“You know what? Fuck you, Finn! You think I shouldn’t help my best friend when she gets her heart broken? You think it makes me such a bad person you can’t date me. What does that make you? You want to act as if I’m not worthy of you? Well your loss, buddy,” I yell at him and then turn to leave.
I’ve said my piece. I skipped over the part about being independent and it didn’t sound as good as it did when I practiced it with Marissa and Amanda. Plus I’m shaking, but I said it without crying so it’s a win in my book.
“You’re not a bad person, Pen.” He sounds upset. The balls on this man. He’s not allowed to sound upset. He lost that right when he dumped me.
“Don’t call me Pen. You aren’t my friend,” I fling back at him and then stumble over my own two feet when I turn back around. Of all the times to be a Bella, I have to pick now.
He steps into the hallway farther, but doesn’t go far. “Are you drunk right now?”
How dare he! I spin around on him and get back in his space. “No, I am not drunk. I get happy when I drink. I get yelly when I’m upset and I’m very upset, Finnegan." I poke him in the chest so hard he takes a step back.
Finn grabs my arm with a light touch, but it still pisses me off. Who does he think he is? He can’t touch me whenever he wants. I’m a strong, young independent woman.
“Quiet down and come inside before someone hears you.”
I throw my hands out in a sweeping motion. “We’re the only two people who live up here, Finn. Who in the fuck is going to hear me?” Is he that concerned with what people think? I’ve never noticed it before, but I guess he’s a conceited bastard as well.
A feminine hand with red polished nails reaches out the doorway and pulls Finn away from me. I gasp and take a step back. He has a woman at his place? We’ve been broken up less than twenty-four hours and he’s replaced me?
“Whatever, Finn.” I retreat back to my door ready to be done with this entire situation. I’m not even upset anymore. I'm tired. Exhausted.
“Wait, Aspen!” Finn walks into the hall with me, his long legs only needing two strides to catch up. “Come inside, please. At least meet my mom. She's here for a few hours and I know she’d want to meet you,” he rambles.
His comment catches me off guard. “Your Mom?” I shouldn’t ask. I shouldn’t care. I should walk into my place and ignore him, but Finn looks drained.
My first real look at him reveals his eyes are puffy and there are dark circles visible under both. I may have cried myself to sleep last night, but Finn might not have slept at all.
“Can I come out now?” The voice is sweet, but loud enough for us to hear in the hallway.
Finn sighs, “Yes, Mom.”
Oh my God. I’m about to meet Finn’s Mom. I’m going to meet Finn’s Mom who heard me yell at her son… in the hallway. Thank God I’m at least dressed nicely. The dress and boots score after all. My face is beet red from embarrassment, and my heart is pulsing against my ribs in an odd rhythm by the time she makes it to us.
Finn’s Mom walks through the door in a pair of jeans and a thin yellow sweater — typical San Francisco attire for this time of year. I don’t know what I was expecting, but the woman before me is unimposing and friendly. She has a dazzling smile and the resemblance between her and Finn is obvious. They both have the same thin lips and matching bright green eyes.
She sticks her hand out to reach for mine. “I’ve heard a lot about you, Aspen. It’s great to finally meet you.”
“You too, Mrs. McRyan.” I shake her hand and try my best for a smile that isn’t a grimace.
“Nonsense. Call me Lisa.” Her casual use of the word nonsense confirmations who Finn gets his vocabulary from. “I’ll let you two talk. I need to run to the bakery on the corner for a bit.”
“No, I’m not here to stay. I have plans today.” I have no idea where the words come from. I have no plans except to walk circles in my apartment, but talking to Finn would be much worse than carpet wear patterns. “I don’t want to interrupt your time together.” I try to make a hasty exit, but both McRyans step in front of me to stop my departure. Another family trait?
“Aspen, please wait. I want to explain more,” Finn pleads. I’m not ready to hear him tell me how I’m a nice person, but not good enough for him again. My heart can only take so much rejection.
His mom moves toward our main hallway door, but stops. “Go easy on him, Aspen. He’s a man, after all. They know not what they do.” she pats me on the shoulder and walks off. I’m sure she’s quoted something, but I’m not smart enough to know what.
“Would you like a drink? I could make you anything.” Finn draws my attention again as his mother slips out the door.
He leads with asking if I want a drink? His Mom was right. He is a moron. I wouldn’t have a drink with a guy who dumped me yesterday. Especially after he accused me of still being drunk today. Does he think I’m a closet alcoholic? No. Thank. You. "No, Finn. I don’t want a drink. There is nothing I want from you.”
I’m closer to my apartment than before and this time I slip past and close the door leaving Finn alone in the hallway.
