Page 119 of The Jerk in Apartment 1B

“No, but I don’t want to see her getting hurt again.”

“Then you shouldn’t have done it.”

“Done what?”

“Got involved with her and then broke it off without even telling her why.”

“Not this again,” I say, pouring the eggs in the skillet. “We’ve been over this a million times.”

“Yeah, and I still think you need to tell her.”

“Why? It wouldn’t change anything.”

“I think it would, but whatever. You’re not going to listen to me so I don’t know why I even bother.”

“It’s good you finally figured that out,” I say, smiling at him.

“I was joking. You really think I’ll stop giving you advice?”

I lean back against the counter, looking at Cole. “I never intended to get involved with Trina, and I definitely didn’t want to hurt her. Things went too far with us and it had to end. And I wasn’t the one who ended it. She did.”

“Because she knew it wasn’t going anywhere.” He walks over to the coffeemaker and pours himself a cup. “Now she’s back with her ex because she thinks he’s her only option.”

“If she really thinks that, then I feel bad for her. She could do a lot better.”

“She wouldn’t be with him if you got back together with her.”

I look over at Cole. “I don’t want a relationship. How many times do I need to say it before you finally believe me?”

“You don’t want it because you’re afraid of what might happen.” He sets his coffee down. “That’s not a good reason to give up a girl you actually felt something for, especially when you haven’t felt that way since Megan.”

“We’re done talking about this,” I say, turning to the stove to check on the eggs. “These are almost done. Grab some plates.”

He takes two from the cupboard and sets them next to me on the counter. “Why not just see where this could go? Maybe it’ll work, maybe it won’t, but at least you’re not just giving up.”

I divide the eggs between the plates and grab some forks.

“Would you rather have her go back to her ex?” Cole asks.

“If she wants to be with him, that’s her decision.” I take my plate and sit down at the counter.

“She doesn’t want to be with him,” Cole says. “She wants to be with you.”

“Seriously, Cole, we’re done talking about this. It’s over with Trina. Just let it go.”

His phone rings and he answers it. “Hey, what’s up?” He listens, his eyes going to me. “Okay, I’ll be right there.” He ends the call. “Dana’s apartment has a pipe that’s leaking. I’m going togo shut the water off and see if I can fix it. If I can’t, you okay if I call the plumber? It’ll cost extra on the weekend.”

“Go ahead and call him. I don’t want water damage up there.”

He picks up his plate. “I’m going to take this to go. Sorry I’m missing breakfast.” He heads to the door. “I’ll see ya later.”

I remain at the counter, eyeing the pan of cinnamon rolls, wondering if I should bring one to Trina. She never has any food at her place and she loves Cole’s cinnamon rolls. Or I could invite her over. It’s just breakfast. We should be able to have breakfast together.

Before I can change my mind, I pick up my phone and call her.

“Scott?” she answers, like she thinks I might’ve called the wrong number.

“Yeah, hey. Cole brought over this whole pan of cinnamon rolls and it’s way more than I can eat. I was wondering if you want to come over.”

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