Once I finish microwaving a bag of popcorn, I head back to my room. Since they aren’t around, I guess I don’t have to hide out anymore, but I’d rather not risk seeing them together again tonight. If they didn’t get to the dinner portion of their evening yet, that can only mean one thing: they skipped it and went right into the bedroom.
I pause at my door and see his door is shut. He only closes it when he’s sleeping, and since it’s only eight o’clock, I highly doubt he’s in bed for sleeping reasons. Needing to know for sure, I walk back to the front door to check for their cars in the driveway, but I stop just before I grab the knob.
Some things are just better not knowing.
Walking back to my room for the second time, I grab my phone and text Kayla.
C: I hate myself.
K: Is it self-loathing time? Do we need a pep talk?
C: Nope. But any chance I can sleep on your couch till I find my own place?
K: He’s kicking you out? That asshole!!
C: No, I mean, he might be if Mia is back in the picture, but I’ve made the decision myself. I can’t be around him when he’s all into her, and I’m fantasizing about him in the shower like a teenage girl. Our night together will continue to haunt me forever, and I’ll die an old cat lady.
K: I see we’ve moved to the overdramatics portion of this self-sabotage episode. Let’s go out.
C: But it’s Thursday.
K: Exactly. So get your hoochie boots on and let’s go.
C: It’s Ladies’ night. Drew and I go out every Thursday after his rotation is over and get cheap drinks. It’s our drunken tradition.
K: Well, now it can be ours. I’m picking you up in 30 minutes. Get dressed.
C: Ugh…
K: And by dressed, I mean out of your sweats and into something decent. Don’t forget to tame your hair, too.
I roll my eyes and smile because she’s gotten to know me pretty well.
C: Fine. But you’re buying me a Bahama Mama.
K: Deal. Don’t forget your lucky underwear ;)
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
DREW
As I sat on the couch with Mia, I told her exactly what she needed to finally hear, even if it was hard to say. She continued talking, holding onto hope that she’d change my mind, but for the first time, I was standing my ground and refused to buy into her bullshit. I knew she wasn’t going to take it well, but the moment she heard Courtney’s Jeep pull into the driveway, she hopped into my lap and pinned me down with her legs. By the time I threw her off, Courtney had already walked in and left the room.
Once Mia realized I wasn’t caving and allowing her to have her way like usual, she had a complete meltdown. This included me being called every name under the sun along with being accused of cheating. I couldn’t handle another word from her and forced her to leave. Never had I ever cheated on her, and unfortunately, I’m not so sure she could say the same. Regardless, I refused to allow her to spew lies and hate in my face. It wasn’t worth arguing over, and I refused to take her bait. I think she finally understood I’m really done this time. The realization that we were truly over was written on her face.
Once she peeled off in her Mercedes, I stood outside and stared at the dark clouds moving in. Truthfully, I don’t know if I ever expected us to break up indefinitely. I thought Mia was the one I’d spend the rest of my life with, but after taking time away from her and focusing on myself, I realize how wrong I was. At one point in our lives, we wanted the same things, or maybe I was manipulated into believing that. I’m not sure if that was ever the truth because the reality of us was so blurred. Each day, the stress of being with her and making sure she was constantly happy fades away. Along the way over the past few weeks, I’ve found pieces of myself that I don’t plan to ever give back to her.
A cool breeze sweeps across my chest and before I step inside the house, my cell phone buzzes, and I’m tempted to leave it in my pocket just in case it’s Mia’s calling. Allowing curiosity to get the best of me, I unlock my phone and see it’s not Mia, but a text from Logan.
L: Busy tonight?
I know I have unfinished business with Courtney, and I shouldn’t leave until we talk. Before I reply to his text, I walk back inside and stand outside of her door. All is eerily quiet, so I crack it open and peek inside. She’s sleeping peacefully with her headphones on. Her hair cascades around her soft features, and I can’t stop staring at her, which is new for me. I can almost hear the lyrics of the song she’s listening to it’s so loud, and I have no idea how she’s able to fall asleep with all that noise, other than she may be exhausted from getting up so early all week since Travis is gone. Though I’m tempted, I decide against it because I’m not in the right state of mind after dealing with Mia. Instead of waking her, I close the door and text Logan back.