Page 5 of Reckless Intentions
“I…” He averted his gaze again, something in the corner of the kitchen more appealing than Olivia.
“I think we’re over, Nic.” Her voice came out small and thin, with a distinct wobble. In her heart, she knew she was right. There was no point in them taking a break. It wouldn’t change anything. She didn’t know if it was her imagination, but she thought she saw a flicker of relief wash across Nic’s face. “I wish we could have had this conversation sooner, like about three months ago.” She attempted a weak smile.
He at least had the decency to look embarrassed. “I’m sorry. I guess I’ll stay somewhere else tonight.”
“I think that’s probably a good idea.” Olivia stepped towards him, her lips brushing his cheek for the last time. Without looking back, she walked out of the kitchen and into the hallway. She sagged against the wall, the enormity of what had happened heaving over her.
“There you are! How long does it take to get a glass?” Poppy approached her, her own glass empty again. “Hey, are you okay? You look a little pale.”
Olivia let out a hard breath. “I think Nic and I just broke up.”
“What?” Poppy’s jaw dropped. “How did that happen?”
“I overheard him talking to some of the guys from the club about how his life would be over if he asked me to marry him.”
“Oh, God, Olivia, I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be.” Olivia knew she ought to feel a whole lot worse than she did. She couldn’t quite understand why she wasn’t sobbing on Poppy’s shoulder. A few people spilled out into the hallway, announcing they were going on to a club. If she left now, no-one would notice. “I’m going to head home, can you let Eva know?”
“Do you want me to tell her about you and Nic?” Poppy put a sympathetic hand on Olivia’s arm. “Or do you want me to come with you?”
Olivia nodded. That would be so much easier than having to go through it a hundred more times as everyone found out about her split. “I’ll be fine. I need to be on my own for a while, and I promise to call you if I need to.”
She turned for the door, having arrived as one part of a couple, and left, taking a step back into singlehood.
