Page 9 of The Backup

The door closes, and I heave a sigh, turning back to the game. Instantly, I feel it—a shift in the air.

It’s that flirty, electric tension that comes when you’re getting to know someone new.

I missed this.

Asher draws an eight.

“Eight. That is…”

“The dare card,” I giggle.

“The dare card,” he repeats, grinning. “How hard do I want to go with this?”

“Hard as you want. I like it like that.”

His eyes widen, and he grins. “You like it hard, Sloane? What are we talking about, exactly?”

I stick my tongue out. “Kidding. Who’s the one with the dirty mind now?”

He shakes his head, still smiling. “Okay. I dare you to…no. Too crazy.”

“What? I can do crazy,” I say, leaning forward.

“You have a boyfriend. Or do you? I’m a pretty drama-free guy. Not sure if you’ve noticed that about me.”

“I won’t, soon. I’m going to break up with him.”

“Really?” His voice softens, and his eyes search mine.

“Are you kidding? Did you see that interaction earlier? He barely even noticed I existed.”

Asher tilts his head, studying me. “Fair. But breaking up with someone isn’t always easy. You sure about it?”

I hold out my hand. “Give me a pen and that paper.”

Asher grabs a pen and paper from his desk and hands them to me.

I sit down and write:

Joe,

I don’t think you’re a bad guy. But, given the evidence I’ve seen, and how you treat me lately, we need to break up. I’m sorry. People change. You certainly have. Sometimes, these relationships come to an end. I wish you well.

Best,

Sloane.

I hold the note up for Asher to see. “Happy now?”

“A written note. Classy. Are you actually going to give it to him?”

I stand, open the door, and step into the hallway. Sliding the note under Joe’s door, I feel an odd sense of relief. When I return to Asher’s room, I brush my hands together like it’s a done deal.

“Done. Simple as that.”

“Wow,” Asher says, raising his beer in a mock toast. “A true businesswoman.”

I shrug. “It’s been a long time coming. I’ve seen him pulling away emotionally. I’m not an idiot. I doubt he’ll even be surprised.” I take a sip of my beer. “So…what’s the dare?”

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