Page 71 of Tall, Dark, & Ginger

“A lot has changed since we broke up,” I continue. “I’ve changed. My eyes have been opened to a lot of things that led me to be with you in the first place, and none of it is good.”

His brow crinkles as his smile fades. “What?”

“You were never the guy for me. You’re a projection of what I grew up with. It felt familiar, but that doesn’t make it right or good.”

He tilts his head, almost like he doesn’t understand the words I’m speaking. “What are you talking about, Wren?”

After a deep breath, I press on. “You’re controlling and emotionally dangerous. You got off on insulting me and trying to keep me small. You didn’t want me to live my dreams because you knew I’d realize I could do better than you. You knew if I lived my dreams you’d have to face why you weren’t living yours. It was easier for you to tear me down than lift me up.”

“Wren—”

“Fortunately for me, I reached a breaking point and I left. By far the best decision I’ve ever made other than applying for this job.”

Once the words are out of my mouth, a sense of lightness spreads through me, like I was carrying a hundred pounds I just put down.

“So no, Trent, we’re not getting back together, and yeah, I blocked you because I don’t want you in my life. My hope for you is that you wake up too and realize you can do better for yourself. You can heal whatever’s inside you that’s causing you to treat people the way you do. Maybe you can find a new relationship someday that’s healthy.” My thoughts instantly go to Ridley, drawing a smile to my face. “As for me, you should forget I exist. We’re not gonna be friends or anything else. You can’t control me anymore.”

He sways slightly as his face screws up with the anger I expected. Here they come. The insults when he doesn’t get his way.

“I don’t want you anyway. I could do so much better.”

Instead of withdrawing to avoid an escalation, I stand firm, knowing I have nothing to lose anymore.

“Then why are you here?”

He opens his mouth but snaps it shut quickly.

“Why don’t you leave now, Trent.”

“I can eat here if I want to. It’s a public place.”

“Sure you can. As long as you don’t mind my six bosses and their men hovering around you.”

He huffs, folding his arms over his chest. “Are you dating that guy with the hair?”

As much as it’s none of his business, it would be nice to make sure he knows I’ve moved on. I’m not sitting on my couch every night pining for him.

“Yes.”

“And you live with him?”

“Yes.”

“And he’s your boss?”

“One of them.”

“That’s gonna blow up on you. Then what are you gonna do? Come crying back to me?”

I huff a laugh. “Nothing would make me go back to you.”

“Cool. You can be homeless then. I’m sure you get paid shit working in this dump.”

“This dump that’s the hottest place in the metro area right now? If it makes you feel better to think that. I don’t need to justify anything to you, but Ridley is ten times the man you wish you were. He’s kind and thoughtful. He’s sweet and sexy, and he makes sure I get off every single time. Not something you’re familiar with.”

Trent’s nose crinkles and I know that means he’s summoning up more insults, but I continue before he can launch any at me.

“Your opinion of me, of my life, and of my situation doesn’t matter. You can think whatever you want. I don’t care anymore. I’m happy. The happiest I’ve ever been.” I shrug. “I suggest you go now. If I’m not back in a minute or two, the guys are coming out here.”

---