Page 79 of Chasing Stars
I climb into the driver’s seat and tug a hoodie over my head. I turn on the car and blast the heat to seventy-six degrees before looking at my phone. Jenna’s name illuminates my screen.
Bile rises in my throat. I’m sweating, despite the chill in the air. I have a sinking feeling that this text isn’t going to be good. I take a breath, willing myself to calm down and tap on the text.
Jenna:
Miles, I think it’s better if we let things cool off for a bit. Maybe Nate should handle my house stuff from here on out.
“No!” I slam my palm into the steering wheel. “Damnit,” I mutter.I knew it. I lost her.
My chest caves in and the exhaustion overwhelms me. I don’t even have it in me to text her back and fight for her. I can’t believe I ruined this. I throw the car in reverse and peel out of the lot. Without Jenna, nothing else matters.
I’mlate for work the next morning. I arrive just after ten, catching sight of my reflection in the glass windows. I didn’t look in the mirror once this morning. IknowI look like hell—I didn’t sleep. My T-shirt is rumpled, my jeans are dirty, and my hair is stiff like straw from the salt water. I brought Pete to work today because I feel bad for ignoring him yesterday, but even he is looking at me with pity.
I swing open the door and our assistant Linda gasps, covering her mouth.
“Dude,” Nate deadpans. “Why do you look like your dog died?”
I scoff, raking my fingers through my hair. “He didn’t die. He’s right here. Aren’t you Pete?” I look down at my apathetic dog who plopped at my feet the second we walked through the door.
“Miles, dear, are you okay?” Linda’s brow furrows with concern.
“I’m fine.” I wave my hand casually, walking over to my desk.
“You look terrible, bro,” Nate states the obvious. “You shouldn’t be here.”
I scowl at him. “This is my business, too. I can show up to work however I want.” I pull out my desk chair and flump into it, crossing my arms indignantly.
“I’m going to get us some coffees.” Linda announces. She pushes back in her chair and hurriedly makes for the coat rack.
“There’s plenty of coffee in the back, Linda.” Nate juts his thumb over his shoulder.
“I’ll just give you boys a minute.” Linda smiles tightly, slipping into her coat, and then she’s out the door.
When she’s gone, Nate whirls his chair around to face me. “Dude, whathappened?Why do you look like this?”
I heave out a heavy sigh. “Jenna and I broke up. I think.” I slump forward on the desk and bury my face in my hands.
Nate lets out a sympathetic sigh. “Oh man. She found out about her dad before you could tell her, didn’t she?”
I lift my head, glancing sideways at him. “Yeah,” I mutter. “And…”
“And?” Nate raises his eyebrows expectantly.
“Erin showed up at the condo the day after I told Jenna I love her,” I grumble.
Nate lets out a low whistle. “That’s bad.” He nods, lips pursed.
“I know,” I growl, agitated again. I’m going back and forth between exhausted, defeated, and irritated.
Nate pushes his lips together, narrowing his eyes. “So, what did Erin want and how did Jenna find out about her dad?”
I groan and then recount everything that happened on Saturday. When I finish, Nate gapes at me. He lets out his second low whistle in ten minutes.
“Yeah, this isn’t great for you.” He turns back to his computer. “I’m not really sure I have any helpful advice but dude, I saw the way that girl looks at you. I know you can make things right.”
“I’m not so sure,” I mutter. “Oh, and she said it’s best if you handle the sale of her house.” I shake my head, dragging my hand down my face. “Man, I really fucked this up.”
Nate turns back to me. “Well, I don’t know about that, but I do know you’re not going to get her back looking like that.” Nate wrinkles his nose. “Go home, bro. Take a shower. The right thing will come to you. It’ll be okay.”
