Chad’s face turned from anger to panic.
He took a step, like he was going to explain.
But then one of the “uncles” raised his glass
to him, and Chad stopped, smiled, drank the
wine, and sat back down.
I shook my head.
I turned and left.
Today was supposed to be a good day for
Chad and me we were meeting my parents.
We’d been together for three years, but he
kept putting off meeting my family.
He always had some excuse: he was nervous,
he was busy with work. he was sick
Three months ago, we were supposed to all
meet, but he never showed up.
I called and called, but his phone was busy.
Finally, he sent a text: “My friend got in a car
accident.”
It was such a bad excuse, I knew he was
avoiding them.
Chad told me that his parents divorced, so he
was scared to get married. He was worried he
wouldn’t be a good husband.
I told him he would be.
So I made another excuse for Chad.
“Sorry, I got the time wrong. He had a
meeting he couldn’t miss. Maybe next time.”
My parents didn’t believe me, and they
thought I made up a boyfriend so I wouldn’t
be lonely.
“Even CEOs of major companies can find 15
or 20 minutes to eat. What is your boyfriend,
exactly?”
I had no answer.
After three months, Chad finally agreed to
meet them.
I didn’t want anything to mess it up, so we
agreed this weekend.
But then, yesterday, Chad told me that a
friend needed his help.
The meeting was off.
<
My mom said, “I knew it would be something.
You have nothing to do tomorrow, so come to
my relatives‘ house for dinner. Their daughter
is a year younger than you, and she’s getting
married. You can see what a real bride looks
like.”
Well, she just did.
But her groom was Chad.
So, the important thing Chad had to do was
play the role of his ex’s fiancé, in my condo.
Chad could meet her relatives and act like he
was getting married.
And I was waiting for a man who wanted
another woman.
Making my parents worried.
When I got home, I sat on the couch and
thought.
I took a picture of Chad and me during
happier times, but it felt fake now.
I heard keys in the door.
It was late.
I thought Chad was back.
But it was Ashley. She had my keys.
I wasn’t surprised.
L
He already gave away my condo.
What was one more set of keys?
She said, “I didn’t know you were here,
Rainey.”
It was my place, but Ashley looked surprised.
to see me, as if I was the one who didn’t
belong.
Chad, drunk, hugged her from behind. Ashley
laughed, comforted him, and took him into
the bedroom.
Ashley told me to move as if she owned the
place.
I saw how out of it Chad was and got up.
く
Ashley walked into my room, got a blanket,
and covered Chad. Then she went into the
kitchen.
She knew this place.
I felt sick.
I guess Chad had brought her here a lot.
Ashley brought Chad some water.
It was like she was faking being awful on
purpose to make me feel bad.
It took a while for Chad to wake up.
He thanked Ashley and told her he was happy
she was there. He didn’t even see me.
<
“Thanks, Ashley.”
“It’s nothing.”
Chad insisted on walking her out. They
hugged.
I was just watching.
Then Ashley stepped out, then stepped back
- in.
“Oh! I wanted to say sorry for using your
condo with my boyfriend. I hope you’re not
mad?”
She apologized, but she didn’t look or sound
sorry. She was smiling as if I was not
important.
く
Before I could speak, Chad said, “Don’t worry.
She’s not mad. You did it to make your
parents happy, anyway.”
Ashley smiled. “Chad looked lonely when we
broke up, and I didn’t know that he wasn’t
seeing anyone until recently.”
Chad seemed sad and stared at Ashley, as if
he was the hero and the victim.
Chad wouldn’t let me meet his friends.
The two of them stared at each other.
I was getting annoyed.
Finally, Ashley went to leave.
I stopped her.
“Wait!
Since you’re leaving, why don’t you and your
fiancé get out of my condo!”
Chad stared at me.
“Rainey, what are you saying?!”
Chapter 2
I smiled slightly.
“You heard me loud and clear, didn’t you?
We’re done.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You can’t take back
words like that.”
Chad gave me a serious look.
