Page 2 of Two Canes, One Cup
I pinch the bridge of my nose until I see stars. “He just said ‘we’re done’ and got up and walked away. How can the last two years mean nothing?”
She takes a long breath. “Stace. Girl. I’m gonna break it to you easy. I think you were always just a placeholder for him. Did you guys go on dates often?”
I know she’s asking me a question she already knows the answer to.
“No. Today was a coffee shop clear across Akron.” I should have known.
“See? He never took you out. It was always at your place. I thought that was weird, but you seemed happy.”
I take a long shuddering inhale as the truth settles over me like a cold shower.
Damn it.
“So, I still have those reservations for the cabin in the Adirondacks. Want to go with me for Christmas?” Desperation tinges my voice, but I can’t help it.
“Sweetie, I wish I could. Zack asked me to go meet his parents for the holidays.” She’s barely containing her excitement.
I’m jealous. Yet happy for her. “Oh, that’s great! What a big step for you both.” I do my best to feign excitement.
“You should totally go up to New York. It’ll be a great way to unwind and have someyoutime. It’ll do wonders for your soul.” She makes a kissy sound that echoes through my bluetooth.
“I guess I could get caught up on some work while I’m there.” Being a freelance artist is all-consuming.
Amy groans. “Only if you’re doing what you want. You turn thirty next year. Take this opportunity to really focus on yourself, okay? Fuck Bryan. Maybe you’ll find some hot mountain man up there in the woods who will help warm you up?” Her laughter is genuine, nota hint of teasing like she usually does. “Just bat those baby blues, you’ll have all the boys lining up.”
I glance in the rearview at my bloodshot eyes and grimace.
No one is going to look twice at me like this.
“I guess since I don’t leave until next week I’ve got a few days to get my crap together.” My windshield is defrosted enough that I can finally leave.
“Well, I’m running to the store to pick up a bottle of wine. Tonight, we shred men on principle. By Christmas, you’ll be ready to prowl for a rebound,” she giggles as she hangs up.
I doubt it. I’m not dating material. At least, that’s what Bryan thought.
Mousey brown hair, a nose that turns up a little too much, and a poochy belly because I like croissants a lot more than I like crunches.
But maybe in a new place, I can pretend for a while. There’s a dozen cabins up at that bed and breakfast, I can be anyone I want to be.
She’s right. I don’t need to work, I need to find myself and what makes me happy.
A reset.
It sounds almost…fun.
Chapter 2 - Dean
“This isn’t going to work.” I toss down the stack of illustrations for movieposter ideas. “I hate them all.” Jabbing my finger into the face on the top one, I push the paper hard enough that it slides towards Allen. “Where are you getting these people? I need a professional.”
I hate that my tone comes across as pissed.
Except I am.
“We have a twenty-five million dollar budget for marketing on this picture. I needbetterthan a discount bin.” I’ve been a director and a producer for nearly ten years.
Today I’ve officially seen the worst art in my entire career.
“Yes, sir, Mr. Harpson. I’ll be sure to double check the next batch before they hit your desk.” Allen bobs his head quickly and gathers up the pile.
