“Please tell me she knows you’re not going to call her.” She stares after the girl, adding, “That is your MO after all.”
I ignore the jab, because I deserve it. “I mean, shedidthink you were named after a state, so you tell me.”
“God, Shep, you sure know how to pick ’em.”
That’s funny coming from Denver.
I picked her once a upon a time too.
We fall into a silence, and it’s not one of those comfortable kinds you share with old friends. It’s awkward as fuck, which isn’t exactly surprising.
If we’re not slinging insults at one another, we don’t know how to act. You’d never guess from the way we interact that Denny and I share a long, painful history.
“Well, this tension-filled silence is my cue. Have a good night with your right hand, Slug.”
And there it is.
This tension she’s referring to is unfinished business. We both know it, and if I can get Denny to give me the time of day, I intend to finish it.
“I’ll have you know I’m a switch-hitter. I was going to give Lefty some showtime tonight.”
“Such a gentleman,” she tosses over her shoulder as she pushes her cart down the aisle and away from me.
My shoulders sag in relief as she retreats—but only for a moment, because I know exactly what’s coming next.
Misery. Anger.
Toward her. Toward myself.
Denver Andrews used to love me. Now she hates me.
I used to love her too…and I still do.
Two
Denver
I’ma big believer ineverything happens for a reason. I’m one of those weirdos who truly subscribes to the idea that everything is mapped out for us from day one, even when we can’t see it for ourselves.
That said, why in the actual fuck the universe decided I should run into my ex…well, whatever he is…in the middle of Smart Shoppe while I’m dressed likethisis beyond me.
I could slap myself for running to the store for the famous period trio—you know: sweets, salts, and stoppers—wearing this outfit.
Or non-outfit.
It’s just whatever I found lying around on my way-too-messy apartment floor.
Of coursethe universe would screw me over and I’d run into my mortal enemy.
Okay, that might be alittleharsh, but the last person I expected to see washim.
Shep Clark.
TheShep Clark.
The guy I moved across the country to be with.
The guy who broke my fragile heart.
