“No, I didn’t,” I mumbled, my eyes watering as I glanced away. Hopefully, she’d think it was just allergies instead of me wallowing in my pathetic mess. And apparently, I was dragging Angel down with me.
“Hey.” My boyfriend manifested by my side without his usual term of endearment.
“Hi Angel, I’m just catching up with Tori. So, what are you doing now?” Neelam asked me.
“Nothing,” I said, hollowed out.
Angel furrowed his brow. “Not ‘nothing.’”
My voice quavered. “I was fired this morning. So, unless holding my sister’s hand counts as delivering a baby, I’d say nothing.”
Neelam winced. Too much information.
Angel leaned closer to partially shield me from her and whispered, “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t want to distract you from your test. But I failed at that too.” I sniffed and wiped away the tears that fell in earnest. “I’m sorry. I should go.”
“Didn’t you need to eat?” he asked incredulously.
“Yes, but I can’t. Not here.” I didn’t belong. Couldn’t they see?
“Come with me. I’ll get you something.” Angel led me off by the crook of my arm.
“Bye,” I mumbled to Neelam. This was so embarrassing.
Angel and I crowded into the elevator. He positioned himself as a barrier between me and the strangers inside.
“We’re not going to the Cake Warehouse, are we?” I whispered.
He furrowed his brow. “No. The café is open.”
That was usually more expensive than the cafeteria. Less people to witness my meltdown, though.
“Don’t you like Cake Warehouse?” he asked, his tone dancing on the edge of concern.
“I do. I just want to avoid anything mall-related for a bit.”
He frowned at our distorted reflections in the steel elevator doors. “So, you won’t come by my shifts anymore?”
I raised my shoulders helplessly. “I won’t be there.”
He nodded, his throat bobbing. “And you said you can’t handle the hospital yet. Although you did try…for Jen.”
Was he upset I wouldn’t try to come here for him?
“It was an emergency,” I said quietly.
But I’d do anything for him. Especially if it was in his best interests. Even if I wanted to be selfish, to sob in his arms or kiss him until I felt good again. He deserved better than that.
He hung his head. “It just feels like unless we’re living together, we’re not gonna have time for dates.”
“Yeah.” My voice cracked, and the elevator doors pinged open. “Maybe a little time apart will be for the best.”
He glared at me as if I’d just slapped him across the face.
I straightened my posture. “Angel, I only meant—”
“I heard what you said.” He stormed out of the elevator, and a horrible chasm opened in my chest.
