My phone buzzes with a text, and I do a double take at the name that appears.
Jude Daniel (Take a Sad Song and Make it Sexy) Crawford:Heading out. Do you want to ride with us?
What the actual heck? Who isJude Daniel?
Oh. My. Goodness.
Aunt Judy called him JD all day, and at least once I thought I heard Jude. I knew it!
I don’t know how all that fit in his contact information, but I do remember when he helped himself to my back pocket. Theone attached tomy rear end. He’s always flirty, but that was bold. Even for him.
My stomach flutters with a bit of embarrassment remembering I was the instigator that time.
Me:Waiting on Annie. Go ahead. What does this mean? Are you saying your first name is JUDE?
It’s not lost on me that he’s named for the song that brings me the most comfort in the all-time history of music. And we’re both named after Beatles songs. Okay, he could be named after Jude from the Bible, but still. What are the odds?
Jude Daniel (Take a Sad Song and Make it Sexy) Crawford: I wasn’t sure if you knew, but I also saved my job description for you. See you soon.
I laugh to myself and send back my usual hearts and hang loose emoji, then check to see if Annie answered. She hasn’t. I must’ve missed some messages while I was gone.
3:25 p.m.
Nathan:Where are you?
3:42 p.m.
Nathan:Seriously? You’re ignoring me?
3:55 p.m.
Nathan:Freaking unbelievable
4:11 p.m.
Nathan:Apparently you have other people to see. Just like you to kick me when I’m down…
There are some other words in there, and they feel like fists. Maybe he’d understand if I explained in person, but I’m not going into battle with him tonight. He’s not going to speak to me for a while anyway. My eyes sting, but I shake it off. I need to walk.
Me:I was gone most of the day getting my car fixed. Then I got groceries. I’ve been home since then but didn’t hear my phone. Heading to the coffee shop with Annie.
Do I intentionallynotmention Daniel?
Yes, but not because I’m trying to get away with anything.
When we started dating, I thought we’d be one big happy family of friends, but Nathan apparently doesn’t play well with others.
The rules I follow to avoid upsetting him have gotten completely out of hand. Sometimes it’s easier not to tell him things … which sucks. That’s not who I am. IknowI’ve spent too much time with Daniel lately, and I hate how it looks, but I’m struggling here.
I’ve felt more alonewithNathan than I ever did without him. And communicating has become a lot like defusing a bomb. Idon’t know how to get out without blowing everything up, but lighting the fuse and walking away may be my only option.
An ugly breakup seems imminent, so missing his texts is a temporary reprieve. Guilt presses its way into my thoughts. How would I feel if he didn’t answer all day? Actually, I know exactly how it feels. It happens all the time.
Another text buzzes in my hand.
Annie:I’m ok! No bloodstains in the carpet! Lab ran late. Go ahead and I’ll see you there.
I shove my phone, keys, and wallet into a cross-body bag and throw it over my head, pulling my hair over the strap as I pick up the grocery tote and lock the door behind me.
