Page 120 of Not in My Book

Reluctantly, I slumped into the chair, holding my hands tightly together in my lap.

“If this is about the fellowship, then I’m really sorry you weren’t accepted. I think you’re an amazing writer, and you have a real future in the literary world. The story you submitted was exceptional. It was honest, raw, and heartfelt and I was surprised when—”

“I’m going home,” I blurted out. She opened her mouth but I cut her off. “And before you try to talk me out of it, I’m set in my decision. I … I trusted you. And Aiden. And neither of you told me he submitted, too. Aiden and I became so much more than competitors over these past few months … only for me to be the only one unaware we were still in a competition.” I took a shaky breath. “Maybe Aiden and I were only meant to get together to break up like in our book. I get that Happily Ever Afters don’t actually exist. I just … need to go home.”

She softened. “Rosie, I’m sorry neither of us told you. I—”

“I’m sorry, I think it’s best if I go,” I said. “I can’t miss my flight.”

With the weight of the world on my shoulders, or at least that’s what it felt like, I walked out of the Writer’s House for the last time.

Logan, Tyler, Jess, and Aiden were all waiting for me. One look at Tyler and Logan, and I knew Jess had filled them in.

“We told him to leave,” Logan said. He glared at Aiden from behind Tyler’s shoulder. “But he won’t budge.”

“You don’t have to talk to him,” Jess insisted. “We’re you’re security team. We can get you out of here without even looking at him.”

“I’m right here,” Aiden said drily.

“Did you hear that?” Logan asked, looking around. “Sounds like a whiny bitch.”

“Hey,” Aiden snapped, and Logan recoiled.

I smiled slightly. “It’s okay, y’all. I’ll catch up with you later.”

“You sure, Rosie?” Tyler asked.

I nodded. “I’ll text y’all later.”

All of them gave me supportive looks as Aiden and I were left on the street with each other. The silence stretched between us in unbearable lengths.

Finally, he spoke up. “Did you get a chance to read the last chapters?”

I knew better now what that look of hope meant in his eyes. It didn’t mean he wanted me to enjoy it, it meant he wanted me to praise it. Couldn’t say goodbye without enlarging his ego.

“Yes,” I lied.

“And?” he asked carefully.

“And what, Aiden?” I sighed. “It was good if that’s what you want me to say. The class is over, the book is done. It’s time to move on.”

A muscle in his cheek jumped. “Fine,” he said, his voice laced with venom. “Good luck, Rosie.” He turned on his heel and headed toward the subway.

After I said my goodbyes to the workshop group, I headed home to pick up my suitcase. I’d already shipped most of my boxes back home to Tennessee and was ready to get out of here.

Alexa was waiting for me in our living room. She was wearing all black because as she said, “I’m in mourning.”

She was in as much agony as me over the breakup, maybe even more.

“Are you absolutely sure?” Alexa asked miserably. I had pulled my suitcase to our front door, all packed and ready to go. “New York City is huge. You probably won’t ever see him again.”

I shook my head, my heart heavy. “I tried, but it didn’t work out. I need to go home.”

She folded me into a hug, squeezing me tight. “If you decide to come back, you’ll always have me for a roommate. Even if someone else is living with me, I’ll kick her out for you.”

I choked on a laugh, one or two tears slipping down my face. “You don’t have to.”

“But I will.” She tugged on my hand. “I hope you find what you’re looking for in Tennessee.”

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