Page 46 of Rules Of Our Own

“I slept with both of them.”

“Good for you, Honey.” She practically beams at me. “I always wanted to do that. Two guys at one time. Really missed out on my chance when I was young.”

I can feel my cheeks growing redder by the second.

“Was it good?” she asks curiously.

I’m not sure I can blush any harder. “Yeah…yes…it was good.”

“So tell me. Why are you crying?”

Dammit. I was hoping we wouldn’t circle back to that. “It was only for the weekend.”

“And you want it to be more than that?”

I shrug because the answer is yes…yes, I very much want it to be more, but that’s not happening. “It’s complicated. They live in Boston, and I’m in Ottawa.”

She shrugs as she says simply, “Then uncomplicate it.”

Just uncomplicate it.If only it were that simple. If things had been different, if the universe had conspired in our favor, then maybe it wouldn’t have been so complicated after all…

* * *

It’s night by the time I roll into my apartment’s dimly lit parking lot. Exhaustion takes over, and I drag my bag behind me as I mindlessly make my way toward the elevator and hit the button for the fifth floor. The building’s at least thirty years old, with a musky scent that’s permanently embedded itself into the walls and carpet.

I lean my back against the scratched vinyl wood panel wall and close my eyes. I can’t wait to get into my apartment, change into some comfy pajamas, and crawl into bed. My phone buzzes.

Alex: Hello?

Alex: M.I.A. you’re missing in action. Don’t make me fly out there.

River: Your flight landed almost an hour ago.

Group chat status.

A message chimes in outside of the group.

Sidney: Please text Alex you’re home so he leaves us alone.

I flip back to the guys.

Me: Home safe.

Alex: Where? I don’t see you.

I ignore the tightening in my chest and type out my reply.

Me: Funny…

River: How was your flight?

Me: Fine. No delays which is a miracle.

River: You’re in your apartment?

The elevator hits my floor, and I’m just about to hit Send on a message confirming I’m at home when the doors open and I spot Jason leaning on the wall beside my door. He’s been acting increasingly erratic as time goes on, and him showing up here’s a bad freaking sign.

“What are you doing here?” I step back, but the elevator doors are closed behind me.

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