Page 3 of The Lover

I took a deep breath. “I want to come home. I think I made a mistake.”

He sighed. I knew he was going to sigh. I also knew what he was going to say next.

“Ellie, you just got there.”

“I know, but Jake, this is so…” I struggled for the word and finally landed on, “pointless.”

Another sigh. “I thought you liked your roommate.”

“I do.” I did. Maryanne was cool and we were starting to get to know each other, but it wasn’t home. With Jake.

“You said your business class was interesting.”

“It is, but seriously most of it is stuff I’ve already taught myself over the past two years. I miss the ranch. I miss Petunia.”

I missed him, but that didn’t need to be said.

“You said you wanted to do this. You said you wanted to try this new experience.”

“I know,” I grumbled.

“You’re homesick, Ellie. It will pass.”

I didn’t think so, but I knew after only a few weeks he wouldn’t let me drop out this soon. He would see it as quitting, and he would remind me I’m not a quitter.

“Fine. I’ll stick it out.”

“That’s my girl.”

I smiled. Jake thought I was his girl.

“I got to go, Isabella is acting up. I think she might have an infection in a tooth.”

“See? I should totally be there for that.”

“That’s why I’m here, Ellie. You’re where you need to be right now.”

Then I couldn’t help it. I had to know. “Don’t you even miss me a little bit?”

God, I hated how pathetic that sounded.

Another sigh. “This is the right thing for you.”

His answer, or should I say his non-answer, didn’t surprise me.

“The right thing blows.”

“Call me next week?”

It was becoming our thing. Sunday night. One call per week. I wanted to call him every day, talk to him every day. But this seemed more measured. More controlled. As if Jake was a controlled substance I had to limit my use of in order to stay functioning.

“Yep. Tell Petunia I miss her and tell Isabella I hope she feels better.”

“I’ll get right on that.”

“Bye.”

“Night, Ellie.”