Page 41 of Stick With Me
As she analyzes the picture, zooming in and then scouring the comments section, I take in her organized desk and the still-empty ones she shares the space with. It reminds me of the administrative office at the shelter back in Dallas.
“Wow, what a dick. What has it been, like, a month?” she asks, bringing my attention back to her.
“Just about, yeah. Why is this bothering me so much?” I take a sip of my tea, trying to clear the lump that’s been growing in my throat since I saw the post last night.
“Probably because you were with him for a long-ass time, and with lightning speed, he’s dating someone new? I think that’s a normal reaction. You’re actually pretty calm.”
Am I?Calm is the last thing I feel. The weight of it still hangs heavy on my mind. I barely slept last night, tossing and turning, replaying the sight of them together over and over like some kind of twisted punishment.
The whole day had been perfect with Ryan, finally feeling that flicker of hope, like we were back to “us” again after the whole All-Star kiss-gate. But then I got into bed and opened that stupid app. Seeing Jace with her felt like someone knocked the wind out of me.
Why does it still hurt? He shouldn’t have this hold on me anymore, not after everything. But still, it stings, like salt in an open wound.
But I’ve gotten so damn good at pretending, haven’t I? Good at showing people what I want them to see. It was practically a job requirement. Post the perfectly curated shot, while behind the scenes, everything is unraveling.
“I don’t even care if he’s dating someone,” I say, but it feels like a lie. “Okay, maybe I care a little. But it’s not because I still want him. It just feels… rude, right?” I ask as I slip into the chair beside her desk.
Ada nods and sips her drink. “Very rude.”
“I know it’s petty, but why does he get to be happy? I thought he was trying to sow his wild oats, but now it seems like he just wanted to replace me. He has a brand-new, full-fledged girlfriend.” My gaze drifts down to my hands, fingers twirling the gold band around my thumb. “What’s wrong with me?” I mutter, the words slipping out before I can stop them.
Ada places a comforting hand on my knee. “Oh, honey, there’s nothing wrong with you. There’s clearly something wrong with him.”
“This is exactly why I’ve sworn off hockey players. Actually, no, I’m swearing offallathletes. They’re all egotistical jerks. They can have whatever they want, and the people left behind are just irrelevant collateral damage.”
“Amen, sister!” she says exaggeratedly. “How does that work with your roommate slash best friend?”
“That’s different. He’s not like that.” A blush creeps up my neck.
“Interesting.” Ada takes a loud slurp of her coffee.
My phone vibrates across the desk where it still rests, an incoming FaceTime from Natalie lighting up the screen. I prop it up so Ada can fit in the frame, accepting the call.
“Oh my God. Have you replaced me, Han?” I hate when she shortens my name. At this point, I’m convinced she does it just to annoy me.
I roll my eyes and introduce Natalie to Ada. Natalie could make friends with a wall, and with Ada and me becoming fast friends, it’s no surprise the two of them hit it off right away. Nothing brings a group of women together quite like a shared hatred for the same person, my ex in this case.
“So, here’s what I’m thinking. We need to find you a new boyfriend. Fight fire with fire,” Natalie dives right in. Of course she’s seen the post and has already come up with a defense plan.
“I love that,” Ada says, at the same time I practically shout, “No way.”
Natalie looks at Ada. “Don’t worry, we’ll convince her. At the very least, to a date.”
“Or hear me out; what if we get you afauxboyfriend? You know how social media works. It’s all an illusion. If you don’t want arealboyfriend, that’s fine. I get it. You’re in your independent era. But we can craft the perfect story online, something Jace will see, and it’ll drive him crazy.” Ada’s face breaks in to a sly grin. “I’m surprised you didn’t think of it.”
Since the breakup, I’ve kept my page radio silent, never giving in to his suggestion of a tidy breakup post. Would he even care? He’s the one who ended it, but based on how he acted during All-Star Weekend, I think it would rattle him. And the thought of that makes me giddy. I’d deny it to anyone who asked, but at least I can admit it to myself.
Ada looks pleased with herself, clearly expecting me to be on board. Sure, it’s a better proposition than jumping into arealrelationship, and the karmic appeal is tempting, but the thought of going on a date makes my stomach twist uncomfortably.
“Why don’t we table this whole plan until you’re here, Natalie?” I suggest, hoping they’ll drop it, at least for now.
“She thinks she can change the subject and we’ll just forget about it.” Natalie gives Ada a knowing look before turning back to me. “Sure thing, Hannah.” She winks, and I let out a sigh.
“We’ll let you go, Natalie. I have to get back to the real reason I came to the shelter. I’ll talk to you later.” I’m eager to end this call and topic of conversation.
“Think about it!” she pleads before her face disappears from the screen.
I slump into the chair as Ada asks, “Should I introduce you to Debbie now?”
