Page 66 of The Family Man

“It’s okay. Let’s get it over with.” Anise was right. Why mess around?

He sighs and his shoulder drops “Look Sage I think you are amazing—”

“But?” My voice trembles.

“I have to regain my focus. On my restaurant, on my family. I have to prioritize what’s most important. The kids need my attention.” His posture concaves. “I can’t focus on a relationship right now.”

I feel that in my lower stomach, prioritize what’s important. Guess I know where I lie in his mind.

“So, we’re breaking up?” I ask.

“God no, we’re taking a break,” He replies.

“Can I date other guys?” Taking a break, I don’t do breaks.

He shifts to one leg “No, why?”

“You are crazy! So we’re taking a break from a relationship but the relationship rules still apply?” I want to leave, tears are threatening.

“Is there someone else you are interested in?” he inquires.

“Am I your girlfriend, yes or no?” I clench my hands to the side my nails dig into my palms

“Is there someone?” He grimaces.

“That is not the question.”

“When did you see someone else?”

“Yes or no, Zac?” My temper is rising, my heart is racing.

“Who the hell is he?” He takes his hand out his pockets and advances toward me.

“Someone who will make me a fucking priority. Are we breaking up, yes, or no? Don’t fuck with me, Zac.” I close my fist and I feel my acrylic digging into my palm.

“Yes,” he hisses.

I breathe in, and I try to hold it together.

“Okay, well, thank you for the time spent.”

“Sage, please. I don’t even know how this fire started. Everything around me is crumbling.” He reaches for my arm and his touch feels hot.

I pull away. “Don’t touch me. I was willing to help you, keep it together and not crumble. Be your backbone. But you decide to discard me.”

I walk down the steps, my head high, shoulders back. I’m dying on the inside but I won’t give him the satisfaction of seeing me run and cry.

* * *

ZAC

I did the right thing. I needed to let her go to focus on family and business. It was the best thing to do. But why was it hurting me so bad? I rub my chest, trying to ease the pain that I just inflicted on myself.

I need a drink. Maybe if I drink it all away, it will get better. I walk into my living room and pour myself a double shot of whiskey.

“She doesn’t get it. I have to handle this shit and then come back to her.” I gulp down the whiskey, I exhale and feel heat rise out of my stomach.

I pour another “Who the hell does she have other than me? Who is the other man?"

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