Page 97 of Tempt Thy Neighbor

I’m sorry.

That’s all it said.

Before, those two words held so much weight to them.

Now? Now I know they were a lie.

“Not yet.”

“And if you were to hear from him? Would you talk to him?”

“Well, yeah. Eventually. I mean, we do share a lease together. We’ll have to talk at some point. I can’t avoid him forever.”

“Well, it won’t be because I’m kicking you out. You know you’re welcome to stay here as long as you’d like.”

It’s kind of funny when I sit here and think about it, how I’ve been staying on Dean’s couch for two weeks now. How I’m jobless. Heartbroken.

Back exactly where I began.

“I know, and I appreciate it.”

“Even if your cat does hate me.”He reaches over to pet Artemis, but she shrinks away from him, her eyes narrowed.

I run my hand over her to calm her.

It’s funny; Artemis isn’t fond of any man who tries to touch her except Sutton.

I try not to read too much into that.

“All cats hate you.”

“Not true. Morris loves me…most days. But sometimes I do think he’s planning to murder me in my sleep.”

“I promise to come to your funeral.”

“Here lies Dean Evans, amazing boyfriend, lover, and turtle dad.”

I wrinkle my nose. “I am not putting ‘amazing lover’ on your headstone. I was thinking more along the lines of ‘Dean Evans: Thank God we never have to endure his shitty taste in music again.’”

“Bob Seger is a classic. A classic!”

“Keep telling yourself that.”

“I will.” He beams. “Any luck on the job hunt this morning?”

“I put in some applications. I think one place might call me for an interview. They seemed pretty desperate for some help, and I met all their requirements.”

“Well, that’s good. At least you have something going for you.”

“Yeah, real great.”

I was more upset about losing Sutton than I was my job. In fact, losing my job didn’t even hit me until days later. It was like all my tears were reserved for him. After that shock wore off, the gravity of the situation set in. Now I’m depressed about losing himandthe job I loved.

“So aside from wallowing in your self-pity, any plans for this weekend?”

“It’s a miracle you got River to date you, you know.”

“Oh, I’m aware.”

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