The shower turned off and Marco stepped out.“You look hot as fuck, babe.”
I caught the flash of his teeth in the corner of my eye.My self-preservation instincts never kicked in before my first coffee, and I turned to look at him.
Then immediately slapped my hand over my eyes.
“Jesus, man.Cover that thing up!”I tossed a towel at him—ambitious, given my self-inflicted blindness.I’d seen more than enough of Marco naked during freshman year of college.So had everyone else on our floor, thanks to his upsetting tendency to streak down the hallway when he’d had one too many Solo cups.The man had no shame.
“It’s okay, Cal.You’re single now.You can look.”
I uncovered my eyes, and the fluffy white towel I had thrown at him was now slung low across his hips.I breathed a sigh of relief.“Pass.”I looked back at the mirror, smoothing my blazer.“How’s Trevor?”
“He’s fine, but you’re still my number one.”
I’d been with Hugh as long as I’d known Marco.We all attended undergrad together and lived in the same dorm freshman year.We’d been friends for years, but when Hugh found out that Marco was into menandwomen, he suddenly had a problem with how close we were.
I hadn’t let Hugh’s feelings get in the way of our friendship, though.He didn’t own me.
And Marco had always been my number one, too—even when I had desperately hoped Hugh would step up to fill the position.
“I know we need to talk, but this is a huge moment for me.If you don’t want to celebrate with me, that’s on you.”
I felt Hugh’s eyes on my back as I walked down the hall.This was supposed to be a significant occasion, but he didn’t seem to care.
My throat tightened as I strode into the bedroom to call Marco.
“Hey, babe, what’s up?”His warm, bubbly tone made me smile.
“I have news.Big news.”I paused for effect.“I got the internship!”
“Holy shit, Callie!That’s amazing.I knew you’d get it.You’re perfect for that job.We have to celebrate.”
“That’s why I called.Hugh doesn’t want to go out, so I was hoping we could get drinks or something.”
“Absolutely.Drinks, dinner, dancing—whatever you want.It’s on me.”
“You’re the best.Meet me at Gianni’s in thirty minutes?”
“I’ll be there with bells on.Congratulations again, babe.I’m so proud of you.”
“Thanks, Marco.You’re the best friend a girl could ask for.”
“I know.Now go get dressed up and ready to party!”
I hung up and gave myself a mental shake.The night hadn’t begun the way I hoped, but I would not let Hugh rain on my Price Industries parade.With Marco, I knew the night would be a celebration to remember.
When I came out of the bedroom twenty minutes later—dressed to the nines with my purse in hand, Hugh hadn’t moved from the couch.
I stood in the doorway and studied his expression, searching for a glimmer of remorse or regret.But his face remained blank.
That was the moment I knew we were over.But how did you end a five-year relationship?Our entire lives were intertwined.
“Goodbye, Hugh.”
I wasn’t sure he heard the whispered words until he grunted in reply, still focused on his game.
The door closed behind me with a sharp click.
I leaned against it for a moment, squeezing my eyes shut against tears.
