Chapter one
August
“We need to break up.”
I stared at my girlfriend of six months from across the booth at the Zodiac Brewery. When had things gone south between us?
“What?” I asked, even though Serena’s statement had been pretty clear. It wasn’t her fault my mind hadn’t caught up yet. I could be forgetful—I’d gone so far as to forget I’d cut up jalapenos earlier before jacking off. It was a fiery experience I never wanted to repeat. But I didn’t think I was dense enough to miss a breakup heading my way. Though, I guess this wouldn’t be the first…or the dozenth time I’d missed the signs.
Serena glanced away, her arms clasped together in front of her. Her dark brown hair was pulled back into a chignon, and her deep chocolate eyes were serious. “Break up, Aug. We’re not working anymore.”
“Is this about the toothbrush thing?” I asked. I could be a little needy, but I thought leaving a toothbrush over her place wouldn’t be a big deal. And some clothes. And a few of my books. And maybe an air fryer, but I liked to cook, and it was one of my favorite new gadgets. I wasn’t moving in, but I was at her apartment at least a few times a week, often enough that having some stuff there made sense. Even if I didn’t always stay the night because her high-profile lawyer life was crazy.
“You moved way more than a toothbrush into my apartment,” she said, arching an eyebrow. “Look, I just…was never really seeking out something this serious when we got together.”
“And then our love magically transformed those views?” I broached.
“If that were the case, we wouldn’t be breaking up,” Serena said. “You’re such a great guy—”
I winced. Those words had been on repeat my whole life, with girlfriends and boyfriends alike, right before they dumped my ass. I was nice, I was a good guy, I was sweet.
Yet I wasn’t enough.
“Right, right,” I said, lifting my hands up. “But you need to go off and spray your wild oats somewhere else.”
“I think it’s sow,” she said.
“Like with a needle and thread? That doesn’t make sense.” I probably should’ve been feeling crappier about getting dumped, but no deep feelings of desperation rose up. Which was a sign Serena had made the right call. Man, this really sucked. “Can we still be friends?”
A smile lifted her lips, the tension around her dissipating. “I’d love that, Aug. You’re a blast to hang out with.”
Just not enough to fall in love with. My stomach squirmed a little, so I tossed back the Leo beer and took a deep breath, then looked up. The starry ceiling of Zodiac Brewery fit the astrology-themed décor, but it was the quality beer that kept people coming back here.
I checked my phone. I started work in a few hours, but I could head over early to avoid drawing this sad breakup lunch out any longer.
“I’m sorry,” Serena said again, shifting in her seat, clearly uncomfortable. Me too. “I thought our fling was fun, but it just feels like friendship.”
I shook my head. “You don’t need to apologize. I’d rather you tell the truth than do something shitty like cheat on me.”
“Not my style,” Serena said. “I know we had tickets to see that punk show, but if you’re still looking to go with someone, I can think of a candidate.”
“That punk show,” as if the Dropkick Murphys weren’t a regular name. Granted, she’d been only going to join me, not because she appreciated the music. “Yeah, if you want to pass them my information, that’d be great.”
This was such a relaxed split it was even bothering me. Most of my breakups had at least a few sniffles or teary eyes, but Serena had just been a fun person to hang out with more than someone I’d craved. Yet now I’d be lonely. And I hated being alone. Rory was spending more and more time over Wyatt’s, and at any moment he’d be dropping the news that he was moving out.
I plunked some cash on the table for our beers and stood. “I’m going to head out for work early. Keep in touch, okay?”
Serena flashed me a half-smile, sympathy in her eyes. “I will. I’ll figure out a time to get your stuff back to you.”
“My air fryer?” I asked.
“Definitely your air fryer.” She shook her head, her eyes crinkling with her grin. “I’ve never used that thing in my life.”
“You’re missing out,” I said as I stepped away from the table. “It’s revolutionary.”
Serena snorted and rose with her arms open to offer a hug. I stepped in because I was a sucker for hugs, even if it stung. No matter how amiable this breakup was, I’d miss spending time with her. Because “we’ll stay friends” meant the same as “you can always visit” when someone moved away. Both just meant less of that person in your life.
When we separated, an audible sigh escaped me.
