Page 105 of Only Fate

“It was a reality check that I need to prepare myself in case Earl is released.”

My phone vibrates.

A text from Adrian.

It vibrates with another text.

I don’t open them.

Instead, I turn off my phone.

When I get home, I pour myself a glass of wine and make a bowl of popcorn.

It’s sad I never got the chance to finish Valeria’s dinner.

I feel my stomach grumble, just thinking of it.

When we got home, River asked me if I wanted company, but I told him no. I need time to clear my head and decide whatto say to Adrian. I can’t ignore him, but I also can’t forget what he did.

Some might not think it’s a big deal, but it is to me.

I turn on my Heartbreak playlist and drink one, then two, then three glasses of red wine and eat half a bowl of popcorn. Then, in slow movements, I grab my phone, turn it on, and read Adrian’s texts.

Adrian: I’m so sorry. Let me explain myself.

Adrian: Pls hear me out.

Adrian: What I did was messed up. I should’ve told you.

Adrian: 5 minutes. Give me 5 minutes.

I hit the Reply button.

Me: 5 minutes. You can come here.

There.

That’s me being the responsible adult.

I chug the rest of my wine and pour myself another.

Adrian knocks on the door. I inch back my curtain, seeing him shift from one foot to the other on my welcome mat that saysCute shoes.

My heart pounds as I open the door.

He raises his head and stands there, waiting for an invite in.

I backtrack a step, allowing him space, and he shuts the door behind him.

Music continues to play in the background, and the song changes to “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi.

Great, way to set the depressing mood.

The last time we fell apart was different.

It was created by missed calls and texts.

Nothing face-to-face.

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