Page 108 of Body Shot

“You want to break up.”

“I don’t want to, but I think it’s best. I don’t know when I’m going to see you. I’ve got to start traveling, and it’s going to be a lot more than the ten or fifteen percent they first told me about. You have to focus on hockey. You’re free to travel all summer and I won’t be able to. I feel like I’m going to hold you back.”

He’s quiet for a long time.

Like he can’t believe what’s happening.

I’m certainly having a tough time with it.

Hell, the words are pouring out of my mouth, and I can barely believe it.

“Is this what you want, Claudia?”

“I… think so.”

That might be the biggest lie I’ve ever told in my life.

“I’m not sure what changed in the last two weeks, but it feels like there’s something you’re not telling me.” He pauses. “Have you met someone else?”

There it is.

The lie that could make this somewhat believable.

Eventually, he’ll find out that I’m not involved with anyone, but by then he’ll have moved on.

“Someone at work,” I blurt out. “We’ve been spending a lot of time together. I didn’t cheat—I would never—but I’m starting to realize that maybe I should date a little before I get serious with someone. You were essentially my first everything, and I need to…explore, see what’s out there. Make sure I know what I want.”

Wow, that’s so much bullshit my eyes have probably turned brown.

“I see. Then I guess we don’t have much more to say.”

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, trying to stay in control. “I really did love the time we spent together.”

“Apparently not as much as I thought. Well, I hope you find what you’re looking for. Take care of yourself, Claudia.”

He disconnects and I press my fist to my mouth to keep the tears from pouring out.

What have I done?

I don’t think anything has ever hurt this much and it takes all my self-control to regain my composure before walking back into the office.

“Claudia! There you are!” Randy is calling out to me, and I take in a shaky breath as I turn to face him.

“Hi. What do you need?” I ask as politely as I can manage.

“I have someone for you to say hello to.” He looks incredibly pleased with himself. “I think you two might have known each other at MIT.” He grins and motions to a man I hadn’t noticed standing behind him. “Claudia, say hello to Seth Crandall, our new pre-sales manager.”

FORTY

Anders

The first thingI need is someone to drive.

The second thing I need is alcohol.

A lot of it.

Felix went out, so I turn to my next closest friend who’s single.

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