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I started dating one of my best friends, and she became the first girlfriend I had as an adult. However, she just as quickly became my ex when I caught her cheating on me. I loved her, but that sentiment is firmly in the past tense now.

No matter how often she begs for another chance, cheating is something I just can’t forgive or get over.

Lindsay:Are you doing okay? I just wanted to make sure, you know with the storm coming and everything.

Jesus Christ.

Apparently, this storm is going to be everyone’s excuse for pestering me today.

Despite what Lindsay did to me and how badly it hurt, I can’t stomach being cruel to her. Bobby constantly says that I need to firmly tell her to leave me alone. I’m not harboring any romantic feelings for her, but it still goes against my grain to be a prick.

Gavin:I’m fine. Hope you are, too.

Lindsay:Heath and I broke up.

She’s referring to the guy she cheated on me with, and now it makes sense why she’s reaching out. It’s not like I’m going to jump at the chance to have a dishonest ex-girlfriend back in my life, so maybe Bobby is right, and it’s time to make that fact crystal clear.

I’ll just do it my way.

Gavin:I’m going to be honest. I don’t care who you’re dating. There’s no need to give me updates, so please stop.

Lindsay:I really miss you. I just wanted you to know that I’m single, learned my lesson, and would never hurt you again.

Gavin:I’m not interested. If you need help with storm preparations, I’ll send one of the guys over to your place. Otherwise, this is our last conversation.

Lindsay:I don’t need help. I’m staying with my parents and everything is all set. But you don’t mean what you’re saying. You must miss me, too.

The grocery cart almost collides with a display of apples, which is my signal to look up from the screen.

And I do.

Right after I block Lindsay’s number.

As I’m putting items in the cart, it feels like everyone I pass is shooting me sympathetic looks when I nod hello.

But it must be in my head.

There’s no way they have any idea why I was texting Lindsay, even though they undoubtedly heard about why we broke up.

Nothing moves faster than gossip in a small town.

When the cart is filled, I make my way to the gigantic checkout line, stifling a groan. I should have expected it, but I’d much rather be on the ranch than running errands, and now this task is going to take forever.

Then again, I’d rather be on the ranch than anywhere else in the world.

“Hey, Gavin,” a familiar voice calls. “How’s it going?”

I turn and find an old high school buddy, Doug Frances, standing behind me.

“Living the dream, man, living the dream. What’s up with you?”

“The wife is freaking out about this storm, so she sent me out for essentials. Funny, she considers chocolate bars critical to her wellbeing.”

I chuckle. “The ranch is well stocked and a very safe place to ride out the storm. Let me know if you need anything, and we’ll be happy to help.”

Small town America is a lifestyle like no other. I’m a fish out of water visiting Bobby in the city. He lives and plays in New Jersey, but also spends a lot of time in New York City.

I’m good with a weekend in the Big Apple, but any longer and I’m climbing the concrete walls, seeking natural light, the big blue sky, and wide open spaces.