Page 81 of Splintered Hearts

“It’s been a night, huh? Food will be out soon, okay?” She leans in. “Wine’s on the house.”

“Thank you.” She leaves me to my misery and I grab my phone again, finding his contact. Jamie would be on cloud fucking nine right now. Thankfully, we were seated toward the back where not everyone can get a good view of my embarrassment.

It rings and I wait for Jamie to pick up. “Date finished already?”

“I come with some amazing news that will absolutely tickle you pink. Well, not pink. Tan. Tickle you tan.”

“Are you drunk?”

Yes. Finally. “You were right. He’s an asshole.”

“You done already?”

“Well, let’s see. He’s a gun freak, he said I’m too fem... oh, and once he found out I didn’t want to fuck him he ditched me here with the food and the bill. So yeah. That’s great. Wine’s free, though. Which I will be drinking all of. The waitress took pity on me.”

“Are you fucking serious?”

“I know, hilarious right? You’re probably laughing so hard right now.”

“Where did he take you?”

“Alfresco’s. I think it’s downtown, Main Street.”

It’s quiet for a moment and I nearly think I’ve lost him. “Are you coming home?”

“No, if I’m paying for this meal I’ll be eating this meal, anddrinking the rest of the wine. I’ve always thought of myself as a great date anyhow. I’ll be home in a little bit, just as soon as some shred of my dignity returns. I just thought I’d let you know how right you were. Enjoy it. It won’t happen anymore going forward. Bask in your victory, my king.”

Hanging up, I swallow back the lump in my throat.

Calling him didn’t make me feel better.

Pouring myself another glass, I chug it down, not giving one fuck. A woman watches me from another table. “What? Never been stood up before?” She glares, going back to her food and the man she’s with.

Fuck this. Taking another sip, I hold my glass up. “Cheers.”

God, my life is a mess.

Twenty

Jamie

I shouldn’t have let him go.

And what? What would I have done?

It’s not like Noah would have listened if I’d told him to stay. Not after I told him to do it, because I’m the dumbest fucker alive. Molten sludge filled my stomach when asswipe Ben walked into the house. Shit, he doesn’t even deserve to kiss his fucking shoes.

What am I going to do now?

Noah didn’t deserve that at all.

Grabbing my phone, I check the restaurant to see how far it is. Clicking the walking directions, I realize it’s a thirteen-minute walk into town, and looking at the steps, it’ll be easy enough to get there.

What am I doing leaving the house?

Thinking about him sitting there all alone pisses me off.

I head to my room and change my sweater, choosing one with fewer paint stains and holes. Noah looked so handsome earlier, so I assume the restaurant’s nice. Slipping on a pair of black-wash jeans, I rush to the bathroom.

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