Page 128 of The Jerk in Apartment 1B

How could it possibly work out? Scott’s gone. He’s moving away.

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

Trina

“We’re running low on toilet paper,” Frank says to me as I head to the storage room. “Someone came in and nearly cleared us out.”

“I’ll do that next.” I continue to the storage room. As I’m filling my cart, Frank comes over to me.

“You okay, kid? You seem kind of down.”

“I’m just tired.”

“You sure that’s all it is?” he asks with concern.

“Yeah.” I force out a smile. “I didn’t sleep well last night.”

“How are things going with Scott?” Frank’s bushy brows draw together. “You two aren’t having problems, are you?”

I might as well tell him it’s over with my fake boyfriend. He’ll find out soon, anyway.

“We broke up,” I say.

“Oh, that’s too bad. I really thought you two were a good couple.” Frank leans toward me. “You know, I never saw him look at a girl the way he looked at you. He really had a thing for you.”

“Yeah, well, we had to end it. He’s moving back to California.”

“Scott’s moving?” Frank rears back. “When did this happen?”

“I guess he decided this week. I’m not sure. I need to go stock the shelves before we run out.” I hurry back to the store. I was on the verge of tears telling Frank that Scott was moving. I can’t talk about it, or think about it. I need to keep my focus on work.

I’m almost done stocking the toilet paper when I hear Frank’s booming voice.

“Hey, I hear you’re moving.”

I look up and see Scott walking in. My heart takes off. Is it really him? What is he doing here?

“Who told you I was moving?” he says to Frank.

“Trina. She said you’re going back to California.”

“She did, huh? Is she in the storeroom?”

“I’m right here,” I say, walking over to him with the cart.

“She also said you two broke up,” Frank says, coming up beside me. “That’s a shame. I thought you two were good together.”

“She didn’t tell you she was engaged?” Scott says, his eyes on mine.

“Engaged?” Frank says.

“I’m not engaged,” I say, holding up my left hand. “I gave him back the ring. Asher and I broke up. For good this time.”

“Who’s Asher?” Frank says.

“Yeah, who’s Asher?” Rose yells from the register.

“My ex-boyfriend.”

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