Page 166 of Hit Me With Your Best Shot

Forforever,maybe.

Even if it does mean I’ll probably end up with a Zamboni parked in my backyard.

epilogue

Nova

My brother has officially left the building.

Literally.

It’s depressing knowing he’s no longer going to be three floors above; I can no longer surprise him with visits, can’t steal food from his fridge, can't interrupt him and his girlfriend in any tender moments. He’s been my built-in safety net, my loud, annoying, overprotective safety net.

And now? He’s gone.

Packed up his things, kissed me on the forehead, and drove off into suburbia with his very pregnant girlfriend.

He’s moving on with his life and creating a family.

I am so happy for him!

I love him so much—you all know that.

But…

It still leaves me empty inside, not having him in the same building.

Call it habit, call it codependency, call it whatever you want—but it feels like I’m losing my partner in crime.

Partner in crime? Ugh. I hate when people say that, especially men on dating apps.Ha ha, looking for my partner in crime!No,Chad, you’re looking for someone to split your Netflix subscription and swipe their ex’s password for Hulu.

Let’s call it what it is.

With a miserable groan, I throw myself onto the couch, the weight of my sudden loneliness hitting me square in the chest.

“You get it, don’t you, Gio?” I ask, scratching Austin's dog behind his weird ears. He glares at me, letting out a dramatic sigh as if to say,Can you keep it down, lady? I’m trying to nap.

Jeez.

“Glad someone’s thriving,” I mutter, pulling out my phone and opening the dating apps. Because when your brother moves out and your couch buddy is a dog that resents you for being a shitty dog sitter, there’s no better time for emotional self-sabotage.

Let the games begin!

The first guy? Shirtless mirror selfie.

Swipe left.

The second guy? Holding a fish.

“Why is it always a fish?” Are they trying to prove they can provide sustenance in a post-apocalyptic world?

Swipe left.

The third? Another traveler, every photo in a different exotic location, including Machu Picchu and the Canary Islands.

“Sir,I can’t afford a latte right now.”

Swipe left.

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