Page 17 of Exes and Oh Hell No

My chest tightens.

Stop it. He’s just being polite.

Don’t read into it.

As he pours ketchup beside his fries, his gaze lifts to mine. “So you mentioned your job. What do you do?”

I spear a potato skin with my fork, suddenly needing a distraction. “I work in public relations at Stone Ridge University.”

Ford stills for a fraction of a second. Then his muscles relax, and he continues eating.

But I saw the unease in his eyes.

The moment that tore us apart happened at Stone Ridge University.

“PR, huh? Makes sense.” His voice is even. “Using that journalism degree and English minor.” He gives me a tight smile.

I nod. “Summer and winter are slower seasons for me, so I figured I’d handle the house renovations.” I take a small bite, forcing myself to swallow past the strange lump in my throat. “Mom and Dad are selling it.”

He nods slowly. “I heard.”

The silence stretches between us, heavier than before.

I should feel relieved.

This is what I wanted.

A way to moveon.

So why does it feel like I’m losing something all over again?

Ford shifts in his seat, watching me carefully. “Once it’s sold, you won’t be back?” The inflection in his voice at the end signifies a question.

I force a small smile. “Nope. No reason to.”

His expression flickers with something that looks like hesitation.

Maybe even regret.

Then it’s gone.

Over.

Just like us.

7

FORD

Ignoring the Golden Girls ringtone chiming from my pocket, I shove the last bite of my burger into my mouth.

Harper’s lips twitch. “Is that “Thank You for Being a Friend” from theGolden Girls?”

“Yeah,” I admit. “Seemed fitting for Gram.”

A laugh bursts from her, warm and familiar. “Sophia mixed with Blanche is how I describe her.”

I smirk. “You should’ve heard her talking to Connor earlier. I swear, I wanted todiefrom secondhand embarrassment.”

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