Page 7 of How to Get Revenge on a Cheating Ex
My brain is refusing to compute.
She gives me a little wince of regret. Two days ago I would have found that wince adorable. Right now? It makes my gut churn and I instantly know that if I do puke, I’m gonna aim right for those new strappy sandals she’s so proud of.
Rina moves her hand to my upper arm and rubs it, as if I’m some little kid who just got a boo-boo. “You okay?” She tilts her head to the side like a bird.
Shelookslike a bird, now that I think about it.
I eye her steadily. Yup. There’s definitely something birdlike about her. All small, sharp features, big eyes, and twitchy movements.
Again, if you’d asked me two days ago, I would have said she was cute. Pretty and outgoing, she’s got the sort of smiley personality that’s easy to be around.
Hell, even Bailey gets along with her and Bailey’s the most judgmental chick on the planet.
That toxic churn in my gut is replaced by a swift jab of guilt at the thought of my neighbor. Bailey’s sanctimonious and uptight, and?—
And I really should have told her this morning when I’d had the chance.
Why hadn’t I?
I don’t know. Annoying as she is, not even Bailey deserves to have her heart broken.
And itwillbreak when she finds out. She freakin’ loves that asshole.
Me? I’m still staring at Rina, who’s looking more and more anxious with each second of silence.
Good. Let her stew.
She probably thinks I’m in shock or something. And maybe I am. But not in the way she thinks.
Right now, I just feel like I missed my shot. I’d had this whole speech planned out. I was gonna show her the picture I’d taken when I’d left school early the other day and found Rina and Grayson making out all hot and heavy behind the gym.
For the last twenty-four hours, I’ve been waiting for this, but she just went and sabotaged my ‘gotcha’ moment. She launchedinto a weepy breakup speech before I could even whip out my phone.
So yeah, maybe I’m a little shocked. But more than that, I’m sitting here trying to care. I mean, Rina and I had been hanging out for a year now. Exclusively.
That’s the longest relationship I’ve ever had.
I should care that she cheated on me, right? I should care that this is over.
Rina bites her lip and then lets it go. “Zack?”
“Yeah,” I find myself saying. “You’re probably right.”
I force a smile and her whole body sags with relief.
Because I’m on a roll, apparently, I even give her the same wince of regret she’s giving me. “I mean, it sucks, but...it makes sense.”
She heaves another sigh. It sounds sad, but I’m guessing she’s just as relieved as I am.
Yup. That’s what this feeling is. I don’t justnotcare that she and I are over. I’m relieved. The fact that she cheated on me still makes me furious, but the fact that we’re over is a freakin’ relief.
Shit. What does that even say about me?
I don’t know. And right now, I don’t really care. Maybe I’m an idiot when it comes to relationships, but at least I don’t cheat. So, I guess I’ve got that goin’ for me.
Rina’s talking again. Don’t ask me what she’s saying. I don’t know and I don’t care. It feels like I’m watching her from a mile away.
For the first time since I saw them the other day, I can sense a little sanity returning.
