Page 117 of My Ex's Best Friend

"Dad," I groan. "It's in the opposite direction to Kiera's home."

"She won't mind if you're a little late."

"Fine."

"And I also require a change of tires."

"Dad, you're killing me." Now, I'll have to go all the way to the other side of the town.

***

By the time I get back, it's afternoon. I’m already way too late, so I make a quick pitstop and pick up a small bouquet with an orchid as the star.

I knock on the door, but there's nothing but silence on the other side. I knock again, and then try the door. It's locked.

Fuck. Where is everybody?

"Kiera?" I call out.

Nothing. Even if she was inside, she wouldn't respond. I try to call for her mom, and then her dad but nobody seems to be home. All the doors and windows are shut, and even their car is missing from the driveway.

Where's everybody gone?

Panic sets in. Did they leave town without telling me? What I took for their hospitality might have just been them tolerating me.

No, Jake, get ahold of yourself. You're overthinking things.

I shake my head. Kiera and her parents must have stepped out somewhere. Maybe they're somewhere in the town having lunch.

Wait. If she is out of the house, that would be my best bet to find Kiera and talk to her.

I get back into my car and drive into town, circling the main circle.

I'm hit by a wave of nostalgia. Everything in Eros seems to be suspended in time. Nothing has changed. It's the same diner with peeling paint, the same arcade with a slightly skewed signboard. It's the Eros I remember from my teenage years.

Back then, Kiera and I used to spend our time driving around the town center as I was teaching her how to drive.

She would giggle as I leaned in and tickled her, telling her that she must learn not to get distracted easily.

The honk of a car catches my attention. The driver in the car right behind me is gesturing to me angrily.

I can't look for Kiera and her family, driving around in my car. I need to be on my feet.

Even though things are still the same, the town has expanded. There are more stores than there used to be, and a lot more cars.

I can't see Kiera's dad beat up Sedan anywhere.

I park my car in the first spot I find and set out on foot, checking in the window of every shop I pass by.

I think I might look like a total creep to someone who might be watching me.

I run into a couple of people on the street who recognize me. There are some I went to high school with.

"Well, well, if it isn’t Jake Bennett." It’s Kevin, the linebacker from high school. "What brings you to town?"

"Kiera is back in town," the girl with him replies. I don't recognize the girl. "So, it's obvious that he has to be here as well. Those two were always two peas in a pod."

Kevin guffaws. I wince at the sound. "Is that true, Bennett? Did you manage to get with her finally?"

---