Page 31 of Conflict
I lift my wine glass in a silent touché. “You know what they say about three strikes?”
His brown eyes meet mine, and I’m reminded of a heartbroken puppy. “I told her if I walked out the door, I was leaving and not coming back. She let me go.”
Bryan is the definition of nice guys finish last. I hate it for him.
“So what are you going to do?” I ask.
He sighs. “Can I crash at your place? I just… I can’t go back there. It’s what I always do. I give too much, she gives nothing. Or when she gives a little, she takes it back. I’m too old to play these games anymore, and I just need some goddamn space to get my head back on straight.”
“Absolutely,” I agree with no hesitation, giving him a reassuring smile. “Whatever you need, Bryan. I’m here.”
His mouth breaks into an appreciative smile. “You’re a lifesaver, Alyssa. You have no idea.”
I’m about to respond, but he orders two more shots. He holds the glass up to me and we cheer. “A little liquid courage never hurt anyone, right?”
I laugh. “As long as you leave it at a little bit,” I tease.
Just like that, we down our shots, hail a cab, and head across the city to Bryan’s place so he can pack whatever he needs to become my new roomie.
When we exit the cab, Bryan looks up at the building from the sidewalk. I stand beside him and check his shoulder with mine.
He gives me a wry grin. “I suppose a little more liquid courage would’ve been nice.”
“You don’t need to be intoxicated to do this, Bryan. You just need to be strong. I get it. You’re in love with her and the last thing you want to do is walk away. But you’re not just walking; she’s pushing. Space sounds like what you both need. And hopefully, space and time will be what brings you back together—or what helps you let go.”
“Aren’t I supposed to be the mentor here?”
I laugh and pat his arm. “You’re good with numbers. I’m good with…well, not exactly matters of the heart. Just looking out for a friend.”
He sighs. “Let’s get this over with.”
With trepidation, I follow Bryan into the condo. We step inside, straight into a large living room with pictures all over the walls. It’s homey, and I can see why they loved living together. Until now, of course.
“I’m just going to pack a bag real quick. You good here?” he asks, and I nod.
I wander around the room, studying each picture while I wait. Even if I hadn’t known that Bryan was in love with her, I would’ve seen it on his face in each and every photo. Sure, they’re of the three of them, but his focus is always on her. How can she not see it herself? And if she can, how (and why) does she deny it?
I hear a throat clear and turn. Cori is leaning a shoulder against the wall, watching me with interest. Her raven hair is in a messy bun, and she’s beautiful with sun-kissed skin.
“Well, this is interesting. Didn’t take Bryan to move on too long,” she remarks with a sarcastic smile. “I always wondered if you two had a thing.”
I may not be an expert, but I’m experienced enough not to miss the pain hiding behind her eyes. I have the urge to insist Bryan and I are just friends, but perhaps she needs a swift kick in the ass to realize he isn’t a sure thing she can string along.
So, instead of the reassurance and sisterhood solidarity I’d like to give her, I opt for nonchalance. I study my nails, then glance back to her with a shrug. “From what I’ve heard, there was nothing for him to move on from.”
It’s a low blow, I know. But what can I say? In the time I’ve known Bryan, we’ve formed a fast friendship, with almost a sibling-like comradery.
Cori lifts her chin and stares at me. As the seconds pass, I start to feel like an ass.
“Unless you’d like to tell me differently?” I offer, wondering if this whole thing between them can end—or actually begin—now.
We lock gazes as she continues to stare. I’m willing her to give in; she’s not budging an inch. It isn’t until the sound of Bryan coming down the hall that our battle of wills ends.
“No,” she says, and that one word breaks my heart for the both of them.
She’s gone in a flash, just as Bryan steps into the room.
He frowns, glancing around. “Were you talking to someone?”
