Page 70 of Cocky Nerd
“We’re too different. I can’t be with you like this anymore. It hurts toomuch.”
“So you do have a weakheart.”
I nod. “Sorry.” I cover my face. Maybe I willcry.
I feel his arms around me and my body betrays me by leaning into his.Why can’t it just be this? Just ourbodies.
“Tell me what youwant.”
I pull away from him, shake my head and start packing mybag.
“Where are you going—this is your house. I’llgo.”
“Right. Youleave.”
He picks up his messenger bag and zips up his suitcase. When he picks up the Tiffany bag, he pauses and makes a sad little throatnoise.
“Go. I’m so mad at you, I can’t be around you anymore.” I say it to make it easier for him toleave.
“I’mgoing.”
“Give me back mykey.”
I fumble around my purse for my keys and start to take his house key off thering.
“Please keepmine.”
I look up athim.
“Please.”
I keep his key. He gives memine.
“Olivia. I don’t understandyou.”
“I don’t need you to understand me. I’m not some math equation to besolved.”
He looks mad now. It’s not what I wanted, but it’s something. “I don’t think you understandGiselleenough to dance thelead.”
He didn’t say it in a nasty way, but I’m so mad at him I don’t even have words. I lunge at him and raise my hand to slap him again, but he grabs my wristmidair.
“Slap me once, shame on me. Slap metwice…”
“Fuckyou.”
He starts to walk out of the room, then turns and says: “The thirty days aren’t up yet—you’re breaking the terms of ouragreement.”
“So sue me! You’re breaking the terms of humanity, you robotprick!”
“So you want me to use the matchmaking service to find me a date for thewedding?”
“I don’t care what you do. And do not make a donation to my ballet company for me—I don’t want yourhelp!”
“Don’t sabotage your career too,Olivia.”
“Too? What else have Isabotaged?”
“This.”
