Page 41 of Searching for Nova

“That wasn’t a fight. It was miscommunication.”

“Call it whatever you want. I’m tired of it and don’t want to do it anymore.”

Jace walks out of the house, stopping beside me. “Liza’s picking me up. She didn’t want me driving. I only had a couple beers, but you know how she is.”

Paris glares at him. “Can’t you see we’re in the middle of something here?”

“What?” Jace looks at me, then back at Paris. “I thought you guys made up.”

Paris points to me. “Your asshole friend just broke up with me!”

“Oh.” Jace shoots me a look like I should’ve warned him.

Liza pulls up in her black BMW. Bridget jumps out and runs up to us. “Where’s Kevin?”

“Downstairs,” Jace says. “I didn’t know you were coming over. Does Kevin know?”

“No, I’m surprising him!” She jumps a little as she says it.

Paris starts crying, more fake tears.

“What’s wrong?” Bridget says to her.

“It’s over,” she sobs. “Easton and I broke up.”

Bridget gasps. “This just happened?”

Paris nods and sniffles.

Bridget puts her arm around Paris and walks her away from me. “Let’s get out of here. Can you drive?”

Paris shakes her head, still sobbing as she hands Bridget the keys to her Lexus.

Liza gets out of her car. “What happened?”

“They broke up,” Bridget says, helping Paris into her car. “I’m gonna drive her home.”

“I’ll meet you there,” Liza says.

“So much for getting laid tonight,” Jace mutters. “Hey!” Jace yells to Liza. “What about our date?”

“Go to hell!” she yells back.

“What didIdo?” he says, throwing his hands up.

Liza gets in her car and takes off, with Bridget and Paris following behind.

“What the fuck?” Jace turns to me. “This is allyourfault. Why’d you have to break up with her?”

“You knew I was going to do it.”

“Yeah, but not tonight.”

“I wanted to get it over with.” I walk down the driveway. “I’m gonna head home.”

“Why? We got our guys’ night back.”

“I don’t feel like hanging out.”

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