me away. I tell myself I’m giving her what she wants—time and space away from me—and try not to let that thought gouge too deep.

The plan all along was for me to go back. To leave her behind.

She’s probably right: this is for the best. But there’s a twisting ache in my chest at the thought of sleeping alone tonight—and every night until I leave. And God damn, it hurts.

The heat of the day radiates up from the sun-baked sidewalk, and I frown, pulling my T-shirt away from my damp skin. I’ve been walking maybe twenty minutes and I’m already sweating.

My phone vibrates in my pocket and I pull it out.

Unknown number

Hey J its Kai. Marcus gave me ur number

Me

Hey

I save him as a contact, not sure why I’m bothering, since I’ll be leaving soon. My guilt about being a shitty friend, probably. As I hit save, he texts again.

Kai

Ur still in Lennox right

Me

Yeah for another week I think?

Kai

So can u make it 2 the wedding sat

Trying 2 firm up numbers

Kai’s wedding. Right.

My first instinct is to bail. Avoid Marcus. Avoid Ada. But I check that impulse, knowing it would be shitty to do that to Kai, who’s offered me this olive branch after I basically ghosted him for eight years. No, I can’t blow up one more friendship. I’ll go to the wedding—try to breathe one last gasp of life into these friendships before I leave. It’s the least I can do. Even if Ada will be there.

Besides, what am I gonna do instead? Sit in our apartment and feel like shit?

God, I don’t know if I can face going back.

Me

Yeah man I can make it. Thanks again for the invite

Kai

Forgot 2 mention Naomi will b there

Shes friends w/Nadine. That gonna b weird 4 u?

U dont have 2 sit w/her or anything

I stop in my tracks and almost laugh. This fucking town. Of course Naomi will be there. Of course I’ll have to spend the evening dodging both the women who’ve broken my heart.

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