Page 80 of Splintered Hearts

“Oh, uh.” Looking at the menu quickly, I order the first thing I can see. Chicken Alfredo, with garlic bread and a side salad. I’m fucking starving after being too nervous to eat all day. “And can I get another glass of wine please?”

“Yes, of course. It’ll be right out.”

“You don’t think that’s a little heavy?”

“What?” Trying to focus on Ben, all I can actually focus on is the finish line.

“That’s a lot of food.”

“I’ll pay for mine, that’s no problem.” Of course, on top of everything else he’d be a cheap fucker.

“No, I mean for like, after?”

Realization smacks me.

How the fuck can he even believe that’s in the realm of possibility. “After what?” Putting my elbows on the table, I rest my chin in my hands and blink at him. “Whatever could you mean?”

“I just assumed, after—”

“Sounds like you have a real problem with assumptions.” I’m done with being nice. Fuck this guy to hell and back. “I think it’s clear nothing’s going to be happening beyond this date. Let’s just finish this and enjoy our meal, okay?” While I want to be super bitchy, I’m also a little afraid of him.

“Fine.” Standing, Ben puts his napkin on the table. “I’ll beright back. Going to use the bathroom.”

Good. I need some space to breathe anyway. Grabbing my phone, I open it on autopilot, going to Jamie’s contact before turning it off. No, this is stupid.

Still.

I click my phone on again, going to my pictures, smiling at the photo I took the other day of Jamie drawing on my bed between reading breaks. I’ve never had that much fun with someone doing nothing. All we did was read side by side for hours. Never in my life have I felt peace like that. It was so warm, so comfortable. It was everything I’ve always wanted with someone.

With someone who doesn’t want me.

Blinking back tears, I take another sip of wine, the effects finally starting to take hold.

Tonight’s a disaster, but that’s fine, right? That’s what dating is about—win some, lose some. Tonight is definitely a loss. “Um, hey, sweetie.” I startle at the soft voice. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“Oh, no, it’s fine. I’m really sorry about my date. I don’t think he meant to come across like that.” Bullshit, but I don’t want her to feel bad.

“Oh, honey. That asshole you were with, uh... he left.”

“What?!” I look around as if the words didn’t register.

“Like, ditched you with all this food and the bill, yeah.”

“Where . . .”

“Out the front door. I saw him leave. He grabbed his coat and keys from the valet. I’m really sorry. If you want, I can talk to my manager and maybe take some off the bill.”

Fuck.

Starving, I shake my head. “You know what? It’s fine. Just bring everything out when it’s ready. I’ll pay, and pack his up or something.” If I’m paying for it, you better fucking believe I’meating it. I’ll have to call a ride. “What a prick.”

“I hope it wasn’t because he had to wait.”

“It’s because I said I wouldn’t fuck him after.”

She giggles. “I hate when they do that.” Touching my shoulder, she gives me a sympathetic look. “You can do way better anyway.”

“Thank you. Sorry again. He’s a dick.”

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