Page 112 of The Jerk in Apartment 1B

“I think it was more than that. At first, it was a distraction, but then you started to have feelings for Scott. I don’t think that would’ve happened if you really loved Asher. I’m not saying you didn’t love him, but I’m not sure you loved him enough to marry him.”

“I think Asher and I grew apart once we got out of college and started our careers. We didn’t have as much time for each other. We didn’t go out as much. I still loved him, but you’re right, I didn’t love him the way I did when we first started dating.”

“Were you happy with him?”

“Most of the time. Why? Did it seem like I wasn’t?”

“Honestly, you seemed happier with Scott than you did with Asher.”

“Because everything was new with Scott. You’re always happiest at the start of a relationship when everything’s new and exciting.”

“I don’t think that’s true. I’m happier with Nash now than when we first started dating. And life is harder for us now than it was back then. Nash has been working a lot and we’re trying to figure out how to be parents, but I’m still happier now than when we were dating.”

“Then maybe it’s just me. Maybe I’m happiest when a relationship is new. I don’t know. I’m really confused right now. And really sad. I’m going to miss doing stuff with Scott. Seeing him every day.”

“You’re not going to talk to him anymore?”

“I’ll say hi if I see him in the hall, but that’s it. I’m not going to go to his apartment anymore. And I’m done with the storage room so I won’t be working with him.”

“I thought he had another storage room.”

“He does, but he’s going to work on it himself. He said he doesn’t need my help. That was another clue that he was ending things with me. He didn’t want us working together anymore.”

“I’m sorry this happened. You two seemed really good together.”

“You never even met him. How would you know if we’re good together?”

“That’s the feeling I got when you talked about him. He seemed like a better fit for you than Asher.”

“Well, it doesn’t matter because it’s over with Scott. He’s back to just being my neighbor.” I hear Addie in the background. “Do you need to go?”

“Yeah, sorry. Nash isn’t home and Addie’s crying. You want me to call you later?”

“No, I need to get to bed. I’m really tired.”

“You know you can call me anytime.”

“I know,” I say as Addie’s crying gets louder. “Go take care of Addie.”

“Okay, bye!”

A few years ago, I never would’ve guessed Callie would be a mom. I didn’t even think she’d get married. I thought our roles would be reversed and she’d be the single one and I’d be married with a baby. I’m happy Callie has a family now, but I’m also a little jealous. I feel like I’ll never have that.

The next morning,I get up and almost go next door to have breakfast with Scott. That was our routine. I’d spend my morning with him and part of the afternoon until I had to leave for my job at the grocery store. Now I don’t know what to do with myself. I feel lost and alone, like I did when I first moved here.

I need to get outside. There’s people outside, and if I’m around them, maybe I won’t feel so lonely. As I’m leaving my apartment, I see Scott in the hall, unlocking his door. He’s in his workout clothes, probably getting back from the gym.

“Hey,” he says with that irresistible smile. It still gets to me, making my pulse speed up.

“Hey,” I mutter, hurrying past him.

“Trina, wait up.” He catches up to me as I reach the door. “I hope what happened between us doesn’t mean we can’t be friends.”

“Yeah, I don’t think I can do that.”

“I’m really sorry,” he says with a sigh. “I didn’t want it to come to this.”

I shrug and force out a smile. “It’s okay. We both knew it wouldn’t last.”

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