Page 95 of A Flighty Fake Boyfriend
“Can I leave a message with you?” In the background, I heard the television. She moved to close the door, and I figured that was that, but she undid the chain and opened it wider.
“Text him again,” she advised. “If he wants to talk, he’ll get back to you.”
“But do you know where—”
“All I know is that he went home. His parents came and got him. I have to look for a new roommate now.” She didn’texactlysay this was all my fault.
“I’m sorry.”
“He and his parents had a deal.” With the added light from outside, I could tell she’d been crying. “One year in St. Nacho’s and then he goes out into the real world. I always knew he’d go, but I’m surprised how quickly it happened.”
“Me too. Obviously.” I didn’t want our last kiss to be the end. I never meant to say goodbye this way. “Do you have a forwarding address for him?
“I can’t give you that.” She glanced down. “He has a phone. If he wants to talk to you, he will.”
“Can you at least give me his email address?” I could probably find it, but asking was easier.
She went into the apartment and came back with a Post-it note. “This is the only one I know. I’m not sure he checks it very often.”
I grimaced. “I have to try."
She shrugged. “Good luck.”
“You too.” I thanked her and left feeling, if possible, worse than when I’d set off on this journey.
* * *
That night,I got together with Dan and Cam at Nacho’s Bar to say goodbye.
I was happy to see them, but I didn’t feel like partying. The atmosphere in the bar was too loud. The beat of dance music thudded in my aching, hollow core.
“Disco night.” Cam wrinkled his nose. “Sorry.”
“No worries.” I had to shout to be heard. I ordered a double bourbon and nachos with steak fajitas to keep me from getting too drunk.
“Tell me more about the wedding,” Dan said. “What is William like?”
“The wedding and William were both very luxurious.” I gave him a rundown of events—how I’d had fun with Epic, the tapas party, even the big proposition—as I got my swerve on.
“Wait. William didwhat?” Dan’s eyes widened.
“Apparently they wanted to share me or something. William said he wouldn’t be jealous of me if he got to fuck me too.” Unfortunately, I shouted that information during a lull in the music, and several heads turned my way. I hid behind my glass.
Cam snorted. “What did you do?”
“I turned them down. What do you think? Epic nearly challenged William to a duel. That boy was so goddamned adorable the whole time. I’m going to miss him so much.”
“Our Epic got angry?” Cam asked.
Dan said, “That answers my other question.”
Of course he’d been curious whether Epic and I had come back more than friends.
I spun my drink mat. “I guess.”
“He is an engaging kid,” said Dan.
“He’s a lot more than that,” I admitted.
