Page 5 of Her Former Bear Mate

"Eight-fifty," she said.

Aditi frowned at the price before realising she was being charged for Lena's coffee too.It made sense, they used to come here all the time.Together.Sometimes for a quick lunch break, other times exactly like this where Aditi was about to start a shift and Lena was almost at the end of hers.Little stolen moments during busy days where they both walked past much closer coffee shops so they could meet in the middle to see each other.It was something two people desperately in love did, something Aditi had taken for granted until it stopped.

And now they were over and it wasn't like they had broadcasted it to the world.They certainly hadn't told the barista at their favourite coffee spot.

Not wanting to explain that they weren't here together, she just paid for both.It stung to carry the cups back to Lena though, it stung to hand one over without getting a little wink and smile in return, without that spark of electricity when their fingers brushed together.Instead, there was just the dull throb of her heart.

"You didn't have to pay for mine," Lena said.

"Renata charged me for both and I didn't feel like explaining that we didn't come together."

Lena's expression stayed frustratingly natural."I see.Thanks, I guess."

"You're welcome, I guess,"Aditi replied, almost wishing shehadtold Renata they were broken up so she could've avoided this insincere lukewarm thank you.There was nothing worse than social pleasantries coming from Lena who always believed it was reserved for strangers and colleagues.

Aditi almost scoffed at the thought of them being strangers.They were each other's most important person for four years, they were far from strangers.And yet, when she looked at Lena and her detached casual stance and clear vibe that she would rather be anywhere but here, it was clear that they were exactly that.Strangers.

"I need to go," Lena said, not looking at Aditi.

“I guess I’ll see you at Alix’s party,” Aditi said, cursing how hopeful she sounded.She’d even raised her free hand before she realised what she was doing and ran it through her hair to hide that she'd subconsciously had reached for Lena.

Luckily, Lena didn't look like she noticed and turned away.She managed one step before turning back, a gesture that had Aditi's heart leaping up in her throat, until Lena said, "Next time, tell Renata to charge it separately."

THREE

Lena

Lena couldn't sayshe was looking forward to Alix's birthday party, least of all because it was held at Rheka's house.While Aditi's mother had always beenperfectly pleasantwhen they were dating, there'd always been this slight edge of something that made it very clear that she didn't approve.

Even so, approval or not, she couldn't imagine Rheka would be warmer towards her now she'd broken her precious daughter's heart.

Lena grimaced just thinking about it while she parked her car a few houses away, not at all surprised by how busy it was.Alix had lots of friends.

She grabbed her present from the back of the car, wondering how many more shitty impersonal gifts she'd be giving throughout her life now she no longer could rely on Aditi.

Oh well.Alix conveniently kept the location of the party a secret, she deserved a generic scarf - and a swift kick to the buttocks but it was her birthday, so Lena was going to let that slide.

With leaden feet, she made her way up the familiar drive of Aditi's parental house.There were more bushes and plants in the garden beds, which wasn't a surprise since Rheka worked in the local garden centre.If Lena was still dating Aditi, she would've made polite conversation about the latest shrubbery or unruly monstera, but that was no longer needed.

She was just a guest.Alix's guest, even.Still, that didn't stop the nerves from making her hands twitchy as she rang the doorbell.She really, really hoped it wasn't Rheka who would let her in.

Luck wasn't on her side because within ten seconds, the door swung open wide and the much shorter mother of Aditi appeared."Lena Brown.Well, well, well."

"Hello, Rekha," Lena said, already annoyed at being full-named."May I come in?"

"Of course, you may," Rheka said, only moving back a step."It's good to see you."

Loud yapping came from inside and quick as lightning, Rheka blocked the entrance, preventing a very small and angry chihuahua from running out.

"I'm getting real tired of your behaviour," Rheka said, reaching down to pick up the dog."You shut your tiny snout."

Princess barked and tried to run in the air, the little drama queen that she was.Lena would never understand the appeal and she felt for Alix having to put up with this siren of an animal.

"There.Now, be quiet."Rheka put the chihuahua under her armpit."So, Lena, how've you been?"

Lena could hear the unspoken rest of the sentence.How've you beensince you broke up with my daughter?

She forced a smile."I've been all right.How about you?"

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