Page 5 of UnLucky Christmas
He nods. “I understand. Maybe we can talk once you’ve had time to process.”
I’m not sure what he wants to talk about. He just broke up with me. Is there anything else to say?
“We’ll see.”
Without another word he walks past me and leaves my apartment. It only takes a few seconds for the tears to escape. And once they start—they don’t stop.
* * *
I spendthe rest of the evening crying. Dasher sticks close to me. Maybe he senses my sadness. I know people say dogs are supportive, but what about cats? Does anyone have an emotional support cat? Is there such a thing?
And now I understand the concept of drowning your feelings with a container or two of ice cream. The poor grocery delivery boy just stared at me with wide eyes as I took the bag from him. I thanked him in between sobs. As I dig into the Mint Chocolate Chip, I replay the last few weeks, months and begin to second-guess everything. Did I miss the signs? Maybe I was so wrapped up in the idea of him I missed some red flags. He was my first boyfriend in years.
I turn on the TV, and a Hallmark Christmas movie pops up on my screen. This is probably the last thing I should be watching tonight. As the love at first sight blooms on the screen I begin to zone out. I thought this was going to be my year. I’d finally get to spend Christmas with someone special in my life, and in an instant it’s gone.
I reach for my phone to call Janelle. I probably need a friend right now.
“Hi. I didn’t expect to hear back from you tonight,” she answers after two rings.
The tears sting my eyes again.
“Well, when your boyfriend unexpectedly ends your relationship, you call it an early night.”
Janelle is silent for what feels like several minutes.
“You’re joking, right?”
“Nope. Dead serious.”
“Pete broke up with you?” she shouts. “Wait. Tell me what happened.”
“Yes,” I wail. “I was completely blindsided.”
I give her the details, and before I know it, the tears finally begin to slow.
“I just…I don’t understand,” she says. “Oh, Whit, I’m so sorry.”
She offers to come over and let me cry on her shoulder, but I decline her offer. I’d prefer not to talk about it anymore. I want to process and get used to the idea of Pete no longer being in my life. Janelle makes me promise to text if I need anything.
After we get off the phone, I turn onLove Actually. At least I can laugh and cry right along with one of my favorite holiday movies. About an hour into the movie, my phone buzzes again. My heart sinks when I see that it’s a message from Pete.
I wanted to check on you. I know you’re upset and confused—so am I. I hate that I feel this way. You’re everything I could ever want in a woman and partner. Maybe I just need some time. Please let me know you’re okay.
I frown and drop my phone on the pillow next to me. I’m not going to respond to him right away. Maybe it’s immature, but I don’t care. He can wait.
I open my eyes and look around my living room. I must’ve fallen asleep on the couch. I start to roll onto my back and an aching pain shoots through the right side of my neck. Ugh. I guess I slept wrong. There’s an awful taste in my mouth, and my face feels greasy. I hate falling asleep with makeup on—well, what was left of the makeup that didn’t wash off with my tears.
The sun is peeking into the room through the blinds, which means it’s time for me to get up and face the day. Today starts a new time in my life—without Pete. I’m sure to some people, seven months wouldn’t be considered that long of a relationship. Callie has been engaged to her fiancé for years, and they are couple goals for sure. They both have their own friends, hobbies, and interests but they are also truly committed to each other. I thought Pete and I were a lot like them. We didn’t have to spend every second together, and that was okay. Gah. I can’t spend all day overanalyzing everything. I slowly move off the couch, trying not to jerk my head too quickly since I can barely turn it.
I take a long hot shower and then search for my phone in the couch cushions. I have missed calls and texts from Janelle. I scroll through the messages and realize I never responded to Pete’s text, and as of right now I’m not sure when or if I will.
For now, I need to pull myself together and get ready for work. At least it’s the holiday season, which gives me something to focus on. I won’t let Pete’s blindsiding admission ruin this time of the year for me.
CHAPTER THREE
As I walk through the aisles of one of my favorite stores, Home and Holiday, I can feel my mood improve. There’s something about all the green, red, and shiny things that brings me joy, despite what happened a few nights ago. Seeing the Christmas trees reminds me there are good things ahead, even though I just got dumped.
Pete has texted me two more times, but I haven’t responded. Janelle thinks I should give him the time he asked for, and Callie thinks he was expecting a different reaction from me. Maybe he thought I was going to beg him to stay? Ha—no chance in hell. I’ll never beg someone to love me. I’ve been there and done that—hasn’t everyone had that moment in their past they wish they could erase? Why can’t someone invent a time machine for this very purpose? That person would be loved and respected all around the world.
