Page 35 of Tagging Bases

Olivia’s expression slowly shifts from stoic to forlorn. The tension in her shoulders releases as she exhales. “I can’t say I’m surprised, Daniel. Things haven’t been the same between us for a while now.”

I nod, relief and responsibility warring in my chest. “I know. And I’m sorry for that. I never meant to hurt you or lead you on.”

She shakes her head. “You didn’t. And don’t apologize. It’s nobody’s fault. The truth is, I’ve already met someone else.”

My eyebrows shoot up, surprise momentarily overriding everything else. “You have?”

She nods. “His name is Franklin. He’s an artist—one of those guys who creates amazing sidewalk chalk paintings, like Bert inMary Poppins.” Her face brightens as she speaks of him, a genuine smile replacing the strained one. “We met shortly after the poetry slam, in Washington Square Park. I was taking a shortcut to meetup with some friends and stopped to admire his work. We got to talking, and it felt as if we’d known each other for ages. He’s brilliant and creative. Passionate and caring. And he sees the world in a way I never have.”

She glances down at the table to hide the faint blush coloring her cheeks.

“I didn’t plan for it to happen,” she continues. “I started visiting him every day, and the more time we spent talking, the more I realized that you and I were no longer an ‘us,’ and what we used to have, I wanted to have with him. If you hadn’t reached out when you did, I probably would have been the one to initiate this breakup.”

I sit back in my chair, absorbing her words. A part of me is stunned that she’s found someone else this quickly. But more than that, I’m happy for her.

“Wow,” I say after a long moment. “That’s…great, Olivia.”

Her eyes search mine for insincerity or resentment. But she won’t find any. Because as much as it stings to hear that she’s moved on, it’s for the best. For both of us.

“I’ve met someone too,” I tell her.

Her eyebrows lift in surprise, but she stays silent, waiting for me to continue.

“Do you remember New Year’s Eve, when Charlie and I got arrested?”

She nods, and I see a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. “You two were quite the pair that night. Thanks to me.”

“Yeah, well, we ended up sharing a cell with this guy named Harrison. He’s an artist, too, as it turns out. He does these amazing graffiti murals all over the city. And at midnight, he kissed me.” I can barely hear myself over the thudding of my heart. “And I kissed him back.”

Olivia’s eyes widen. She’s not angry or disgusted. Merely surprised…and maybe a tiny bit curious. I take that as a sign to keep going.

“I saw him again at the poetry slam. That’s who Charlie and I left with.”

“And Charlie?”

I give her a pointed stare. One that says, “Don’t ask because I’m not ready to say anything.” She nods in understanding, reaching across the table to take my hand in hers. Her fingers are small and delicate compared to my larger, beefier ones. “As long as you’re happy, Daniel, then that’s all that matters. Just promise me something.”

“What?”

“That you’ll explore your feelings, with whomever it may be. Life’s too short to deny yourself a chance at a real, honest love.”

I squeeze her hand gently, overcome with gratitude and affection for this amazing woman. Even in the midst of our conscious uncoupling, she still wants the best for me, no matter what.

“Thank you, Olivia. That means more to me than you know.” I clear my throat to try and dislodge the lump that’s formed. “I want the same for you. I hope that Franklin—wait, he’s not a turtle, is he?” She rolls her eyes, cracking a small smile and shaking her head. “Good. Because that would be weird as fuck. I hope that he makes you as happy as you’ve made me. You deserve nothing less.”

Leaning forward, she brings my hand to her lips and places a chaste kiss on my knuckles. A final gesture of love.

“Goodbye, Daniel,” she whispers, her eyes filling with tears. “Be happy.”

She stands up and walks out of the coffee shop before the tears can fall freely. The little bell above the door jingles merrily as she goes, taking a piece of my heart with her forever.

Chapter 14

Peanuts and Cracker Jacks

Harrison

Hookingup with Willy again wasn’t intentional. One-night stands are meant to be just that. But in my defense, it’s been two weeks since Charlie, Daniel, and I tagged my parents’ condominium.

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