Roommates
Page 31
“We really had the best time. And that day I heard you talking to Stan it just wrecked my whole image of you—”
“Max, I totally understand. I would feel the same way.”
“I didn’t think I could ever be with someone who wasn’t proud of me. It just couldn’t work. I mean, how could it work?”
“Max, I am proud of you. It’s just that I was worried about—”
“Listen, I’ve tried my hardest to just wash my hands of the whole situation. Move on. I’ve worked my ass off at the shop. I’ve gone on a couple other dates.”
She felt her heart plunge into her chest. The thought of him out with someone else made her feel ill.
“But I’ve been completely and totally miserable. I’ve never felt this way in my life. I’ve been through breakups with other girls. I left my band that I was with for ten years. But never have I ever felt this sad. Time passes, and eventually you feel better. Right?”
She shrugged.
“But I’m not better. I’m so down all the time. And I really think that if I could get over you, I would’ve by now. But I can’t.”
She wiped tears from beneath her cheeks. “I’ve been miserable, too.”
He put his arms around her, and she finally felt like she was home.
“So I hear you’re staying with Carly till you buy your condo?”
“That’s the plan.”
“So do you think she’ll mind if you stay with me?”
She smiled. “I think it will be just fine.”
He waited for her while she collected Bella and her suitcase. When she returned to the living room he took the suitcase from her hands. “I’ll carry that.” They headed down the staircase together, and when she reached the front door she took one last look up the winding stairs. Heading down the flight of steps was Scrubbles. His tail stood on end, and he let out a loud meow. She paused for a moment and felt her heart break as she thought of him stuck with Iris and Megan, underfed and deprived of his litter box. She envisioned Iris deciding he no longer fit in her life. He’d end up on the street or in the pound, lonely and hungry for the rest of his life. She looked up at Max. “Do you like cats?”
He chuckled as he shook his head. “Are you going to be sad without him?”
She nodded.
“Go ahead.”
She reached down and picked up Scrubbles and then closed the door behind them.