Chapter Twenty-five

Now

He straightened up. “But, I’ve been thinking about it for a long time, Joss. I mean, it’s not like I’d just throw away seven years on a whim.”

“No … no, I get that …” I sighed. “I just didn’t really see this coming, I guess.”

“Seriously?” Matt looked incredulous. “Crap.” He laughed. “I’m really sorry.”

“I’m just—” Dying inside. “Adjusting.”

He nodded.

As much as it killed me, I wanted to put him out of his misery. And I had to put myself out of my misery or I was going to devolve into a sobbing mess right in front of him. “You don’t have to worry, Matt. I’m not gonna make this … like, difficult for you.”

He looked at me with obvious confusion. “What are you talking about?”

I was seconds from crying. I had to get out. I stretched up on tiptoes and kissed his cheek, careful to keep my eyes downcast. He could not see me cry. “I’m gonna go. I—I’ll—I guess I’ll talk to you later.”

“Joss, wait.” He caught my wrist, but didn’t restrain me as I pulled away. “Joss—”

“Bye.” I snatched up my shoulder bag as I rushed for the door.

“Joss.”

“I’ll talk to you later, maybe.”

He tried once more as I ran down the wood stairs, nearly losing my footing three times. “Joss!”

I ignored him. I didn’t need him to make me feel better. Nothing was going to make me feel better. I needed to get away. I jammed my feet into my shoes and threw open the door, letting the screen door slam behind me.

Seconds later, my phone started ringing.

I let it go to voice mail.