Maybe you guys just need to work things
out.”
ad and touched
<
Sarah looked sad and touched.
“You shouldn’t have to put yourself down like
that.”
I chuckled. “I had a great time today.
Consider it a favor you’re doing for him.”
Sarah’s eyes softened.
Neither of us said anything, but we
understood each other.
I watched the city lights blur past, a sly smile
playing on my lips.
What would you do when a once–great love
became ordinary?
L
- 9.
When I got back, I was made the VP of the
company.
My three years overseas turned me into a
new man.
I made failing businesses successful again.
My projects were killing it.
My dad said I needed more seasoning, but he
was already planning his retirement.
I handled the transition and had Mark keep
tabs on Sarah and Chad.
Their relationship was crumbling.
They fought all the time. Chad wasn’t around
for parties anymore.
Sarah even moved back in with her parents.
Her mom was furious about the cheating.
There were pictures of him with some
employee.
And stories about him going to fancy clubs.
Sarah’s family heard about this.
My mom said her mom was too embarrassed
to go to brunch with her friends.
She took it out on Chad.
Sarah’s dad was concerned with the family’s
reputation. He threatened to cut Sarah out of
the will.
Chad was like a ghost, hoping Sarah would
defend him.
But Sarah didn’t say anything.
My dad fingered his prayer beads.
“The family is a mess. They have no one to
blame but themselves.”
My mom sipped her tea.
“Chad’s such a leech. After everything they
did for him.”
I sighed. “Don’t be so gloating.”
We all smiled.
I remembered that talk we had in the library
when I got back.
My dad swirled his tea.
“Don’t be in a rush. After three years, she’ll
remember how you were. The things you
experienced together are special. Even if
she’s with Chad, you’ll always be special.”
My mom spun her bracelet around her wrist.
“Women like men who can take care of them.
Chad? He hides behind Sarah. When she sees
how strong you are, will she even give him a
second look?”
<
And, of course, the “make her miss you” part.
Make Sarah see what she was losing.
When Sarah asked to meet up, I’d just come
from a blind date.
I fell into the chair at the coffee shop, looking
like I’d died.
- 10.
“My parents keep bugging me to get
married.”
Sarah looked a little stiff.
“Why are they in a hurry?”
く
“They’re retiring. They want grandkids.”
I leaned in.
“So, what do you say ”
She rubbed the edge of her cup, tensing.
“You know any nice girls you could set me up
with?”
Sarah glared at me, looking annoyed.
“Is that it?”
“I can’t help it. Dating is a pain, and I can’t
connect with anyone.”
Sarah sighed with relief, but saw I was
I said slowly, “What did you think I was going
to say?”
Sarah coughed, blushing, and said softly,
“Nothing.”
I gave her a smile.
“Your phone keeps vibrating.
“Is that Chad? Maybe you should go?”
Sarah’s eyes went cold.
140
She silenced the phone. “Just spam.”
I smiled softly.
“I know you found out about the influencer,
but maybe it’s a misunderstanding. Chad
might mess up, but he really cares about you.
“Why not talk it out? You’ve been together for
so long. Don’t let this ruin everything.”
Then I looked pained.
“Remember that basketball game? I gave
Chad and the team energy drinks, but Chad
just left. I’ve always wondered what I did to
make him hate me.”
Sarah frowned, growing more agitated.
She said, “What did you do? You were always
helping him, getting him internships, offering
him money. He was the one with the problem.
If he was so tough, why take the handouts?
He’s such a joke!”
I raised my eyebrows.
She remembered.
Chad saw Sarah on the sidelines and thought
I was showing off.
He stormed off.
