Page 5 of The Jerk in Apartment 1B

“The wedding. It’s off.” My voice cracks as I say it. “He dumped me.”

“Wait—he broke up with you? For real? It wasn’t just a fight?”

“It wasn’t a fight. In fact, he was very calm when he told me.” I take a breath, willing myself not to cry. Asher isn’t worth my tears, and I don’t want to look like an idiot, crying on the street.

“I don’t understand,” Callie says. “What happened?”

“He wants to focus on his career.”

“Watch it, lady!” a guy yells as my duffle bag hits his arm. I didn’t do it on purpose. The street is crowded and this stupid bag keeps bumping into people.

“Who was that?” Callie asks.

“Some jerk on the street.” I move off to the side, watching all the guys in suits walking by. I wonder how many of them are stringing girls along, making them think they’ll marry them without any intention of following through. “I’m done with men. I’ve decided they’re all jerks. Well, maybe not Nash, but all the other ones.”

“I’m really sorry,” Callie says. “I can’t believe Asher did that. If he really didn’t want to get married, why did he propose to you?”

“Exactly! Why make me think we were getting married when he never planned to actually go through with it?”

“You don’t think…” Her voice trails off.

“That he’s seeing someone else? I don’t think so. He doesn’t have time. He’s always working.”

“It could be someone he works with.”

“Yeah, I guess,” I say with a sigh. “But if that’s true, then this isn’t about his job. It’s about me. It means he didn’t want to be with me.”

“Then he’s an idiot who doesn’t deserve you,” Callie scoffs.

Her angry tone makes me smile. “I knew you’d make me feel better.”

“I wish I was there so we could go out. And if Nash were there, he’d go punch Asher for doing this to you.”

That also makes me smile. When I first met Nash, we didn’t get along. In fact, he kicked me out of Callie’s house when I went to visit her. But that was a long time ago, and he only did it because he loves her. Now, Nash and I get along great. And he’s perfect for Callie. I never imagined she’d end up with a hot construction worker, but now I can’t imagine her with anyone else.

“So when are you moving out?” Callie asks.

“I already did. Asher didn’t want me living there anymore. He had everything packed when I got home.”

“Are you serious?” Callie asks, her voice rising. “Okay, I officially hate this guy. How could he just kick you out?”

“I know, right? I mean, it’s New York City. It’s not exactly easy to get an apartment here. And it’s expensive. I don’t have money for an apartment.”

“Can you stay with someone?”

“I’m staying with Sara, a friend from school. I should probably call her and let her know I’m heading over there.”

“But then what? After a few nights, where will you go?”

“I don’t know. I’ll have to look for a place. Hey, I should go. I’m standing on the street and my duffle bag keeps hitting people.”

“Okay. Call me when you’re at your friend’s place so I know you’re safe.”

“I will. Bye!” I end the call and race up to the street. “Taxi!”

It slows down, stopping several feet ahead of me. I hurry over to it as a guy jumps in front of me and opens the door.

“Thanks,” I tell him.

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