“Ashley, if you’re really breaking up with me… could you please not tell
Sarah? Emily and I… we need her blessing.” The sheer audacity of his request made me sick.
“Fine. But I want something in return.” I slapped him hard across the face. “Jerk.”
His eyes flashed with anger, his hand raising.
I jabbed a finger at him. “Ashley Miller, if you so much as breathe wrong, I will tell your entire family everything. Let’s see how you explain that to Emily.”
His face turned a variety of colors. I turned and walked away, never wanting to see him again.
I didn’t cry over Ashley again. It hurt, but he wasn’t worth it.
When I’d received his text about going public, I’d actually entertained the thought of a future with him. But then I saw his true colors. Or maybe, for the first time, I really saw him.
He wasn’t worth it.
I took some time off work, deep–cleaned my apartment, and lost myself in video games. Jason played online with me, a silent, supportive presence. He didn’t mention that night again.
After a week, I finally ventured out to pick up some packages. One was from Jason. It contained several boxes of children’s bandages, decorated with cartoon characters. I wondered how old he thought I was.
The memory of his kindness that night still warmed me. I texted him: “Free for hot pot sometime? I know a great place.”
His reply was swift: [I’ve been waiting for you to ask. I’m always free.]
27.79%
chapter 2
We met on Friday night. Hot pot was the perfect choice. Surrounded by steaming broth, we talked and laughed, reminiscing about the murder mystery game where we’d met. I explained some of the clues he’d missed. He told me about his hobbies, how he’d honed his gaming skills.
Before we knew it, it was 9 pm. He walked me home.
As we reached my apartment, I saw a familiar, unwelcome figure. Ashley, pacing in the cold.
He saw us and his eyes lit up with fury. He reeked of alcohol as he stumbled toward us. “Ashley! Baby! Are you still mad? Don’t leave me! Let’s get back together!” He grabbed my arm, his grip painful.
Jason pulled him off, telling me to go inside. There was no point arguing with a drunk.
Ashley, struggling against Jason’s hold, sneered. “I know you, Jason. You’re just Ashley’s rebound guy. Do you know how messed up she is? She’s old, but she’s obsessed with younger guys! She used me, and now she’s using you! Don’t be her sucker! Let her come back to me! I’m enough of a train wreck for both of us!”
I was about to walk away, but his words stopped me. Jason’s eyes turned icy. I didn’t want things to escalate, so before Jason could react, I slapped Ashley – twice.
“Ashley, are you out of your mind?! Want me to record this and send it to your girlfriend?”
His eyes finally focused. “Ashley! Baby! I’m so sorry! I don’t love Emily! It’s you I love! I just… I didn’t think I was good enough for you, so I….. I needed a confidence boost. Please take me back! I think about you all the time! I’ll take you public! I forgive you for cheating with Jason!”
I slapped him again, speechless. Then I texted Sarah: [Your brother is
126
chapter 2
drunk and causing a scene outside my apartment. Come get him.]
