Page 23 of Stay Toxic

Her parents were still on my mind every single day.

I still loved her nieces and nephews.

I still wondered what she was doing and how she was.

I still ran every Wednesday and Sunday and wished that she was there.

I still got excited for Thursday take away because we’d enacted a take-out day the day before Friday so we could unwind before the last day of the week.

We’d gone to college together. We’d been in band together. We’d run marathons together.

And now she was just gone.

Like a piece of my entire life was no more because of the decisions that she’d made.

Seeing her was both welcoming and overwhelming at the same time.

On one hand, I wanted to go up to her and tell her about how sexy the man at my side was.

On the other, I wanted to turn my back on her and hide the pain that was caused just at the sight of her.

“Who’s that?” the man at my side asked.

I hadn’t realized that I’d turned partially away from them, and toward him, until his voice dragged me out of my pain.

“That’s my ex-best friend,” I answered quietly.

I didn’t know why I answered honestly.

I mean, truthfully, I probably should’ve just kept my mouth shut.

I really didn’t know this man other than what I’d learned just this morning.

But the pain in my chest was too much to keep inside.

Unfortunately for him, he asked the right question, and I’d needed to give the answer.

“What’d she do to become an ex?” he asked quietly.

As if he actually cared.

It was the interest in knowing my answer that was evident in his voice that had me answering honestly.

“I caught my fiancé cheating with her,” I explained.

His eyes narrowed, and before I could guess what he was about to do, he did it.

He pulled me into his arms and said, “I’m not a very nice man, Brecken.”

My heartbeat started to pound. “O-okay.”

“But I really don’t like two-faced friends.” He leaned close. “Pretend like you want me.”

I nearly laughed.

I wouldn’t have to pretend athing.

I’d be a complete fool tonotwant him.

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