My stomach drops.
I open the app, already knowing this won’t be good. Lena doesn’t do casual. Everything she posts is strategic, calculated to get maximum attention.
The photograph loads, and yep, there it is.
It’s old. Maybe six months before we broke up. We’re at some charity event, dressed up, her arm tucked under mine. She’s smiling at the camera. I’m looking off to the side, probably at something else entirely, but the framing makes it look intimate… couple-y, and the caption reads…
Some connections never really end.:)
#ThrowbackThursday #MissingThis
“Jesus,” I mutter.
“Subtle,” Ava says from across the kitchen. She’s leaning against the far counter now, arms crossed. The distance between us feels like miles.
“This is old. We’ve been done for months.”
“I know.”
“She posts stuff all the time. It doesn’t mean anything.”
“Okay.”
“Ava.” I set the phone down and step closer, stopping just short of her. Not crowding her. Not touching her. “This is nothing. She’s fishing for attention.”
“I believe you.”
“You don’t sound like you believe me.”
“I said I do.” Her tone is light, casual. Too casual. “It’s fine, Reece. You have a past. So do I. I’m not twelve.”
But there’s something in her eyes. Something guarded. The walls I spent weeks coaxing down are slamming back into place, and I can practically hear the locks clicking.
“Talk to me.”
“There’s nothing to talk about. Your ex posted a photo. It happens.” She pushes off the counter, heading for her bag. “I should probably go anyway. It’s getting late.”
“It’s seven-thirty.”
“And I have an early appointment tomorrow.”
“Ava…”
“The risotto smells great. You should eat before it gets cold.” She pulls on her cap and tugs the hood of her hoodie over it, moving with purpose, like she can’t get out fast enough.
I catch her wrist gently. “Don’t do this.”
“Do what?”
“Run. You’re looking for an excuse to bolt, and Lena’s post is convenient.”
“I’m not running. I’m being practical.” But she won’t meet my eyes. “This is what we said, right? Casual. No drama. Your ex posts photos, and I pretend not to care. Simple.”
“Except you do care.”
“I don’t.”
“You’re a terrible liar.”
