Page 3 of King of My Heart

It was their family’s problem, not mine.

My family was great. Very functional and fun.

But ever since I moved out, I didn’t see them very often. Only on special occasions. Still, I texted or called my parents almost every day.

And while my personal life was somewhat steady, there was one thing I still struggled with.

My job and my future.

I was twenty-one, and I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I had finished college a year early, and ever since, I had been working at a bank’s front desk. It wasn’t my dream job, though it paid well enough to keep me motivated to get up every morning, but I’ve had enough of that job now, too.

And, I’ve had enough of Burlington, Vermont.

And of Julian.

I tensed at the very truthful words I hadn’t dared to say out loud.

I closed my eyes tightly and took a deep breath before looking back at Julian. “I think I need a break from you.”

Julian furrowed his brows. “What are you saying, babe?”

“I’m saying, I’m leaving.”

“That sounds awesome. Where do you plan on going?” Toby asked, still not fully understanding what was going on.

“I have no fucking clue,” I sighed, shrugging. “Canada, maybe. I just have to leave.”

“Canada is a beautiful country. I have a book about it if you want to read through it. It might help you decide where you want to go.”

“I can just google it. But, thanks, Toby.” I gave him a tight smile before shooting another glance at Julian.

“Did you hear what I said?” I asked, waiting for his eyes to meet mine.

But they never did. “Yeah, whatever.”

My jaw clenched. “Julian.”

“What? You’ve already said it all. Broke my heart in front of my best friend.”

I rolled my eyes.

Drama queen.

“Oh, come on, Jule. We both know this wasn’t really something…serious.”

“To you maybe it wasn’t. It was everything to me.”

“Liar.”

He finally looked at me, raising a brow at me. Then he rolled his eyes and muttered, “Yeah, fine, whatever. It’s over.”

“Woah, hey.” Toby’s eyes widened. “You’re breaking up? Just like that? You two love each other!”

“No, we don’t,” Julian and I said in unity.

Toby looked between us, remote still in hand, with no intention of rewinding the interview. “Damn, shit…so uh…” He looked at me with a raised brow. “So, you’re single now?”

I let out a heavy sigh and turned away to get to Julian’s bedroom. “I’m going to do some research for my trip,” I announced before closing the door behind me.

---