Page 1 of Touchdown

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Luke

“Luke, wait… We can work this out.”

“Work this out? Work THIS out? What the hell is there left to work out, Pete?”

Pete doesn’t have an answer to that. He just stands there, naked, someone else’s semen still dripping out of his ass. The guy he was fucking has wisely fled, leaving just the two of us screaming at each other.

If I’m being honest, things with Pete have been over for a long time. We stayed together because it was convenient to share the bills and have someone to come home to and talk to about our days. It’s been a while since I was truly happy with him, though.

I knew Pete was unhappy too, but I was still surprised to find him cheating on me.

“Look, Luke, it didn’t mean anything, okay? And honestly, can you blame me? When was the last time we had sex? Don’t tell me you haven’t had similar thoughts.”

“THAT’S what you’re going with? Fuck you, Pete! I’m out of here. We’re done. I don’t ever want to see you again.”

Pete doesn’t argue further as I grab my wallet and leave. I can send someone else to pick up the rest of my stuff later. For now, I just want to get as far away from Pete as humanly possible.

I storm out, already scrolling on my phone for Judy’s number. She answers promptly, like she always does.

“Hey, Luke.”

“Judy, can I stay at your place for a few days?”

“Of course! What’s wrong? What happened?”

“Pete and I split up.”

“Oh, Luke, I’m so sorry.”

So sorry my ass. I can hear the relief in her voice, and to be honest, I’m a little relieved too. Things with Pete and me have been bad for ages, and as hurt and angry as I am, my heart feels a little lighter, knowing that I won’t have to keep holding on the dregs of a relationship that was once good but that soured over the years for no apparent reason.

I so desperately wanted to find love that I convinced myself that Pete was perfect for me, despite the multiple signs that we wouldn’t be a good long-term match. I was foolish to keep going with him even when I knew it wasn’t meant to be.

“I just need some time to find my own apartment. You know the lease is in Pete’s name…”

“Luke, you’re my brother. You can stay as long as you need; you know that.”

“Thanks, Judy. I’ll see you soon.”

As I make the ten-minute drive to Judy’s place, anger and hurt start to fade and relief blooms. It’s over. I never have to pretend that I’m happy to see Pete again. That on its own is a huge relief.

Judy is waiting for me at the door and envelops me in a tight hug the moment I walk in. “How are you doing? Are you okay?”

“Surprisingly, yes. I mean, I know it’s been four years, but really, only the first two of them were good. It’s been going downhill for a while. I’m glad it’s over.”

“What prompted you to end it?”

“He cheated,” I say simply.

“The bastard,” Judy snarls. “Want me to key his car for you?”

“No way, we’re not giving him an excuse for a lawsuit. To be honest, it was over anyway, he has probably done us both a favor. All I want is never to have anything to do with him again.”

“I get that. What do you want to do? Grief protocol or celebration protocol?”

I don’t have to think long to decide. “Celebration.”

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