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I close my browser but don’t put my phone away. Fingers poised above my cell’s screen, I contemplate calling Patrick. Even though he tries to hide it, I know he doesn’t like James. Telling him what James did would confirm everything he thinks about him. And about me. Instead of calling Patrick, I call Tess but it goes straight to voicemail. I leave her a message, telling her that I got the job and that we’re all meeting at Gilroy’s to celebrate before hanging up.
Even though he literally got caught with his pants down, I have no doubt James will show up at Gilroy’s tonight and somehow manage to turn this whole thing around on me. Somehow make me responsible for the fact that he can’t keep his dick in his pants.
The real sad part is that yesterday, I would have gone for it. I would’ve bought his half-assed apologies and promises that he’d never do it again. I’d probably even apologize to him for showing up at his office unannounced and promise to be a better girlfriend. More attentive. More giving. An even bigger doormat.
Because not only am I a glutton for punishment, I’m also a dumbass.
“Was,” I say out loud. As in not anymore. James can apologize and gaslight me until he’s blue in the face. This time, I’m not buying it. I’m over it. I’m over him.
I get out of my car, slamming its door behind me. Despite My yogurt-stealing bitch of a soon-to-be ex-roommate and my intern-fucking ex-boyfriend, today is a day for celebrating. I’m going to put on my favorite dress, even though it’s a little too extra for Gilroy’s. I’m going to drink a little too much. I’m going to flirt and dance and have a good time.
And when James shows up, expecting me to forgive him and act like nothing happened, I’m going to tell him to go fuck himself.