Page 59 of Pretty Broken Things

“Oh, it has everything to do with my feelings for her. You might not be doing it on purpose, but you’re using her. She’s not a Band-Aid to heal your heart,” he makes an excuse.

“That’s it? You are just concerned for her?”

Shane crosses his arms. “Let’s not play dumb. We both know I’m interested in her. I think I could even love her. But, I’d never make a move while you two are still together.”

“That and the fact you’re my best friend is why I haven’t kicked your ass,” I grumble.

“What if I told you Tessa and I have been hooking up the last couple off weeks?” he taunts.

Without thinking I step forward, grab his shirt, and twist it to pull him forward. He doesn’t push me back, or do anything really to stop me. Instead he starts laughing. “I tell you that I might be in love with your girlfriend, and get no reaction. But, when I tell you I’m hooking up with your ex you go totally unhinged. It was a lie, by the way. I honestly don’t think she’s been with anyone since you. It won’t stay that way forever. So you’ve got a choice to make, who are you going after?”

* * *

I walkinto a cafe near campus, and find her already waiting for me. I’m not sure why I asked her to meet me here for coffee when we could have just met anywhere. Now I feel like I have to order a cup of coffee I won’t drink. Although, being in line does give me a minute to figure out what I want to say.

“Thanks for meeting me,” I tell her.

She nods, and rolls her cup between her hands. “I’ve actually been expecting your call for a while now.”

“I’m sorry, Jen.”

She waves me off. “I think we both know this thing between us has run its course. I would like to be friends. And I’m not saying that like people do to soften a breakup.”

I smile at her. “Who is breaking up with whom here? I came to tell you we shouldn’t see each other anymore, and you’re the one trying to let me down easy.”

“How about we just both agree we’re better as friends?” she says.

“I would like that,” I tell her honestly. A giant weight lifts off of me. The truth is I care deeply about Jen, but not the way a boyfriend should.

Jen leans forward. “Can I give you some advice, as your friend?”

I shrug. “Hit me with it.”

“Go after her—”

I open my mouth to protest her assumption, but she shakes her head. “I know you didn’t cheat on me. You might not believe it all the time, but you’re a good man, Ford. I don’t know what happened between the two of you, but it’s clear there are still feelings there. Don’t let that go without a fight.”

“I’m not sure there’s anything left to fight for,” I say mostly to myself.

“That doesn’t sound like the Ford I know. The man I have gotten to know the last six months fights for the people he loves. Don’t let her be your biggest regret,” she urges me.

* * *

I haveto double check the address I had Shane text me to confirm this is where Tessa and Tracy have been staying for the last couple of weeks. It looks like the type of place that rents by the hour. I climb up the stairs and pound on the door. Tracy opens it and glares at me. They’ve both got duffle bags sitting open on the beds which means they are preparing to leave.

I look around Tracy to talk to Tessa. “Can we talk?”

Tracy turns to look at Tessa. They communicate something without speaking, then Tracy grabs a set of keys on the table. “I’ll give you guys some privacy,” she says on her way out the door.

I enter the room and close the door behind me. “We should talk.”

Tessa doesn’t stop folding her clothes and putting them in a cheap looking duffel. Without looking up she says, “Shane told you we were leaving town, didn’t he?”

“Could you stop packing for a minute,” I ask, and sit down on what I assume is Tracy’s bed.

She drops the shirt she’s holding and finally gives me her full attention, but she waits for me to speak.

“Why are you staying here?” I gesture to the room. “This is not the type of place I’d expect to find you.”

---