Page 97 of How We End

“Can’t make any promises.”He stepped into the crisp morning.The sky was bright pink.There was something about a pink sky in the morning.My father used to say they’d need to take warning.Pink skies and full moons always meant trouble.

I hoped that meant for drunks and bar owners, not hockey players and lovers.

February 3

5:54 p.m.

Julian:

Im sorry

Wyatt:

For what

Julian:

Being an ass this morning

I should’ve talked to you

Wyatt:

Its okay I know better

Julian:

No I know better

Im sorry I fucked up

Wyatt:

Its fine

I shouldn’t have brought it up

Julian:

NO!I should’ve handled it better

Don’t go to dinner with Maverick until we’ve talked.

Wyatt:

I have to it’s my job

CHAPTERFORTY-FIVE

WYATT

February 3

“You’re the one who wanted this dinner, so could you at least try to pretend you are enjoying yourself?”Maverick said, cutting his steak.“And eat something, for god’s sake.You’ve gotten too thin.”

My conversation with Julian this morning was still fresh, and it still hurt.I knew he felt bad, and I wasn’t here tonight to hurt him.I was here for me.Because I wasn’t happy doing this.I didn’t want to be Cassidy anymore.I wanted to be Wyatt.I wanted friends and holidays and a relationship with love.

“We need to talk.”I pushed the half-eaten swordfish away, refilling my wine.A quiet din of hushed conversations and forks on plates filled the restaurant.This was Maverick’s favorite place because only a few people were allowed in and those people had to be vetted, so there was no chance of any public acknowledgment of us together.