After hours of unpacking, Sasha eventually left. The apartment looked better with all my things scattered around, but even my favorite blanket couldn’t quite chase away that empty feeling in my chest.
And that was annoying.
I shouldn’t have missed him. That was the whole point of this arrangement, right? No strings attached. But instead I was hereon the couch, clutching the remote and flipping through shows I couldn’t care less about, annoyed the apartment still felt empty. I’d spent hours unpacking boxes, filling every corner with my stuff—pictures, blankets, even those stupid overpriced candles he’d probably roll his eyes at—but none of it had worked.
God, I hated this. Hated that I was wondering about him at all.
Before I knew what I was doing, I tossed the remote aside and grabbed my phone. Marco’s name glared back at me from my contacts, taunting me. I hesitated, thumbs hovering, then typed quickly, hitting send before I could lose my nerve.
Me
Your apartment is boring without you here.
My stomach knotted instantly. I wondered if I’d regret this. But too late now. My pride was already halfway across the country, apparently.
Seconds ticked by. My screen stayed dark.
Perfect.
I closed my eyes, pressing the phone against my forehead and wondering why I never learned?—
Then it vibrated in my hand, nearly making me drop it.
Marco
That’s because you’re finally alone with your own company.
Me
No, I think it’s because I don’t have anyone bossing me around anymore.
Marco
You usually hate that.
Me
What can I say? You’re growing on me.
I waited a moment before adding
Me
Like mold.
Marco
We wouldn’t want that.
Me
Wouldn’t we?
Marco
Valentina.
Me
